When people think of Oregon they think of a place where damp is a color. Not so in Central Oregon. Shielded by the Cascades, Central Oregon enjoys an average of 300 sunshine filled days a year, and that makes it one of the premier golfing destinations on the west coast. With more than two dozen courses to choose from, all within an hour’s drive of Bend, Oregon, it’s no wonder the area is considered by many to be a golfer’s paradise. Here’s a handy guide that will get you headed in the right direction the next time you visit the other side of Oregon:
1. Crooked River Ranch Golf Course
This course opened in 1979, and is considered one of the most scenic in the northwest. It’s an 18 hole public course, and from the long tees measures 5661 yards. After a round you can grab a beer at the Sandbagger and enjoy the beautiful canyon views. The course is located at 5195 Club House Rd
Crooked River Ranch, Oregon. For more information call 1(800) 833-3197.
2. Widgi Creek Golf Club
Widgi creek is an 18 hole, semi private course, located in Bend, Oregon. At 6900 yards from the longest tees, it is a very professional and challenging course that is sure to please golfers at any skill level. With a fully stocked pro shop, and gorgeous views, this is a course Golf Magazine called “a must play.” The course is located at 18707 Century Dr Bend, Oregon. For more information call (541) 382-4449
3. Aspen Lakes Golf Course
Aspen Lakes is an 18 hole course with 7302 yards of some of the most beautiful fairways in Central Oregon. The course was laid out with the natural wildlife in mind and one gets a since of sanctuary when stepping out on to the green. Beautiful and serene this course is only minutes away from the quiet little mountain town of Sisters. With a clubhouse and pro shop available, this public course would be a great place to play a few holes and enjoy the solitude of Central Oregon. The course is located at 16900 Aspen Lakes Dr Sisters, Oregon. For more information call (541) 549-4653.
4. Glaze Meadow at Black Butte Ranch
Just northwest of sisters is Black butte ranch, a resort nestled among the pines that boasts a gorgeous 18 hole course that meanders its way up through evergreens and provides amazing views of the cascade mountain range. The 6574 yard par 72 course, was opened in 1980, and provides everything for a true golfing getaway vacation. With available lodging and top notch cuisine this first class resort is a one stop golfer’s paradise. The resort is located at 12930 Hawks Beard Black Butte Ranch, Oregon. For more information call (541) 595-1252.
5. Woodlands at Sunriver Resort
Sunriver resort sits in the shadow of Mt. Bachelor and is a beautiful community nestled in the pines just 20 minutes south of Bend, Oregon. The Woodlands at Sunriver Resort is an 18 hole public course, opening in 1982. With lakes, long greens and ornate rock outcroppings, this is one of the most unique courses in Central Oregon and is consistently rated as one of the most challenging courses in the area. The course is located at Center Dr Sunriver, Oregon. For more information call (541) 593-1221.