Dan Hixon

Mattawa, WA

Desert Aire Golf Club is set along the Columbia River in the desert of south-central Washington, within the planned community of Desert Aire near Mattawa. The community was developed starting in 1969 by investors led by Harry Davidson, and the golf course grew alongside it, with the front nine opening in 1972 and the back nine completed in 1993. The course was designed by Jim Krause and winds through sand and sagebrush terrain in one of the driest, sunniest parts of the state, with the Columbia River nearby. More recent bunker and green work has been carried out by architect Dan Hixon. Desert Aire is open to the public as well as to community property owners, with a pro shop, driving range and putting green. From the longest tees the course plays to about 6,500 yards.

Sublimity, OR

Santiam Golf Course is an 18-hole public facility located in Sublimity, Oregon. The course was designed by Fred Federspiel and opened for play in 1957. It plays to a par of 72 and measures 6,326 yards from the blue tees. The straightforward design features tree-lined roughs and generous landing areas. A narrow creek winds alongside several holes and small ponds come into play to challenge errant shots. Mature trees and steep sand traps protect the subtly contoured greens throughout the layout. The facility provides power carts and a driving range for the convenience of all players.