When the sun shines on the High Desert—and the sun almost always shines in Central Oregon—Central Oregonians get outdoors. And golf is always on Central Oregon’s menu. The Central Oregon Golf Trail features nearly 30 golf courses, and all are just a short drive from Bend, Oregon, the largest city in the region. Whether you’re new to the game and looking to sharpen your skills at a forgiving public course or a stick looking to set the record on one of America’s greatest courses, an unforgettable golf experience awaits. Here you’ll find breathtaking views of the snow-capped Cascade Range and golf journeys that wind through lava rocks, pristine meadows, the High Desert, and ponderosa pines. Then celebrate the day on the links at one of nearly three dozen local breweries, distilleries, and cideries, or by immersing yourself in the region’s creative culinary culture. Whatever makes your dream golf getaway, Central Oregon has you covered.
Central Oregon Golf Resorts
Like the golf courses of the Golf Trail, Central Oregon’s destination resorts offer uncommon variety. From bucket-list courses that are mainstays on Golf Digest’s list of America’s Top 100 to family-friendly designs in gorgeous settings, the golf courses at Central Oregon’s destination resorts offer something for every golfer.
One of Central Oregon’s three Golf Digest Top 100 courses, Tetherow in Bend is a golf experience unlike any other. Designed by David McLay Kidd – a Bend resident who first came to fame with Bandon Dunes – Tetherow is inspired by traditional Scottish heathland designs. But unlike in Scotland, Tetherow’s fescue cuts through the scraggly, volcanic landscape of the High Desert. In true Heathland fashion, there is no one route to the hole. Instead, the twists and turns of Tetherow challenge golfers to use their imagination. Once you finish challenging yourself on the course, Tetherow invites resort guests to lounge by the pool, hang out in the boutique hotel, and enjoy one of the three restaurants. The Row offers a perfect post-golf happy hour with plenty of craft beer and Scotch eggs.
For more than a half-century, Sunriver Resort has invited golfers to come play in a family-friendly outdoor paradise. Set just south of Bend, Sunriver offers 54 holes of championship golf, a nine-hole short course, and a popular putting course, making it a golf destination for all skill levels. Crosswater—a Golf Digest Top 100 course that has hosted a major championship on the PGA Champions Tour, in addition to NCAA and USGA national championships—is Sunriver Resort’s crown jewel. Set in a pristine 600-acre meadow, Crosswater brings natural wetlands and the Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers into play on nearly every hole. Sunriver Resort’s Meadow Course, which was designed by architect John Fought, offers resort golf at its finest. Meanwhile, the Woodlands Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is shaped by an evergreen forest and is as challenging as it is beautiful. Or perfect the family’s swings at the Links at Caldera, a nine-hole course that makes golf accessible to all. When you’re done, visit SHARC or the Cove Aquatic Center, both of which have slides and lazy rivers perfect for relaxing. Gray’s Trail is open to members, pass holders, and guests, while the other courses are available for club members and resort guests.
Black Butte Ranch is another pioneering Central Oregon destination resort. Set just 8 miles northwest of Sisters, Black Butte Ranch’s 36 holes of championship golf will challenge and delight golfers of any skill level. Distinctly different in character and feel, the John Fought-redesigned Glaze Meadow and Robert Muir Graves-designed Big Meadow each offer a unique interpretation of mountain golf, each showcasing the inherent beauty of Central Oregon and the Cascade Range as they wind through towering ponderosa pines and aspen groves. Meanwhile, the Little Meadow putting course, which opened in 2020, has quickly become a favorite for families and friends searching for the perfect sun-drenched Central Oregon activity for everyone to enjoy. All in one of the most amenity-rich resorts — including a new $20 million Lodge that opened in 2023 — in Central Oregon.
Juniper Preserve offers plenty of game, too. Juniper Preserve is home to 36 holes of championship golf. Its public offering, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Pronghorn Club, is on Golf Digest’s Top 100, too. Designed by its legendary namesake, the Nicklaus Course is shaped by dramatic lava outcropping and weaves through an ancient juniper forest. The High Desert landscape is stunning, and the conditions are always pristine. This is Central Oregon golf at its finest. For an ultimate stay-and-play experience, stay at Juniper Preserve’s Juniper Lodge, which combines wellness and golf in a way that will leave you relaxed and playing your best.
With Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte and Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, also, you won’t have trouble finding an unforgettable resort golf experience in Central Oregon.
Top Public Golf Courses in Central Oregon
Central Oregon’s public golf courses are just as stunning as its private and resort golf courses, offering a remarkable value for any golfer.
In Sisters, Aspen Lakes Golf Course combines stunning views of the Three Sisters with one of the most picturesque oddities in Central Oregon — red sand bunkers. Juniper Golf Course in Redmond is ranked among the finest municipal golf courses in the Pacific Northwest. Or head south to Quail Run Golf Course in La Pine, a hidden gem with some of the most affordable greens fees in the region but with the conditioning of a course that costs twice the rate.
And just when you think you’ve seen all Central Oregon golf can offer, you’ll discover the area’s disc golf options — no clubs necessary. Try the course at Pine Nursery Park, which is tucked among the ponderosa pines of northeast Bend. Or get an elevation workout with a summer visit to Mt. Bachelor’s disc golf course, which will have you hoofing up the side of a dormant volcano — a good incentive to carefully place your shots!