No need to wait until summer to get those competitive juices flowing. In fact, one of the most popular golf events in Central Oregon is fast approaching. From April 28-30, hundreds of amateur golfers will descend upon Aspen Lakes Golf Course in Sisters, the Glaze Meadow course at Black Butte Ranch, and Eagle Crest near Redmond to play in the 14th Annual Central Oregon Shootout.

As is always the case, available space is quickly disappearing to play in a tournament that typically tees off with a full field. What draws so many to the Shootout year after year?

The 54-hole tournament owns a unique format, for one. Two-person teams play one round of scramble, one round of best ball and a final-round Chapman spread over three weekend days. The tournament also includes one gross division, four net divisions as well as ladies net and gross payouts. Best of all, each golfer is guaranteed to play a round at all three of Central Oregon’s favorite golf courses: Aspen Lakes, the Eagle Crest Resort Course and Glaze Meadow.

The $600-per-team entry fee is a particular value, too. The fee includes three rounds of competitive golf, with cart, of course. More than that, golfers receive a tee prize, merchandise, a welcome reception, and a daily lunch and continental breakfast. In addition, the prize payout is expected to be more than $20,000 in-kind, meaning a third of the field can expect to cash after the tournament.

The deadline to enter is just a month away on April 16, that is if space remains available. Already more than 83 teams have signed up. All entrants need is an official handicap (maximum of 36 for men, 42 for women) and a maximum six-stroke differential between partners.

For more information or to register, download the information flyer and registration form here.

Can’t make it to the Shootout? The 21th Annual  Pacific Amateur Golf Classic comes around again in late September. It includes three days of net, stroke-play competition. The top four in each flight qualify for a winner-take-all Championship Round at the famed Crosswater Club. As many as eight Central Oregon golf courses will be in the rotation this year and we’re expecting another great turnout!

Zack Hall

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Zack Hall lives in Bend and is a freelance writer who has specialized in writing about the Central Oregon golf scene since 2007. He spent 16 years as a newspaper writer and editor, including nearly eight years as The Bulletin's golf writer. When not working or struggling to break 90 on a picture-perfect Central Oregon golf course, he usually can be found mountain biking or camping somewhere around the Cascade Lakes with his wife and daughter.