Golf Activities
According to the legendary Arnold Palmer, "Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening—and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented." However, Hank Aaron opined, "It took me seventeen years to get three thousand hits in baseball. It took one afternoon on the golf course." Whichever camp you're in, Central Oregon offers a number of 9-hole and 18-hole courses where you can put your brassie, mashie, and niblick to use. If you're rusty, consider polishing your skills with some instruction from a friendly pro. Even if hitting the links isn't your bag, consider trying a putting course.
Course—9-hole
Old Back Nine
60650 China Hat Rd., Bend
541-382-1111
A well-maintained course suitable for skill levels from expert to neophyte. The nine-hole course runs through Bend's Mountain High neighborhood, offering exceptional views and a play time that will leave you with time to hike, swim, ski, or just relay. This course is located just east of U.S. Hwy. 97 and north of the Lost Tracks course.
"The Central Oregon golf experience is right here, you just can’t beat the Old Back Nine." —Old Back Nine
Course—18-hole
Juniper
1938 SW Elkhorn Ave., Redmond
541-548-3121
Juniper is one of the few publicly-owned golf courses in Oregon and likely the best value in the region with fees typically less than half of those for the Pronghorn Resort course (just a few miles to the south) that has similar conditions. It may not compete with the nicer resort courses, but for the budget-conscious, Juniper will allow you to give your clubs a real workout while you let your wallet sit back and relax.
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Course—18-hole
Lost Tracks
60205 Sunset View Dr., Bend
541-385-1818
A beautiful, old-style course built on gently rolling terrain by designer (and PGA of America Secretary) Brian Whitcomb with a variety of breathtaking views and challenging holes. Water hazards can be found on seven of the 18 holes. This course is located just east of U.S. Hwy. 97 and south of the Old Back Nine course.
"In Lost Tracks, Brian Whitcomb found time to lay out one of Central Oregon's most interesting and unusual designs. Quirky, zigzagging holes abound, pine trees close in on the proceedings at all the right places, blind shots and surprise lakes keep newcomers guessing." —Fairways & Greens
Course—18-hole
Pronghorn Golf Club Jack Nicklaus
65600 Pronghorn Club Dr., Bend
541-388-3999
Designed by its namesake, Jack Nicklaus, this course accommodates golfers of every skill level with a combination of strategy and playability. The course features natural landscapes, lava rock ridges and outcroppings, and magnificent views of the Cascade Mountains. It was ranked sixth best course in Oregon by Golf Digest (2020).
"The Nicklaus course at Pronghorn is an excellently designed and impeccably maintained course. The course has a nice variety of short and long holes to challenge players of all ages. The course is typically generous off the tee, but the approach shots require precision. The bunkering and green contours are excellent. The clubhouse setting, conditioning, amenities, course design/routing, and views make this a very special golfing experience." —Golf Digest
Course—18-hole
Quail Run
16725 Northridge Dr., Lapine
800-895-4653 or 541-536-1303
Located in Lapine, just nine miles south of Sunriver. This course has wide, tree-lined fairways. Course is laid out over rolling hills so expect some uneven lies. There are water hazards on several holes to keep you on your toes. Its proximity to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument makes for a very scenic course. Greens fees very affordable by Central Oregon standards. Ranked the second best 9-hole course in North America by Golf Digest (June 2000).
"Quail Run is the best Championship 9 Hole Golf Course in the Northwest. It is the second toughest rated golf course in Central Oregon." —Oregon Golf Association
Course—18-hole
River's Edge
400 NW Pro Shop Dr., Bend
541-389-2828
Designed by Robert Muir Graves, this 18-hole course has been featured in Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play". You'll find lovely scenery throughout the course including the Deschutes River, a waterfall on hole #6, and wonderful views of Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood, and Smith Rock. Driving range available.
"River's Edge offers some of the most challenging golf in Central Oregon and is a fun course for golfers of all skill levels. This golf course will show you how much you really know about your swing, your game and your temper." —OregonGolf.com
Course—18-hole
Sunriver Resort Meadows
17600 Center Dr., Sunriver
541-593-3750
18 beautiful holes that meander through much of the southern part of Sunriver. This course is the creation of acclaimed architect John Fought and features considerable variety in the layout of its 18 holes. Fought's design pays tribute to the great American courses from the 1920's and 30's. The use of directional and fore-bunkers pose a challenge to even the best players. Please note, there is a strict dress code.
"Meadows is acclaimed architect John Fought's latest creation and completes the outstanding 54 Flags of Sunriver Resort. Meadows features tremendous variety within its 18 holes, seven of which border the meandering Sun River." —Sunriver Resort
Course—18-hole
Sunriver Resort Woodlands
17890 W Core Rd., Sunriver
541-593-3703
18 holes clustered in the northern part of Sunriver. Designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. A Northwest favorite, this course has earned Sunriver Resort a place on the list of Golf Magazine's Gold Medal Award-winning resorts. There is a a strict dress code, so consider yourself warned.
"Dense forests of Ponderosa and Lodge Pole Pine, outcroppings of ancient lava flows and an abundance of water place premiums on shot accuracy. Noted by golfers for its beautiful setting the Woodlands is one of the Northwest's finest Championship courses." —Sunriver Resort
Course—18-hole
Widgi Creek
18707 SW Century Dr., Bend
541-382-4449
A beautiful 18-hole championship golf course that meanders along the rim of the Deschutes River canyon just south of Bend. Designed by Robert Muir Graves, the course is a challenge to even the most advanced players and is characterized by fast, undulating greens. Considered one of the top 5 courses in the area, Golf Digest called it "the sleeper in Central Oregon" and Golf Magazine called it a "must play".
"A round of golf at Widgi Creek Golf Club is an experience not to be missed. Each hole offers a unique, yet fair challenge for all golfing abilities. This is why you will find Widgi Creek on the top of many must play lists in Central Oregon." —Widgi Creek
Course—Putting
Gray's Trail Putting Course
17600 Center Dr., Sunriver
541-593-3750
For those not inclined to swing the big iron, this putting course might just fit the bill. Designed and maintained just like the "real" greens, it's a great way to practice your putting skills before heading to the course or just a lot of fun for the entire family.
"Features a 30,000 square foot bentgrass putting surface with 18 individual holes that can be reimagined anytime. Gray's Trail provides fun and challenge for every level of golfer. Gray’s Trail welcomes the public on a first-come basis after registering in the Meadows golf shop'" —Sunriver Resort
Instruction
Pronghorn Golf Club Golf Academy
65600 Pronghorn Club Dr., Bend
866-320-5024
Offers tools and support to elevate your game including a student assessment program that provides a one-hour training session and take-home lesson plan, private one-on-one instruction for adults and juniors, player development programs, and half-day schools/clinics.
"Operating out of our state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor learning center, you’ll enjoy a game changing learning experience any time of year at the finest training facility in the Pacific Northwest." —Pronghorn Resort
Instruction
Sunriver Resort Golf Academy
17600 Center Dr., Sunriver
541-593-3750
Offers adult, junior, and family classes as well as private or group lessons. Hour-long to half-day sessions using golf-specific video and instructional equipment. The school also offers the "Golf-In-Balance" program that combines physical fitness and individually tailored golf training.
"Our programs are designed to maximize your lifelong enjoyment of the game of golf. Our team of highly PGA trained professionals is dedicated to assisting golfers of all abilities in achieving new levels with their game." —Sunriver Resort
