8.14

Silvies Valley Ranch (Craddock Course)

ARCHITECTS

Course info

ACCESS
Resort
EST.
2017
GRASS
Fescue
SEASON
May–October
CART TYPE
Electric
avg. Price
$
179
?
CADDIES
Unknown
Type
Links
Unknown
Par
72
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
8.5
City
Seneca

Score

8.14
Design
40%
8.3
Conditions
25%
7.8
Desirability
15%
7.7
Scenery
10%
8.7
Fun
5%
8.1
Uniqueness
5%
8.3

Difficulty

Overall
Moderate

Slope 127

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 8.5

7
15

Walkability Moderate

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Low

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Medium

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
150
$
179
$
208
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

The course is part of a reversible routing, creating two distinct 18-hole courses (Hankins and Craddock) from the same land—one of only a handful of such designs globally.

About

The Craddock Course at Silvies Valley Ranch, designed by Dan Hixson, is a reversible, world-class 18-hole layout woven through Oregon's high desert ranch. Renowned for creative routing and wide fairways with dramatic elevation, it offers distinct play each day with scenic vistas, testing bunkers, and imaginative green complexes. The remote setting and unique design make for a truly memorable mountain-meadow golf experience.

Caddie Tip

Wind is a constant presence across the Craddock Course, and elevation changes amplify club selection challenges. Stay aggressive on wide fairways but play conservative approaches to unfamiliar greens, as many are firm, sloped, and well-guarded by deep bunkers. Study pin positions closely—putting from the wrong tier can guarantee a three-putt.

The Main Challenge

Craddock punishes errant shots with deep bunkers and gnarly sagebrush outside the generous fairways. Holes often feature elevation change and strategic blind shots, requiring precise club selection. Several greens are elevated with runoffs, making up-and-downs difficult if you miss on the wrong side. Wind can intensify the challenge significantly.

The Good

Golfers rave about the course's creativity, routing variety, and the breathtaking natural setting. Many praise the wide fairways and unique, reversible design, which deliver new challenges and visual perspectives every round. The solitude and peacefulness add to the unforgettable experience, making each visit feel like a private golf adventure.

The Not So Good

Some guests note greens and fairways can be inconsistent, particularly early or late in the season, with dry patches or slower recovery after harsh winters. The remote location, while part of the appeal, limits access and occasionally stretches service resources thin during busy weekends.

Signature Hole:

#

7

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The 7th hole, a wild par 3 playing all downhill at about 260 yards, is considered the course's standout. Reachable with a 3-wood for big hitters, the dramatic drop and unconventional green present a formidable shot, demanding both creativity and accuracy to avoid the surrounding hazards and sloping terrain.

Clubhouse

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Expect a well-appointed lodge with spa, locker rooms, a casual grill, and fine dining room. Accommodations are on site for resort guests, with a welcoming lounge and outdoor gathering spaces. The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious, fitting the ranch-meets-links vibe. Staff assist with logistics, meals, and course guidance.

Practice Facilities

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Silvies Valley Ranch offers a full practice range with mountain views, short-game area, and putting green. A unique 'gauntlet' 7-hole challenge course adds to pre-round tuning. The pro shop has rental clubs, and instruction is available by appointment. Facilities are well maintained but not expansive, focused on quality over quantity.

Dress Code:

Casual

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

Oregon
U.S.A.