Off the beaten path, but near so much, Black Butte Ranch has been a Central Oregon destination resort for families, friends, and more to gather for more than a half-century. Set just 8 miles northwest of Sisters, Oregon, on the eastern foothills of the spectacular Cascade Range and at the gateway of Central Oregon, Black Butte Ranch is home to 36 holes of championship golf, a family-friendly putting course, lodging options that fit most any budget, incredible dining, a brand new $20 million lodge, and an endless array of activities.
On the course, golfers are treated with player-friendly designs and a variety of fun ways to engage with the game—including lessons and clinics, annual events, group discounts, and stay-and-play packages. So if you want to make golf the heart of your next trip, here’s the ultimate guide to golfing at Black Butte Ranch.
Teeing it up at Black Butte Ranch
With 36 holes of championship golf, and the beautifully designed Little Meadow putting course, Black Butte has long been beloved by golfers of every stripe. In fact, the opening of Big Meadow more than a half-century ago helped put Central Oregon on the world’s golf destination map. Here’s a bit more detail on what to expect:
Glaze Meadow: Originally designed by Black Butte Ranch visionary golf pro Gene “Bunny” Mason, renowned architect John Fought extensively renovated Glaze Meadow in 2012. Ever since Glaze Meadow has been among Central Oregon’s must-play courses. Fought’s inspiration for the redesign was the “Golden Era” of golf course architecture of the 1920s and 1930s, and the results have been spectacular. Shaped by the aspens and ponderosa pines of Black Butte Ranch, the fairways are generous enough to keep most golfers in play. But the course’s grass-faced bunkers and turtleback greens — hallmarks of classic U.S. golf architecture — ensure shotmaking options are never sacrificed.
Big Meadow: Big Meadow played an essential role in making Central Oregon a golf mecca when architect Robert Muir Graves first unveiled his design in 1970. The 7,002-yard Graves design, among the legendary architect’s favorites, has stood the test of time. The playable layout has been a golfer favorite from the beginning and features unfathomably beautiful mountain views throughout. Stare in awe from the 10th tee at snow-capped North Sisters jutting into the blue sky, or savor how the 14th is so perfectly framed by the quaking aspens and Three-Fingered Jack. You may just wonder how Graves could get Central Oregon golf so right.
Little Meadow Putting Course: After renovating Glaze Meadow in 2012, architect John Fought returned eight years later to design the 12-hole Little Meadow Putting Course. Set near Big Meadow, the sloping, undulating putting course features hole lengths between 45 and 105 feet, and looks as if it was always meant to be there. Reversible and configurable into 18 shorter holes or a longer nine-hole course, Little Meadow has quickly become an irreplaceable and enjoyable addition to Black Butte Ranch’s golf experience. No golf experience is necessary.
Planning a Golf Vacation at Black Butte Ranch
At Black Butte Ranch, hitting the links is just the start. The resort hosts several events, offers stay-and-play packages, and attracts groups with enticing discounts all season long. Here’s how to take your next golf outing to the next level.
Golf events: Between April and October, check out a variety of golf events that bring groups together, celebrate special holidays, and help golfers find new gear. The fun includes occasional tournaments, putting challenges, sidewalk sales (boasting discounted gear and apparel), and holiday specials—like on Mother’s Day, where moms golf for free.
Group specials: Planning a family outing, business trip, or gathering among friends? No matter the occasion, Black Butte Ranch offers discounts for groups of nine or more.
Stay-and-Play Packages: If you’re the kind of traveler who packs their golf bag before their suitcase, consider one of the resort’s Golf Stay & Play Packages. Deals include discounts on lodging, special rates on two rounds of golf, and great deals on same-day replay rates.
Golf Lessons: Shake off winter’s rust with golf lessons offered by Black Butte Ranch’s award-winning PGA professionals. Options include small-group lessons, clinics to help with pitching and putting, sessions for parents and children, and two-day camps for children 6-17.
Enjoying the Activities, Restaurants, and More at Black Butte Ranch
Black Butte Ranch has so much more to offer than golf. Whether you’re looking to fill your downtime or the rest of your group is looking to explore the resort while you hit the links, the 1,800-acre resort hosts a variety of restaurants, outings, and other fun activities for everyone in your crew.
The new Lodge: Opening in 2023, Black Butte Ranch’s stunning $20 million, 22,100-square-foot Lodge includes the Lodge Restaurant and Bar, Aspen Lounge, fireside room, private dining room, event space, meeting room, outdoor dining, and a state-of-the-art kitchen that includes a catering facility.
Vacation Rentals: Ranging from private hotel-style lodge rooms to luxurious six-bedroom residences, Black Butte Ranch offers more than 120 privately owned, professionally managed vacation rentals consisting of cabins, condominiums, and custom homes for overnight guests. Many of the homes are pet-friendly. Reservations: 866-901-2961.
Recreation: In addition to two championship golf courses and a putting course, Black Butte Ranch features 18 miles of paved walking and biking paths, five outdoor swimming pools, award-winning restaurants, a full-service day spa, state-of-the-art fitness and activity center, horseback riding, tennis, and pickleball courts. In addition, Black Butte Ranch is ideally situated to take full advantage of Central Oregon’s abundant year-round outdoor recreation, including biking, fishing, rafting, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more.
Dining: Black Butte Ranch is home to two distinct farm-to-table dining options in Robert’s Pub and The Lodge Restaurant. Both have been recognized as top restaurants in Central Oregon by Urbanspoon and The (Bend) Bulletin. The Lakeside Bistro offers casual dining in a gorgeous and fun setting. The Aspen Lounge, the General Store, and the Glaze Meadow Snack Shop are great places for snacks, sandwiches, and small bites.
Spa: The Spa at Black Butte Ranch offers a diverse range of spa treatments that provide the utmost in relaxation and rejuvenation, along with the latest developments in skincare and other active lifestyle spa services.
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