With over two dozen golf courses to choose from, Bend, Oregon is ranked among the top 50 golfing destinations in the world. With more sunny days than not, Bend has more than enough great weather for taking advantage of the numerous courses in the area. The following are only some of the best golf courses in Bend:
Pronghorn Resort - Jack Nicklaus Signature Course
The Pronghorn Resort is set within the picturesque Cascade Mountains and offers two golf courses, of which Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is one. Designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, this public course is perfect for players of all skill levels and puts an emphasis on strategy. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Pronghorn Resort is an 18-hole, par 72 course that sits on over 7,000 yards of the natural landscape and includes ancient lava rock ridges and beautiful views of the Cascades.
Pronghorn Resort - Tom Fazio Championship Course
The second course at Pronghorn Resort, the Tom Fazio Championship Course is also beautiful. Designed by course architect Tom Fazio, the championship course takes advantage of the 7,462 yards’ natural features. The course is hailed for its one-of-a-kind 8th hole, which features both an exposed lava tube and a 45-foot canyon. Natural beauty is also seen in the water features, fairways, and greens. With 18 holes and a par of 72, the Tom Fazio Championship Course at Pronghorn Resort is a private, members-only course that complements the public Jack Nicklaus course.
Old Back Nine
Photo courtesy of Old Back Nine
As its name suggests, Old Back Nine is a 9-hole golf course open to the public. A fairly recent build, Old Back Nine was constructed in 2009 in the Mountain High neighborhood. With a 36 par, this course is fun for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Other features of this location include picnic areas, a practice green, and a clubhouse that also offers golf merchandise. Old Back Nine allows for handicap indexes and has golf carts available. In addition to great golf, Old Back Nine has gorgeous views as a backdrop to your round.
Widgi Creek Golf Club
Photo courtesy of Widgi Creek Golf Club
Consistently rated among the “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest, Widgi Creek Golf Club is a favorite course among golfers in the Bend area. In 1995, it was also named one of the best new courses in Bend by Golf Digest. The course at Widgi Creek Golf Club is a unique and challenging experience, with a little under 7,000 yards from the back tee, and features tree-lined fairways and beautiful greens. The third hole is one of the largest par 5s in the country, clocking in at about 653 yards. Other golf amenities at Widgi Creek Golf Club include practice greens in a large practice facility that also has a natural driving range and a bunker area. With 18 holes, Widgi Creek Golf Club is a great place for players of all levels.
River’s Edge Golf Course
Also among Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play,” River’s Edge has been dubbed “Central Oregon’s Favorite Course.” Featuring 18 holes that challenge even seasoned golfers, River’s Edge is a unique golfing experience that plays off of the area’s natural beauty. River’s Edge’s par 72 course isn’t just for great golfing: it is a backdrop for beautiful scenes of the Cascade Mountains and Deschutes River. With four sets of tees at each hole, this course is perfect for golfers of all skill levels. River’s Edge Golf Course is a must-play for golfers in Bend.
Tetherow Golf Club
Photo courtesy of Tetherow Golf Club
The golf course at Tetherow Golf Club is a semi-private course that has accolades as one of the Top 10 Courses in Oregon by Golf Digest. Designed by the award-winning architect David McLay Kidd, this course is an 18-hole par 72 with incredible panoramic views of the Cascade Mountain peaks. In addition to traditional rounds of golf, Tetherow offers packages such as the Play With A Pro package, group clinics, and custom club fitting. For an interactive map and hole-by-hole view, check out this page of their website.
Broken Top Club
In the sweet spot between the Cascade Mountains and the high desert, Broken Top Club has a beautiful and challenging course designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. Featuring a blend of traditional and modern elements, the 18-hole course at Broken Top Club is a private course. With bunkers, green complexes, and more, golfers can expect a fun and challenging round that suits players of all levels. Broken Top Club also employs seasoned PGA professionals that offer one-on-one instruction to improve your game as well.
Awbrey Glen Golf Club
Awbrey Glen Golf Club is home to an 18-hole championship golf club that offers its players both fun and a challenge. With between 5,400 and 7,000 yard plays, the course at Awbrey Glen is appealing to all sorts of golfers. Some of the most beautiful features and views of this course include lava and basalt outcroppings as well as stunning views of the mountains and lakes. Awbrey Glen Golf Club also has an amazing practice facility that contains a 5-hole course that’s designed to help you perfect your swing.
If you are a golfer looking to take advantage of the area’s incredible courses and amenities, then finding your perfect piece of Bend real estate should be a pleasant experience. Joe DeHart is an experienced real estate agent in the Bend market and can help you at any step of your home search. Contact us today to begin your home buying journey.
*Header photo courtesy of Pronghorn Resort