TOUR
On lush farmland on the edge of Canby, Chris and Terri Lynn Gesik have created their own “Field of Dreams.” The couple’s Frontier Golf Course was not an original build but rather a rescue operation, a “fix it, and they will come” opportunity, so to speak.
In 2017, the longtime Canby residents purchased the Western-themed nine-hole, par-three course from the children of Joe Sisel who opened the first four holes in 1964 in his backyard; the final five holes were added subsequently. Not interested in continuing the business, the second generation sold it to the Gesiks, who, upon signing the final papers, were well aware of the hard work ahead.
Not able to tell the fairways from the greens, Chris led the effort: clearing weeds, reseeding the grass, pruning surrounding plants, removing damaged trees and buying all the necessary equipment. The retirees — Chris from the car business, Terri Lynn from insurance — managed to slowly steer the course back to its former glory with the Canby community cheering them along the way.
Some of the current regulars remember the course well from the good ol’ days. Whether they played golf at Frontier during their high school years or walked the greens alongside their grandparents or are brand new to the short course, locals seem pleased with the overall restoration, giving the Gesiks plenty of stellar reviews and referrals to friends.
Set on 10 acres surrounded by family farms and situated merely a half mile from the Canby Ferry, Frontier offers a range of holes, 90 to 175 yards, on a flat terrain that’s easy to walk. Known as an excellent place for beginners, Frontier promises plenty of challenges for low handicappers, too. All skill levels are welcome.
Visitors without clubs can rent a set from the Gesiks, who live next to the pro shop and are almost always on the grounds. Additionally, guests can book the entire course for private events. Frontier can provide chairs, tables and tents, while customer-reserved food trucks and catering companies are welcome to feed invited guests.
It’s no surprise the Gesiks live and work on a golf course. Golf continues to be the family’s favorite shared pastime. Their three children golfed in high school and still do. Chris and Terri Lynn used to be active members of the Willamette Valley Country Club just a mile away, but they don’t tee off there very often anymore, as their schedule is quite full.
These days, the Gesiks are proudly running and maintaining their own private course, helping tourists and locals alike make memories under the sun, in the middle of Oregon farmland. For them, a dream come true.
Address
2965 N. Holly Street,
Canby, OR 97013
Hours
Jan. & Feb., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
March, April & May, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; June, July & Aug., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sept. & Oct., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Nov. & Dec., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Final tee-off at closing time
Phone: 503-266-4435
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