Bend, OR Trip

[Jwowzer]

Hi all,

 

I'm planning a 3 day weekend to Bend in July and was looking to play golf while there. I'll have my wife in tow, so I'll only be able to play once, maybe twice if I can convince her.

 

What are the ones I need to play? I was thinking Pronghorn for sure (not sure on which course) and possibly Tetherow as my second round of possible.

 

Does anyone have any experience playing down there or opinions on the courses or if I am completely wrong in my hunt for spectacular golf?

 

The rest of the time is planned to be at a bar stool enjoying the various breweries in the area.

 

Thanks!

[ryu123]

played Pronghorn Nicklaus & Fazio, Aspen Lakes, Juniper, and Tetherow.

 

Liked the Nicklaus course and Juniper (which almost plays like a desert course).

 

Aspen Lakes was fun. The Fazio course was okay.

 

Did not like Tetherow.

 

None of these courses are 'spectacular' (if measured by Bandon or Monterey standards).

[GWD]

There is so much information on Bend here that it boggles the mind.

 

Take the time to search this forum (not Bend, but the particular courses). I even started a lengthy thread about my trip there. Much of the information was gathered from prior posts and people posting in my thread.

 

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/943849-two-trips-to-southern-oregon/page__hl__%20aspen%20%20lakes

[Jwowzer]

Thanks! I appreciate it! I had a few coworkers who went to bend for golf, so hoping to pick their brains as well.

[FourUnder]

If cost is no concern, I'd play Pronghorn Nicklaus and Tetherow. I've played all the central Oregon courses and there are lots of good ones, but those are the two public courses I'd recommend.

[jakew128]

played Pronghorn Nicklaus & Fazio, Aspen Lakes, Juniper, and Tetherow.

 

Liked the Nicklaus course and Juniper (which almost plays like a desert course).

 

Aspen Lakes was fun. The Fazio course was okay.

 

Did not like Tetherow.

 

None of these courses are 'spectacular' (if measured by Bandon or Monterey standards).

 

How did you get on the Fazio course?

[mallrat]

See I actually preferred the Fazio course over Nicklaus (my club pro got me on). Crosswater is another fun course but a bit overrated. Haven't played Tetherow yet. Even some of the cheaper less notable courses are an enjoyable day, Lost Tracks for example.

[just plain bill]

here's a vote for rivers edge! this is my 2nd trip to bend, and i only play the edge cuz it is a fantastic layout! every hole is a scenic pleasure to play!

[mallrat]

here's a vote for rivers edge! this is my 2nd trip to bend, and i only play the edge cuz it is a fantastic layout! every hole is a scenic pleasure to play!

 

Another course I was intending to mention if you don't want to spend over $175 a round.

[FourUnder]

If cost is no concern, I'd play Pronghorn Nicklaus and Tetherow. I've played all the central Oregon courses and there are lots of good ones, but those are the two public courses I'd recommend.

 

I should clarify that I was working under the assumption that Pronghorn Fazio wasn't an option since it's private and you'd need a connection to get on. I like Fazio better than Nicklaus but Nicklaus is still real good. Also was assuming Crosswater was out for the same reason and since it sounds like you aren't staying at the Sunriver lodge.

[FourUnder]

here's a vote for rivers edge! this is my 2nd trip to bend, and i only play the edge cuz it is a fantastic layout! every hole is a scenic pleasure to play!

 

Another course I was intending to mention if you don't want to spend over $175 a round.

 

Widgi Creek is a great lower cost course. Probably my favorite of the less expensive courses.

[DeNinny]

I have played Pronghorn Nicklaus and loved it. Widgi Creek is a good cheaper course.

 

Other good courses in the area but not right in Bend are Juniper (arguably the best value-for-quality course), Crooked River, Aspen Lakes, and either course at Black Butte Ranch.

 

You really can't go wrong anywhere to play golf in the Bend/Sisters/Redmond area. The golf is all good

[zzyzxx33]

Juniper was running a special a few weeks ago after 2:30pm was $30 for 18 w/ a cart and it included the weekend. I'm not sure how long it will run.

[just plain bill]

played juniper yesterday to see what the fuss was all about...while it is a nice course, i found that every hole looked the same, and pretty much played the same, which pulled down the interest a bit for me, and, of course, different strokes for different folks, etc etc etc...so now i've played rivers edge and juniper, and for a 3-4 round vacation i'd be playing rivers edge 3 of those rounds, and maybe try something different the other round...

golfnow has rivers edge at about $23 at 11:51 most days, plus cart...amazing layout, imho...

not saying juniper aint nice, it just, i dont know, lacked something, and my playing partner said the same thing...if i lived in bend and played 100 rounds a year like i do in austin, i bet 80 of those rounds would be at rivers edge...

[mallrat]

played juniper yesterday to see what the fuss was all about...while it is a nice course, i found that every hole looked the same, and pretty much played the same, which pulled down the interest a bit for me, and, of course, different strokes for different folks, etc etc etc...so now i've played rivers edge and juniper, and for a 3-4 round vacation i'd be playing rivers edge 3 of those rounds, and maybe try something different the other round...

golfnow has rivers edge at about $23 at 11:51 most days, plus cart...amazing layout, imho...

not saying juniper aint nice, it just, i dont know, lacked something, and my playing partner said the same thing...if i lived in bend and played 100 rounds a year like i do in austin, i bet 80 of those rounds would be at rivers edge...

 

After you play quite a few of the other courses I'd say Rivers Edge would drop to around 20-25 rounds

[just plain bill]

maybe. maybe not. i like what i like. lol

i've played a lot of golf over the years...played riviera, tpc scottsdale, etc etc etc....rivers edge is one of my top 15....but i like what i like! :)

[GWD]

Bill's preferences may be due to the fairly flat topography around the Austin area where he lives.

 

Thus, elevation changes are likely out of his ordinary golfing experience. River's Edge certainly is full of elevation changes so suits his visual likes.

 

He played a couple of hilly courses in the S.F. Bay Area, Hiddenbrooke and Rancho Solano, and seemed to enjoy those as well.

[zzyzxx33]

played juniper yesterday to see what the fuss was all about...while it is a nice course, i found that every hole looked the same, and pretty much played the same, which pulled down the interest a bit for me, and, of course, different strokes for different folks, etc etc etc...so now i've played rivers edge and juniper, and for a 3-4 round vacation i'd be playing rivers edge 3 of those rounds, and maybe try something different the other round...

golfnow has rivers edge at about $23 at 11:51 most days, plus cart...amazing layout, imho...

not saying juniper aint nice, it just, i dont know, lacked something, and my playing partner said the same thing...if i lived in bend and played 100 rounds a year like i do in austin, i bet 80 of those rounds would be at rivers edge...

 

I played there yesterday as well and I would not say that most holes look the same. But, to each their own.

[plutch]

My buddies and I are HUGE fans of Widgi Creek, or "The Widge" as we lovingly refer to it.

 

Fun course and a very nice price, probably the course that we play more than once when we are down in Bend.

 

We also think that Quail Run south of Sunriver is a great deal, nice little track.

[just plain bill]

Austin is hill country! I like hills!

Like I said, diff strokes for diff folks...I'll try other bend courses next trip, but rivers edge will get most of the rounds...my daughter and I have played at least 300 rounds together, and the edge is one of her favorites as well...

Have fun, y'all!

[kaschreiber]

I know this is an old thread, hoping some of the original posters are still around-

 

I'm looking at planning a trip to Bend and trying to decide between staying at Pronghorn or Sun River. The benefit of staying at Sun River being we would get on Crosswater, although some of the guys going are saying the other two courses there aren't anything special (could litigate that later). I'm trying to figure out if staying at Pronghorn allows you onto the Fazio course or if that's something you need to cross your fingers, ask your home pro to pull some strings, etc.?

 

Ignoring thoughts on the other Sun River course- does anyone know definitively if staying there gets you on the Faz? I can call and ask as well, but figured I'd try and crowd source first.

Edited September 15, 2021 by kaschreiber

[puttnforthe8]

1 hour ago, kaschreiber said:

I know this is an old thread, hoping some of the original posters are still around-

 

I'm looking at planning a trip to Bend and trying to decide between staying at Pronghorn or Sun River. The benefit of staying at Sun River being we would get on Crosswater, although some of the guys going are saying the other two courses there aren't anything special (could litigate that later). I'm trying to figure out if staying at Pronghorn allows you onto the Fazio course or if that's something you need to cross your fingers, ask your home pro to pull some strings, etc.?

 

Ignoring thoughts on the other Sun River course- does anyone know definitively if staying there gets you on the Faz? I can call and ask as well, but figured I'd try and crowd source first.

-Fazio is not incuded.  You would have to ask to get on and play in the mid afternoon if it worked out.  Plus you have to take forecaddies....so it adds a bit to the expense.

 

I would always stay at Sunriver for many reasons:  Closer to Bend w/ actual ability to catch Lyft/Uber - they won't go out to Pronghorn after certain times.   Better environment (woods vs desert); plenty to do in Sunriver. There is nothing wrong with the other courses at Sunriver.  etc etc

 

 

[mallrat]

You can get on Fazio even without staying there. Generally you will have to play Nicklaus in the AM and then ask the pro shop. It used to run $350.

 

I would stay at Sunriver 10 out of 10 times. 

[Jeff58]

19 hours ago, kaschreiber said:

I know this is an old thread, hoping some of the original posters are still around-

 

I'm looking at planning a trip to Bend and trying to decide between staying at Pronghorn or Sun River. The benefit of staying at Sun River being we would get on Crosswater, although some of the guys going are saying the other two courses there aren't anything special (could litigate that later). I'm trying to figure out if staying at Pronghorn allows you onto the Fazio course or if that's something you need to cross your fingers, ask your home pro to pull some strings, etc.?

 

Ignoring thoughts on the other Sun River course- does anyone know definitively if staying there gets you on the Faz? I can call and ask as well, but figured I'd try and crowd source first.

When are you going?

[kaschreiber]

1 hour ago, Jeff58 said:

When are you going?

2022, likely late summer/early fall.

[spud3]

That is the perfect time to go there.  I'm with mallrat - Sunriver 10/10 times.

 

And the other two courses at Sunriver are quite decent, IMO.  If your group is looking for a challenge, take a day and play Tetherow.

[Seamus_MacDuff]

Both courses at Pronghorn are good, maybe a little bit better than Crosswater, but not by much.  The Woodlands and Meadows courses at Sunriver are definitely worth playing.  I'd probably lean towards Crosswater and the Sunriver courses for the reasons that others have said above, but you can't go wrong either way.  If you're thinking fall of next year, Sunriver often runs some fantastic fall promotions where you can get lodging and unlimited golf for as low as $99 per person per night, including one round at Crosswater.  See https://www.sunriverresort.com/offers/special-offer-unlimited-golf-stay-play-package for details.

[kaschreiber]

All helpful- thanks. We'll likely try and get a hour in SR, so not sure if the stay and plays apply (looks like you need to stay in the lodge). Hit some combination of Pronghorn/Juniper/Tetherow on day of arrival and departure and the SR courses in the interim.

 

I've played Tetherow and would rather play Juniper based on value, but there are others in our group that likely want to check that off the list. Have yet to see Pronghorn but heard nothing but good things and haven't played any of the SR courses.

[Seamus_MacDuff]

You likely already know this, but to play Crosswater you need to be guest of Sunriver Resort itself.  Renting a house in Sunriver from a private party will not get you access to Crosswater.

[kaschreiber]

45 minutes ago, Seamus_MacDuff said:

You likely already know this, but to play Crosswater you need to be guest of Sunriver Resort itself.  Renting a house in Sunriver from a private party will not get you access to Crosswater.

Good call, and thanks. I remember this but it hadn't been top of mind while looking at houses. Appreciate you bringing it up!

Edited September 16, 2021 by kaschreiber