While some people might prefer the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Petronas Towers, I place the golf barn at the highest level of architectural prominence. Architects may debate this point of view, but to me, one of the finest things in life is a good golf barn. It is one of the few buildings that can actually blend with a golf landscape and enhance the experience for players. The beauty of a well crafted golf barn is simple, timeless, and elevates the golf soul.
Fortunately for me, the golf landscape is littered with golf barns and I found myself an excellent one located just outside of Portland, OR at a place called Langdon Farms.
There are five main criteria points that I like to use when evaluating golf barns.
Proximity - The closer the golf barn is to the actual golf course the better. Is the barn on the golf course or in the parking lot? Proximity is important.
Oldness - The more rundown and ancient the golf barn, the more points it will receive. If it looks like it could fall down at any point in time, that is ideal.
Size - The bigger the better. When it comes to golf barns, size matters .
Signage - A good golf barn is bold and isn’t afraid to let the people know that it is a golf barn.
Contents - Perhaps the most important factor. Here are some options to consider.
a. Are there barn animals inside? A golf cow would really up the overall barn importance.
b. Is it haunted? Big points for golf ghosts.
c. Are there golf relics inside of the barn? A stable loaded with old hickories would be nice.
The golf barn at Langdon Farms hits on a number of these points and overall receives a top 5 golf barn ranking.
I had made previous visits to Langdon Farms, but this time the course had a different look to it. A dramatic bunker renovation was completed throughout the entire golf course and Langdon was ready to show off. Some of the previous bunkering was unusually bold and not particularly harmonious with the course layout. All of that has changed with the new updates. The result is a golf course that has a smooth and playable feel to it.
One of my favorite touches at Langdon Farms is the signage that you will find around the golf course. This starts with the first sign that you see when entering the property. “Public Only” delivers a crushing blow to the “Members Only” country club mantra across the United States. I like to imagine the wealthy country clubbers sitting around in their board meetings.
Country Club President: “What are we going to do about that Public Only sign over at Langdon Farms?”
Country Club Member #1: “It’s killing us in the media!”
Country Club Member #2: “It’s making us look like a bunch of fools!”
Country Club Member #3: “I can’t even look my own daughter in the eyes anymore!”
The Langdon logo is a good one.
Spending 4 days on the property afforded me some pretty good opportunities to capture the course and it’s essence. Showing up early for sunrise and hanging around late for sunset gave me just the lighting that I needed to give Langdon Farms the justice it deserves.
The back nine kicks off with a shot score-able opportunity
A golfer lines up a putt to save par as the sun goes down on the 9th hole.
The sun rises over the back nine.
The 3rd provides a moody forest view.
The view from behind the 14th green.
The last of the day’s sun falls over the 16th fairway.
My time at Langdon Farms is best summarized by the post to the left. If you are considering a golf adventure in Portland, be sure to add Langdon Farms to your list.
Your Barn Party at Langdon Farms starts here.