Central Oregon is known for its gorgeous weather and sunny days. Bend, Oregon, the most populous city in the region, sits on the border of the Deschutes National Forest and the expansive high desert, at the base of the Cascade Mountains. With so much sunshine and such a varied landscape, golf near Bend has become a nationally recognized activity, featuring nearly 30 courses of all shapes and sizes, for all skill levels within 30 miles of Bend.
River’s Edge Golf Course
River’s Edge is a unique course in Central Oregon, in that it is open year round. Located in northwest Bend, just east of Awbrey Butte, River’s Edge is a public par-72,18-hole course with incredible views of the Cascade peaks, like Mount Jefferson and Mount Hood. The course itself is surrounded by an old juniper forest and showcases a waterfall on hole six. The course’s difficulty is moderate, with two challenging holes. Tee times can be reserved from 9 a.m. to around 4 p.m.
Tetherow Golf Resort
Consistently named a Top 100 course in the nation by Golf Digest, Tetherow boasts an 18-hole championship semi-private course. The distinctive layout was designed by David McLay Kidd, the award-winning architect of Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coast and Castle Course in Scotland. Resort members get first priority with tee times, but non-members can schedule a tee time from 10:40 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. and again after 2 p.m. The course is a par-72, and features varied terrain, granting expansive high desert views and fun times cruising on the resort’s golfboards.
Golf at Pronghorn Resort
Pronghorn boasts two nationally acclaimed courses that are perfect for all skill levels; the Jack Nicklaus Course, which is ranked #36 on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s greatest public courses” and the Tom Fazio Course. Located about 30 minutes northeast of Bend, both Pronghorn golf courses are surrounded by juniper trees, water features and volcanic formations. Tee times are available for members and non-members from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Bend Golf and Country Club
The local host of several major competitions including the Oregon Open and the Northwest Open, Bend Golf and Country Club is a fully private golf club where its members can get away from it all. The 18-hole course is perfect for golfers with some experience under their belt. The course feels isolated and tranquil, completely surrounded by trees, grass, water and blooming lavender. Many members of the club play the course every day. Located on a secluded property in southeast Bend, this course is perfect for those who want to find peace and quiet without leaving town.
Widgi Creek Golf Club
Since their opening in the mid 90s, Widgi Creek Golf Club has garnered years of praise and dozens of “best of” awards from local publications. This is a semi-private course for members, and those who hold a golf pass or are the guest of a member. The course is located near Bend just down the Cascade Lakes Highway, the same road that leads to Mt. Bachelor. The course is great for all skill levels, and non-members can reserve a tee time during regular operating hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while members get priority.
Lost Tracks Golf Club
Lost Tracks is a public golf club with a membership program designed to benefit golfers who prefer to golf more regularly, or to take part in local tournaments and competitions. This is an 18-hole, par-72 course that features a well-kept green with views of the nearby Cascade Mountains, along with plenty of old juniper trees for some extra shade during the hot summer months. Tee times here become available at 10 a.m. and are first-come, first-served. The course features holes of varied difficulty, perfect for golfers of all skill levels.
Golf at Brasada Ranch
Just 30 minutes northeast of Bend, Brasada Ranch offers a semi-private course reserved for members, member guests and resort guests. The course is good for all skill levels, and junior golfers (under 18) golf for free with a paying adult after 3 p.m. The course highlights the surrounding high desert landscape and perches golfers atop hills that offer panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains. Members shouldn’t miss out on Brasada’s personalized golf instruction courses, given by resident golf pros.
Old Back Nine Golf Course
A more unique stop on this list, Old Back Nine Golf Course is a 9-hole, fully public course that is located off of China Hat Road in southeast Bend. This expertly maintained course is designed to accommodate all skill levels and create an active playstyle that is conducive to the active Bend lifestyle. For guests looking to become members, this is one of the most affordable options available. Nestled between a mature pine forest and the Mountain High Neighborhood, this course is great for those looking to stay close to town.
Awbrey Glen Golf Club
Whether guests are looking for a relaxing round of golf, or if they’re looking to break their par score, Awbrey Glen is great for all playstyles and skill levels. The 18-hole private course designed by Bunny Mason offers picturesque views of the high desert landscape, dotted with trees and spectacular rock outcroppings. The course is located on the west end of Bend, just north of Central Oregon Community College. Membership is required to play.
Outside Bend
Outside town, both Black Butte Ranch in Sisters and Eagle Crest Resort outside of Redmond offer world class golf just a short drive from Bend. Enjoy these and other Central Oregon resorts for their golf, and other amenities like fine dining, spa treatments, fitness centers and more.
Can’t decide where to start? Check out the Central Oregon Golf Trail for a DIY tour of the best courses around. Don’t forget to enjoy the City of Bend! Bend is home to an amazing restaurant scene, with some of the best restaurants in town earning praise from around the country.
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More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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Winter Tours You Have to Try in Bend and Central Oregon
Twinkling lights, fresh snow and fire pits bringing people together; it’s winter in Central Oregon! Bend and the surrounding towns within Central Oregon are great places to cozy up when the snow falls, and even better places to take part in winter recreation. Locals love to explore the nearby Cascade Mountains, with Mount Bachelor and plenty of sno parks located just a 30 minute drive away. Back in town, there are several breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries waiting to be sampled. With so much to do, it can be tough to know where to start. Luckily, tours in Central Oregon that showcase the best outdoor and indoor recreation are available to help visitors make the most of their winter vacations.
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Hot Springs in Central Oregon Near Bend and Beyond
Oregon is known for being an outdoor paradise; where else can travelers discover misty forests, snowy mountain peaks and vast desert expanses in one day? From the Cascade Mountains to the Painted Hills, volcanic activity has helped shape the many different landscapes of Oregon. Along with mountains and valleys, Oregon’s volcanic past helped create a host of hot springs scattered across the state. These hot springs are natural, hot pools of water—natural hot tubs. Some are more developed and have lodging nearby, while others feel completely remote and undiscovered. So whether it’s a soak under the stars in the high desert or a steamy pool in the forest, there’s a hot spring calling.
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Make the Most of Your Bend and Central Oregon Ski Vacation
Dreaming of skiing in Bend, Oregon? The Central Oregon region is an incredible destination for a ski getaway. While the average snowfall in Bend is a little more than thirty inches, Central Oregon ski resorts boast annual numbers of more than 450 inches. From Bend, visitors can drive to Mt. Bachelor resort in just 30 minutes or the Hoodoo Ski Area in less than an hour. Outside of the resorts, there are boundless backcountry trails for cross-country skiing to glide into pristine and untouched wilderness. With tons of snow, a plethora of winter activities in Central Oregon, and seemingly endless miles of terrain to explore, Bend and Central Oregon make the perfect ski getaway. Read on to discover how to make the most of your ski-cation in this winter wonderland.
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The Ultimate Guide to Pumpkin Patches in Terrebonne, Oregon
Nothing signals the coming of fall quite like spending the day at a pumpkin patch. It’s tough to not feel the cozy spirit of the season when you’re solving a festive corn maze while bundled up and sipping a hot apple cider. Pumpkin patches in Central Oregon benefit from our desert climate and still get plenty of sunshine, even in late October. While smaller family farms all around the region will sometimes host fall events, the two most popular pumpkin patches both reside in Terrebonne: the Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch and the DD Ranch Pumpkin Patch.
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Best Shopping in Bend and Redmond, Oregon
Shopping in Central Oregon has evolved over time, thanks to an influx of outdoor enthusiasts, organic farmers, antique purveyors and entrepreneurs of all kinds moving in, and subsequently sharing their products with the community. This mixed bag of motivated individuals creates a marketplace full of locally sourced, handcrafted items that can’t be found anywhere else. In addition to small, local businesses, Central Oregon’s growth in population in recent years has garnered the attention of some larger retailers, who have opened up shop in Bend and Redmond. Shopping in Bend, Oregon and likewise, shopping in Redmond, Oregon, provides visitors with a look inside our local industries, while simultaneously providing opportunities to purchase from well known retailers. It’s also worth mentioning that shopping in Central Oregon and throughout the state is tax-free, offering shoppers a built-in excuse to buy whatever catches their eye.
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The Scenic Waterfalls in Central Oregon
Is there anything more satisfying—anything more awe-inspiring—than gazing upon a thundering waterfall, its raging waters tumbling over ancient rock walls? Does it get any better than seeing a waterfall reach full boil in the midst of an otherwise quiet river as it crashes through a rock-lined canyon?
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The Central Oregon Adventure 6-Pack
6 ADVENTURES…1 DAY….A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES. “You should do it,” they said. “Think about how cool it’d be,” they told me. “You get to do it during the work day, ya know,” they reminded me. So I said yes.