TCP; The grass is greener at Trail's End

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 11
Sports

An outdoor sport such as golf may not be the first thing that comes to mind for many people in the winter, especially with the reminder of snow and ice sports featured in the winter Olympics. Some of the U.S. may be covered in ice and snow, but not Oregon City so far. Luckily, there is a place for locals to enjoy sport and socialize without driving to Timberline or Ski Bowl.

John McLoughlin would have been proud of the Trails End Golf Center. An important figure in Oregon City’s history, McLoughlin was also of Scottish descent. The Scots are credited with the invention of golf. Historic Oregon City’s driving range brings the community together much like the good old doctor.

Built in 2000, the facility is located on 20 acres at 1107 Abernethy Rd., behind Home Depot. The red barn style of the building hints toward the cozy down-home atmosphere of the friendly clubhouse. Upon entering, patrons find concessions, a pool table, ping pong and TV. Rob Johnson is a regular at the driving range. He enjoys honing his skills at Trails End.

“I come here around once a week,” said Johnson.  “It’s not too far from my house and it’s never really busy.”

The 45 covered hitting stalls are built for the inclement conditions of Oregon. Outdoor heaters keep golfers from getting too cold and the overhead enclosure protects from wind and rain. Open seven days a week, Trails End Golf welcomes pro and new golfers alike 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Professional golfer Mark Landes is one of the on-site instructors at Trails End. Landes has been a golf instructor for 25 years. He has been a writer for Inside Golf Magazine, Mental Golf and co-host of the TV show Golf in Central Oregon. Landes teaches individual and group lessons. Beginning lessons start in April. Brian Elledge is one of the friendly faces often found at Trail’s End.

“I’ve been a long-time student of Mark’s,” said Elledge. “This place has the coldest beer in town, pool, ping pong, heated mats, in-house clubs and ladies days $6 a bucket on Wednesdays. Tuesdays are $2 beer nights. ”
Landes graciously welcomes every patron and proudly represents the friendly atmosphere. 

“(Trails End is) laid back, low key,” said Landes. He enjoys sharing his love of the sport with others.

“I’m writing a book about the inner game of golf,” Landes said. “I love writing. I’m gonna start my own golf schools and golf retreats.”

The driving range also features a putting greens area for practicing short game. However, the feeling of striking a ball way out into the field is a gratifying one. Working on the long game can be a good way to get frustrations out and then relax in the cozy atmosphere.

Trail’s End is a great place to enjoy the outdoors while still staying warm during the cold winter months. It’s one of OC’s best meeting places for groups of friends and a great family environment as well. Their staff is available to answer questions and arrange lessons, etc., at (503) 723-6811.