The Retreat, Links & Spa at Silvies Valley Ranch

I'll start by saying that I loved my experience at Silvies, both on the Craddock and the Hankins courses (this will serve as a review of both, *although after this paragraph there is one little addition for the Hankins course). I have no reservation about my 5 star rating whatsoever. I will put the caveat on it that you need to go into it with the proper expectations or you could be frustrated.

*Hankins 18th hole has a challenge to hit your longest drive ever, and they list all the reasons you might just do so (see pic). This is legit, I hit (by far,, over 40 yards) my furthest drive ever on this hole (on my first try, didn't even need the bonus tries). This is 100% on brand for Silvies... fun wherever, however you can find it... and the flask is a cool keepsake!

Part of what goes into my rating is the routing, which is fine as a stand alone course, but when you take into account that it reverses daily to play in the opposite direction (for the most part, there are 27 greens, so it's not a fully reversible routing like The Loop), I feel that adds significantly to both the experience and my course evaluation.

Again, unlike the Loop, you aren't constantly being reminded that you just played here the day before (although, at times you will be, like when you hit your drive right over a green going the other way... see pic)... the holes and routing mostly feel different. You'll notice a fairway you were on the previous day, or a green you attacked from another angle here and there... but for the most part the two courses feel more different than the same. I think this is a real accomplishment given the amount of ground they actually do share (on the pic of the course maps attached, the green areas are in play on that version of the course while the greyed out areas are not... as you can see, most of the property is in use both ways).

The fairways are (mostly) wide, fast and allow you to approach them in a variety of ways, I tried both driver and long iron off a few holes and found both very playable options. Personally I enjoyed the Craddock routing a little more than the Hankins, mostly because there was a bit more to the par 3's and I thought it was a slightly tougher test; however I thoroughly enjoyed both versions.

Silvies is a high desert course that is also on an eco-friendly property that - from what I've read from the course - prioritizes water use as much as playability. It's also a working ranch (eco dude ranch, specifically) and the rustic/imperfect feel just works in my opinion. Not everything is supposed to be country club perfect, and I personally wouldn't want it to be (having said that I also wouldn't want my 5 star rating to imply that is what you are getting at Silvies).

To my mind, they accomplish this very well. While the fairways are very hard (and very fast), they are also a bit burnt out here and there and you can wind up with a few bad lies (on dirt, between clumps of grass so it plays like a divot etc.) right in the middle of the fairway. If this is going to ruin your experience (at any price point) this may not be the course for you.

Having said that, the majority of the fairways were fine and the greens were terrific all around. They were remarkably receptive given the fast conditions elsewhere and rolled out well and true (they weren't super fast, but certainly were brisk enough). If you've played Forest Dunes and the Loop... it's as if you took the greens from the Dunes course - dried them out and sped them up just a little - and put them on the Loop (using the Loop as an example, because it's also reversible).

You will hear complaints about the bunkers being more mud than sand... and it's true they are very thick. However, if you close your face up (so that it's essentially square) and take a little more "sand"/dirt, I found they play just fine. Tip: there is a practice bunker at the far end of the driving range and you can practice a few there... I did and was very glad when I landed in one of the greenside bunkers... I was able to play out of it just fine. I VERY highly recommend using that practice bunker before you get out on the course.

Additionally, as you play your way - hopefully around rather than in - the bunkers... notice the rakes. They are all individually crafted and created on site and the "captions" are pretty fun (cautionary tale: they are also heavy and I almost took the teeth of one to my shin once).

I can't say enough about the service at Silvies, every facet of our stay (and there are lots of facets, this isn't just a golf destination, it is a full service all inclusive resort) was fantastic from this standpoint.

Staying at Silvies is *not* inexpensive and I highly recommend checking out all that the resort has to offer and making sure there are things you want to do beyond golf. For example, guy I played behind the second day I was there sat next to me at dinner, until he left around 8:30 to go partake of one of the many fishing holes throughout the property. There is a climbing wall, a full spa, shooting range and much more.

The cabins are also fantastic... spacious with wonderful views. So, there's plenty of value there. It's also probably worth noting that this might be the first golf destination I've been to that had more women and more couples than groups of guys on property. Silvies is just a different feel all around.

I headed to Silvies thinking this would be the one time I went there, my wife and I left talking about coming back again soon. If you can go in with the "right" mind set I absolutely recommend heading up there, it really is a terrific high desert golf experience.

I'll start by saying that I loved my experience at Silvies, both on the Craddock and the Hankins courses (this will serve as a review of both). I have no reservation about my 5 star rating whatsoever. I will put the caveat on it that you need to go into it with the proper expectations or you could be frustrated.

Part of what goes into my rating is the routing, which is fine as a stand alone course, but when you take into account that it reverses daily to play in the opposite direction (for the most part, there are 27 greens, so it's not a fully reversible routing like The Loop), I feel that adds significantly to both the experience and my course evaluation.

Again, unlike the Loop, you aren't constantly being reminded that you just played here the day before (although, at times you will be, like when you hit your drive right over a green going the other way... see pic)... the holes and routing mostly feel different. You'll notice a fairway you were on the previous day, or a green you attacked from another angle here and there... but for the most part the two courses feel more different than the same. I think this is a real accomplishment given the amount of ground they actually do share (on the pic of the course maps attached, the green areas are in play on that version of the course while the greyed out areas are not... as you can see, most of the property is in use both ways).

The fairways are (mostly) wide, fast and allow you to approach them in a variety of ways, I tried both driver and long iron off a few holes and found both very playable options. Personally I enjoyed the Craddock routing a little more than the Hankins, mostly because there was a bit more to the par 3's and I thought it was a slightly tougher test; however I thoroughly enjoyed both versions.

Silvies is a high desert course that is also on an eco-friendly property that - from what I've read from the course - prioritizes water use as much as playability. It's also a working ranch (eco dude ranch, specifically) and the rustic/imperfect feel just works in my opinion. Not everything is supposed to be country club perfect, and I personally wouldn't want it to be (having said that I also wouldn't want my 5 star rating to imply that is what you are getting at Silvies).

To my mind, they accomplish this very well. While the fairways are very hard (and very fast), they are also a bit burnt out here and there and you can wind up with a few bad lies (on dirt, between clumps of grass so it plays like a divot etc.) right in the middle of the fairway. If this is going to ruin your experience (at any price point) this may not be the course for you.

Having said that, the majority of the fairways were fine and the greens were terrific all around. They were remarkably receptive given the fast conditions elsewhere and rolled out well and true (they weren't super fast, but certainly were brisk enough). If you've played Forest Dunes and the Loop... it's as if you took the greens from the Dunes course - dried them out and sped them up just a little - and put them on the Loop (using the Loop as an example, because it's also reversible).

You will hear complaints about the bunkers being more mud than sand... and it's true they are very thick. However, if you close your face up (so that it's essentially square) and take a little more "sand"/dirt, I found they play just fine. Tip: there is a practice bunker at the far end of the driving range and you can practice a few there... I did and was very glad when I landed in one of the greenside bunkers... I was able to play out of it just fine. I VERY highly recommend using that practice bunker before you get out on the course.

Additionally, as you play your way - hopefully around rather than in - the bunkers... notice the rakes. They are all individually crafted and created on site and the "captions" are pretty fun (cautionary tale: they are also heavy and I almost took the teeth of one to my shin once).

I can't say enough about the service at Silvies, every facet of our stay (and there are lots of facets, this isn't just a golf destination, it is a full service all inclusive resort) was fantastic from this standpoint.

Staying at Silvies is *not* inexpensive and I highly recommend checking out all that the resort has to offer and making sure there are things you want to do beyond golf. For example, guy I played behind the second day I was there sat next to me at dinner, until he left around 8:30 to go partake of one of the many fishing holes throughout the property. There is a climbing wall, a full spa, shooting range and much more.

The cabins are also fantastic... spacious with wonderful views. So, there's plenty of value there. It's also probably worth noting that this might be the first golf destination I've been to that had more women and more couples than groups of guys on property. Silvies is just a different feel all around.

I headed to Silvies thinking this would be the one time I went there, my wife and I left talking about coming back again soon. If you can go in with the "right" mind set I absolutely recommend heading up there, it really is a terrific high desert golf experience.

McVeigh's Gauntlet is named (the gauntlet part anyway) is named after the challenge of shooting par and getting a t-shirt (and drink... and maybe something else I can't recall)... but it could also be used to describe the golf on many of the holes (not to mention the hike).

That said, I really enjoyed making my way up down and around this little hilly course. The challenge (I found it to be the most difficult golf of all the courses on the property) was both welcome and fun.

As noted in a previous review... a few of the 7 holes are pretty much "hit the green, or go searching for a ball" situations. 1 (bottom of a hill to a hilltop) and 2 (hilltop to hilltop" are both like this, followed by #3 which is a target golf par 4 that will tempt you to fire at the green 200 yards away (I took a whack at it with a spare ball and wasn't much worse of than on my errant second shot, so it's not a terrible strategy if you've got a fairly accurate 200 yard club, the target is pretty small though so emphasis on the accurate part of that).

It gets a bit easier and (relatively) more conventional after that, and, as a bonus after #3 there is a beer tree with a cooler stocked with free beer, tough to argue with that.

#6 is a fun hole, 244 downhill, I hit a 4i pin high (but way right so it was all the way at the bottom of the greenside hill. % is the most conventional hole out there, so enjoy it (and the reprieve) when you get to it.

the Gauntlet is where you can take one of the notorious goat caddies (but only in the morning and only if you request is ahead of time, so be sure to get on that if you want one... I missed that in the "fine print" and missed out on both counts). Honestly though, visiting the goats at the caddie shack was probably as much goat as I really wanted on my round, so it worked out fine for me.

Probably my least favorite part of the course was the bonus hole... too long and curvy to putt and to narrow with too small a "green" to really try to chip (which didn't stop me from playing it that way). But, hey, it's free golf so how bad can it be!

As I mentioned, it's challenging, and I didn't come close to the 23 needed to earn the gauntlet prizes (I shot 28). But it's a blast and might be the course I'd play the most on future visits (just as a night-cap for other rounds I played earlier in the day).

The service at Silvies is always top notch

Let me start by saying I drove two hours and fifty three minutes to get to this course . I arrived at 10:00 AM at a gate. There was a pad that you had to punch in a code... I had no code so I pressed the guest call button.... no response... I did this at least 6 times and got no response.... There was a number to call in an emergency but well I took out my phone and had no cell service. I drove back the way I came trying to get service but no success. I flagged down a passerby who informed me the nearest place to get cell service was 10 miles beyond the gate to the resort. I turned around and drove to the town of Seneca Or. where I got service and was able to call the resort. The person who answered put me on hold and vowed to find out why the gate wasn’t working.... after about 5 minutes he came back and told the gste was now working. So I drive back and 55 minutes after I arrived at the gate I am finally in.

The course.... dirt bunkers strewn with rocks.... brown fairways.... and the course was not scenic.... I took no pictures.So I report to the settle up office where they informed me that the cost of the round was $160.00 plus a $32.00 resort fee. This course is only worth $60.00 and in my opinion it is doomed and in 5 years will be fallow.... do not repeat my horrendous mistake.

I had the chance to play McVeigh 7 hole course. It may be the only 7 hole course in the world!?

Lets get the cost out of the way. NO way is it worth what they are asking for a greens fee, but it is so unique I had to try it. I did not use the goats, but certainly a good gimick.

Holes 1 and 2 are borderline unfair, they are similar to those crazy fake golf calander pictures. Either you hit the green from the tee, or you keep trying until you do (no where to drop). The course is on a massive ridge and exposed to heavy winds, but endless views!

Time will tell if this is a hit, but it is a good solid 7 hole exec course. Golfers like the punishment, and this course gives you pleanty.

Margaret & I played this course the morning after we played the Craddock layout in the afternoon. Great links style golf course. I scored better on this layout, but I think both of us slightly preferred the Craddock layout. The course is as walkable as Chambers Bay according to Margaret who does walk most of the time.

My wife and I knew about Silvies Valley Ranch from the time it opened, but this was our first time playing it as it is rather remote and a bit of a drive. The course was in excellent condition. We both enjoy links style golf and that's what you get here. The greens roll very nicely, but because of the elevation changes and contours are difficult for a first timer to read. There is plenty of room off the tee and the large greens aren't that hard to hit. This is a very scenic course and the staff at the resort was wonderful. It IS a little pricey, but other than that we loved it.

I took the 3 hour drive from Bend to play, and it was well worth the drive!

I played the Hankin course, and thoroughly enjoyed the layout. The reversible course is not as confusing as I thought it might be. It is well marked, and the course itself is stunning w/ elevation changes, views, and more forgiving than your average course. Very fun!!

It is such a calm/peaceful setting, and the entire staff there is amazing. Randall in the pro-shop is great! This golf complex needs to be on every avid golfers list. Also, play the 9 hole par 3 and 7 hole course if you can.

Lastly, give yourself extra time to get check in and get through the next gate and drive your cart the mile to the pro shop.

Decided to take advantage of Silvies $350 Buddy Stay and Play Special and make a trip up. Played the Craddock on the first day and the Hankins on the second. So review is really of both. I was a little concerned that being this is a "reversible" course, I would feel like I was playing the same track over again. On the second morning, we teed off on the Hankins and hit to the 17th green for the Craddock from the day before. After this, never really had the feeling I was playing the same course. There are 9 holes that are exclusive to one or the other course. The course, on some parts, had a links feel to it, especially on the Craddock. Overall, playing conditions were good, although the fairways looked like they were getting a little stressed and brown from the long dry summer. Being this is the first full summer open, greens are still very thin and extremely fast and unreceptive. This is one reason I gave the course a "somewhat challenging" rating. This was especially true on the 16th (if I remember correctly) 160 yard downhill par 3 on the Hankins. I unintentionally hit slightly right of the green into the rabbit brush, which I think was a better play since I would have rolled off the back had I hit the green, and hitting short means being in the bunker or uphill pitch. As it was, I was able to hit a short pitch out of the brush and salvage par. Bunkers are also lined with tall grass. Unfortunately, if you don't hit clean into the bunker, you'll be landing in it and feel more like you're playing an Open Championship. Not a complaint, but adds to the challenge and ambiance of the course. We enjoyed the scenery and solitude of the course and pretty much had it to ourselves both days. No water hazards are on either course. Overall, like the layout and the course has a lot of nice holes. However, it lacked the one or 2 "wow" holes that set it apart from other premium courses. The Pro Shop, although somewhat small, is really nice and has a great view of the valley. This is where you'll eat breakfast if you choose to stay here. The staff at the resort are extremely friendly and really go out of their way to make you feel welcome and have a great time. The cabins are excellent. Spacious with big screen TV's and all amenities and nice views of the resort. The 7 course dinner experience was well worth the money. If you're thinking about driving to Burns or John Day for a cheaper dinner, don't! The $350 special did not include food or other amenities. So it will cost you a couple hundred more for meals, drinks, and other activities besides golf. All in all, for what I paid, a great experience and would absolutely visit again.

Fabulously remote, beautiful surrounds, solid golf course, some conditioning issues, but overall a joy on a vast ranch property that's fascinating in its own right w/o the golf.

The Craddock course essentially uses the same land as the Hankins course, so how can it harder?

Although the Craddock has one less par 5 than the Hankins, the main reason is the bunkering.

Bunkers are more prevalent in front of greens, forcing an aerial attack to new greens firmer than normal.

Perhaps the most interesting hole is no. 7, a 260-yarder that I'm calling a "driveable par 3". It plays all downhill, so you can reach with a 3-wood, but it still requires a heck of a shot to find a wild green.

Architect Dan Hixson did a nice job building a new stretch of holes, nos. 9-11, around a ridge to make the reversible routing work. Part of the fun of playing the courses is figuring out where they meet sharing greens, tees and fairways. It's one giant puzzle.

I'm team Hankins all the way.

Time will tell whether I'm in the minority when it comes to which of the reversible routings golfers prefer - the Craddock or Hankins.

More elevated tees (for better views) and more blind shots (for more character) on the Hankins are the deciding factors for me. It's generally easier, too. With five par 5s, adding up to a par 73, there are more opportunities for birdies on Hankins, especially on the short par 5s at no. 3 and no. 16 (from the grey tees). The final par 5 at no. 18 challenges players to hit the longest drives of their lives. A sign at the tee explains why the dry air at altitude could unleash your inner John Daly. Go for it!

The Chief Egan course is short and simple and a beginner-friendly way to enjoy the game. None of the holes are longer than 120 yards, so grab a couple wedges, a putter and a beverage for the easy walk.

The greens are small, requiring accuracy, especially since they are firm and still maturing.

The best way to attack is to land the ball short and bounce it on. It's a great way for families to play together or for buddies to kill some time and settle a bet.