Your Ultimate Guide to Golfing at Black Butte Ranch

Glaze Meadow Golf Course: The iconic Glaze Meadow Golf Course was renovated in 2012 (a process overseen by architect John Fought) and includes a variety of popular features and challenges today—including slightly elevated greens, deep bunkers, five sets of tees on every hole, well-groomed bluegrass-rye fairways, rolling hillsides, and a forested setting that positively pops with color in autumn (when quaking aspen dazzles with bright yellow leaves). Cascade peak views along Glaze Meadow include one of the Three Sisters and Mount Washington.

Big Meadow Golf Course: The lengthy Big Meadow Golf Course, designed by legendary architect Robert Muir Graves, spans more than 7,000 yards and offers a breathtaking introduction to the surrounding Cascade Range—creating one of the most scenic golfing opportunities anywhere in the state. Key features include sweeping fairways, broad bunkers, rolling hills, and elevated greens—but the course’s standout attraction is how it integrates the mountainous landscape into the experience. Ponderosa pine and regal aspen trees line the fairway, and the 14th hole offers the course’s most photo-worthy site: the craggy peak of Three-Fingered Jack towering over the landscape below.

Little Meadow Putting Course: If your short game needs work—and who among us couldn’t improve on the green?—Black Butte Ranch hosts the Little Meadow Putting Course, designed by architect John Fought. Though it’s designed as a 12-hole putting course, each hole at Little Meadow can be shortened or lengthened, allowing golfers to try their hand at 18 shorter holes or nine longer holes; the common attributes of each hole, no matter the length, are thoughtfully designed contours, a variety of short fairway-like terrains, and rock formations for a touch of variety.

Unique Vacation Homes: Black Butte Ranch hosts roughly 1,200 homes, many of which can be rented for your next vacation. Each home is individually owned and decorated, meaning no two houses, cabins, or condos are ever exactly alike; some evoke the 1970s (when the resort was founded), while others boast a modern, 21st-century aesthetic. The common thread through each of those homes, though? World-class comfort and relaxation.

Good Eats: You’ll find two outstanding eateries and one well-stocked market at Black Butte Ranch. Robert’s Pub can be found in the big Meadows Clubhouse and serves a variety of family favorites, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads (note that reservations are required at Robert’s Pub)—and the airy Lakeside Bistro serves light breakfast and lunch items in a lakeside environment where you can enjoy Cascade peak views, unwind after a round of golf, or fuel up after a few laps in the pool—which sits next to the eatery. For on-the-go goods, stop by Black Butte Ranch’s General Store; the market sells locally grown produce, pantry staples, Oregon beer and wine, and more. (Be sure to add The Lodge Restaurant & Aspen Lounge to your bucket list on return trips; the iconic eatery is under construction this season but will reopen in 2023.)

Family Fun: No matter how big your group is, or how old its members are, everyone will find plenty to love around Black Butte Ranch. The fun includes scenic horseback rides, a laid-back disc golf course, summertime camp programs (with children’s activities that range from kayaking classes and climbing clinics to arts-and-crafts workshops), fly-fishing clinics, bike rentals, up to six swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, yoga and barre classes, and more.

Finally, a friendly note: Some activities may open or become available at different times throughout the year; most of the resort is fully open Memorial Day to Labor Day, but it can’t hurt to call ahead to see what’s open when planning your trip. And when you’re ready to start planning, schedule your tee time at Black Butte Ranch today.