Union County's Buffalo Peak Golf Course Offers Scenic 18‑Hole Links Experience

Buffalo Peak Golf Course sits on the edge of the town of Union, providing residents and visitors a public 18-hole links-style course framed by Grande Ronde Valley vistas and the Blue and Wallowa Mountains. Owned and managed by Union County, the course is about 16 miles southeast of La Grande and is promoted as an accessible, scenic option for golfers across the region.

Designed by William (Williams) Phillips, the layout emphasizes native vegetation, natural terrain and multiple ponds, creating a playing experience that leans on the valley’s topography rather than extensive landscaping. That approach keeps maintenance focused on the local ecosystem while delivering panoramic sightlines that are rare among public facilities in northeastern Oregon.

Facilities at Buffalo Peak aim to serve both casual players and organized events. The course operates an on-site pro shop, offers driving and practice facilities, supports tournament play and provides banquet and tournament packages. Lessons and league play are available, and the club accepts year-round seasonal tee-time booking to accommodate both summer visitors and regular local play. For reservations and inquiries the course lists its address as 1224 E. Fulton St., Union, OR 97883 and phone number as 541-562-5527.

The course’s county ownership matters for local access and municipal finances. As a public asset, Buffalo Peak lowers barriers to play compared with private clubs and creates recurring revenue opportunities through green fees, lessons and event hosting. Tournament support and banquet services can attract day-trippers and weekend visitors from La Grande and surrounding communities, boosting spending at local motels, restaurants and retail outlets. For a rural county, recreational amenities that double as tourism draws contribute to a more diversified local economy.

Community use is practical and immediate: leagues and lessons provide structured recreation for youth and adults, while tournament packages create a venue for charitable fundraisers and civic events. The links-style design also gives local high school teams and recreational golfers a different course challenge than the inland layouts more common in the region.

For Union County residents, Buffalo Peak is both a local green space and a regional amenity, a place to tee off with a view and to bring visitors who might otherwise bypass the valley. As the county continues to manage and promote the course, expect Buffalo Peak to remain a focal point for recreation-driven economic activity and community gatherings. For bookings and more information, call 541-562-5527 or visit the course at 1224 E. Fulton St. in Union.