Central Oregon A Diverse Golf Destination Unlike Any Other

The Central Oregon Golf Trail is much more than golf with a view. But with the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, and the Three Sisters seemingly watching over every shot under bright Central Oregon skies, those views certainly leave an impression.

The majesty of Central Oregon’s geography is part of what has long made it a cradle of imaginative course designs as diverse as anywhere in the country. Here, the mountainous backdrop and evergreen forests give way to a rugged High Desert landscape with red-cinder volcanic outcroppings and juniper forest. Famed names in golf architecture like Bob Cupp Jr., Tom Fazio, John Fought, Robert Trent Jones, David McLay Kidd, and Jack Nicklaus have all painted Central Oregon’s canvas.

Central Oregon has nearly 30 courses. And its three Golf Digest 100 Greatest Public courses — Pronghorn Club’s Jack Nicklaus Course at Juniper Preserve (No. 42) east of Bend, Sunriver Resort’s Crosswater Club (No. 54), and Tetherow Resort in Bend (No. 57) — are emblematic of its diversity. The three gems are each carved from vastly different landscapes to create a golf adventure that is uniquely Central Oregon. Hidden gems like Juniper Golf Course only round out the experience.

“The first thing that struck me when I relocated from Texas to Central Oregon is just how different our great courses are from one another,” said Hunter Hidalgo, who moved from the Dallas area two years ago to take over as Tetherow’s Director of Golf. “Tetherow is a true Scottish Heathland-inspired design. But just a few minutes away, you’ll find a course framed by ponderosa pines or a striking desert links course carved from lava outcroppings. That kind of diversity is a lot of fun.

”Off the course, Central Oregon is a paradise for outdoor recreation. It’s home to nearly three dozen breweries, distilleries, and cideries, and a culinary scene that encompasses everything from fine dining to an eclectic food truck culture. The region’s cultural and entertainment offerings continually grow, too, including live music with top headliners.

Stunning golf resorts, including Sunriver Resort, Black Butte Ranch, Pronghorn Club at Juniper Preserve, and Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte, make for perfect basecamps.

The Golf Trail is ever-evolving, too. In 2023, Sunriver Resort completed a major bunker renovation at Crosswater and Black Butte Ranch added a $20 million main Lodge that includes one of the region’s top dining experiences.

It makes for a golf trip without compromise. And that’s what ultimately makes Central Oregon so special.

Before you make your next vacation plans, go to CentralOregonGolfTrail.com to find just what you’re looking for.