Sunriver Resort: 63 Holes of the Best Golf in the West
Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, set within the Evergreen forests and sprawling meadow, Sunriver Resort has a reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier golfing destinations, with four award-winning golf courses — Crosswater, Meadows, Woodlands, and Caldera Links — designed to connect players of all skill levels to nature, the game, and one another.
Sunriver Resort’s courses are renowned for celebrating the natural landscape. As players traverse the courses, they are surrounded by Ponderosa pines, carefully preserved wetlands, the Deschutes River, and endless blue skies. The sight of snow-capped Mt. Bachelor in the distance and scent of fresh pine turn every swing into a captivating sensory experience.
Beyond the visual and olfactory delights, these golf courses offer players a unique way to engage with the game itself. From strategic placement of hazards to the putting-friendly T-1 bentgrass greens, every element has been carefully considered to challenge players’ abilities and stimulate their strategic thinking. Navigating the twists and turns of the fairways is a way to deepen their appreciation for the intricacies of the game.
“We take golf seriously,” says Managing Director Tom O’Shea. “Whether a first-time golfer or a returning professional, we aim to deliver a world-class experience to everyone who plays our courses.”
Golf is central to Sunriver Resort’s identity. When the resort opened in 1969, it debuted the Meadows course. Designed by John Fought, this public course begins just outside Sunriver Lodge. True to its name, the opening holes meander through lush meadows and forests. Expansive fairways make it manageable for novices, and seasoned players will enjoy more chances to take higher-risk, higher-reward shots.
The most famous of the Sunriver Resort courses, the private Crosswater Golf Course has hosted the PGA Champions Tour and the NCAA Championships among many other tournaments. Designed by celebrated architect Bob Cupp, this heathland-style course is the crown jewel of Sunriver Resort and consistently ranks in Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Courses.” Perhaps just as thrilling as a game here is the awe-inspiring setting, which boasts pristinely manicured fairways that weave across the Deschutes River.
Players looking to fine-tune their skills will want to head to Woodlands. Famed architect Robert Trend Jones Jr. designed the executive-style course for quick and challenging rounds. Ponderosa pines, sparkling water features, and meticulously maintained greens make this one of the most scenic courses in the region.
The 9-hole Caldera Links offers a family-friendly golf experience. Wide fairways, forgiving rough, and the manageable length alleviate the pressure of a championship course so players can share their love for the sport whether through a practice round with friends, a competitive tournament with fellow enthusiasts, or a bonding opportunity for multiple generations.
Sunriver Resort gives golfers and their loved ones far more reasons to visit than its golf courses, including the extraordinary dining options, a full-service spa, fitness facilities, and a full calendar of seasonal activities and cultural events. Sunriver Resort is a place where everyone can come together to relax and adventure — on or off the links.
