Bend is the most popular outdoor activity town in Oregon. Golf is definitely one of those popular outdoor activities thanks to some very well-designed golf courses. A huge factor that makes Bend such a great place to play golf is that it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. The high desert landscape, lakes, river, and ore inspiring cascade mountains paint postcard quality pictures in every direction.

Believe it or not but golf is actually almost a year-round activity here, of course it can be darn right freezing in the winter with snow on the ground but it doesn’t usually last to long. Summer’s in Bend are by far the busiest and most popular times on the golf course but golfing in the fall is pretty hard to beat.

This list of the best golf courses in Bend is designed to help golfers get an understanding of what is on offer here. If you decide to take a golf trip to Bend (which is highly recommended) you will not be disappointed. Bend is an amazing golfing destination but it’s also so much more from the endless activities, abundant wildlife, great restaurants and bars, and good old Central Oregon hospitality it is almost to good to be true.

Best Golf Courses In Bend, Oregon

Brasada Canyons Golf Course

Brasada Canyons Golf Course at Brasada Ranch is known as having the best eighteen views of any Oregon golf course. It has also been named in the top fifteen golf courses in Oregon by Golfweek. These accolades along with certain other factors such as play being reserved for members and resort guests only, and because no two-holes run next to each other it makes for an extremely private golfing experience.

The fairways are kept in pristine condition and meander through canyons which are lined with silvery-green native sagebrush. The layout of the course is great and consists of fun downhill tee shots, strategically places bunkers, and fast greens. There’s no doubt this is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable golf courses to play in Oregon, especially if you love rugged desert views.

Brasada Ranch is also far more than just a golf course, it’s designed to mimic an Old West experience right in the heart of Oregon. There is horseback riding and nice décor in the rooms, plus a full spa, live music, athletic center, fine dining, and frequent seasonal events. This is great place for a weekend getaway and staying at the resort is basically the only way of getting on the course unless invited by a member. If you stay three or more nights during the week then green fees will be waived!

Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course At Pronghorn Club

Pronghorn Club actually has two golf courses however, the Jack Nicklaus course is a crowd favorite. This is likely because it’s designed to accommodate all golfing abilities and provides a minimalist experience with a focus on the golf game itself. It combines strategy with playability, beautiful transitions, and true putting surfaces.

There are stunning ancient lava rock ridges and outcroppings intertwined with the natural landscape, cacti, sand dunes, and magnificent views of the Cascade Mountains. This is a very unique desert-style golf course indeed and a must play for any golfer visiting Bend.

Widgi Creek Golf Club

Widgi Creek Golf Club is home to a beautiful 6,900 yard golf course that makes its way through the Deschutes National Forest. Its tight and heavily tree-lined fairways and large undulating greens make for a very exciting round of golf. The third-hole is a 653 yard par 5 and one of the longest in the country.

It also features an expansive practice facility that includes two practice putting greens, a bunker area, natural grass driving range, and golf professionals to provide a variety of lesson options to fit everyone’s budget.

Widgi Creek Golf Club is a must play for golfers visiting the Bend area.

River’s Edge Golf Course

Amazing views of the Cascade Mountains and Deschutes River are the backdrop of this beautiful golf course designed by Robert Muir Graves. Conveniently located right in the middle of town makes it easily accessible for golfers visiting Bend.

The elevation changes, ponds, and the natural landscaping just add so much to this already picturesque layout. It was named as a “best place to play” by Golf Digest and “Central Oregon’s favorite golf course” by Central Oregon Magazine.

It’s also one of the only golf courses in Bend that stays open as much as possible year-round.

The clubhouse features a fully-stocked pro shop with rental clubs, family friendly restaurant and bar with a large deck overlooking the first tee and eighteenth green. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a post-golf snack or beverage while taking in the views.

Aspen Lakes Golf Course

Aspen Lakes Golf Course is a family owned facility that was established in 1996. Golf course architect William Overdorf was brought in to oversee the construction. Important natural features were identified during construction so the plans were modified to incorporate them into the golf course rather than destroy such features.

When it was time to create the bunkers, rather then hauling sand in like the other central Oregon golf courses it was decided that a more environmentally friendly approach would be taken. The owners decided that crushing red cinders that occurred naturally on the property would be crushed into sand and used in the bunkers. The deep red sand creates a visual delight and compliments the green grass, blue skies, and white snow covered mountains beautifully.

Whether you are a local or visitor to Bend, Aspen Lakes Golf Course is a great choice for a round of golf.

Awbrey Glen Golf Club

Awbrey Glen Golf Club is home to one of Bend’s best golf courses. A championship eighteen-holes that were designed by local architect Bunny Mason. Excellent views, several lakes and spectacular rock outcroppings gives a kind of beauty and uniqueness only found in a place like Central Oregon. A challenging but memorable golf course no doubt.

There is also a golf practice center with a par 3 course and driving range which is perfect for honing in your golf skills.

Awbrey Glen Golf Club is a private members club. See membership information at awbreyglen.com

Meadows Golf Course At Sunriver Resort

Meadows Golf Course is located at Sunriver Resort which is only a twenty-minute drive from Bend. This resort actually has four golf courses but Meadows is definitely a local favorite. It was designed by architect John Fought and the design is very much influenced by 1920s American courses with its aesthetic grace, while it’s dramatic use of directional and fore-bunkers serve up abundant challenges for golfers of all-abilities.

Fairways are nice and open and the greens and tee boxes are well taken care of. The breathtaking views of the mountains and scenic surroundings are something else. This is a highly respected track with various awards to its name such as being ranked in the “top ten family golf resorts” in the United States.

Where To Stay In Bend On A Golf Trip

Bend is a very popular vacation destination so booking accommodation in advance is advised. There are a variety of options here that range from camping and RV sites, motels, hotels, and resorts. No matter what your preference is Bend is sure to have something that suits your needs.

Must Do Off The golf Course Activities In Bend

• Surf The Bend River Wave
• Hike South Sister – Oregon’s Third Tallest Mountain

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