Bend, OR Trip

[Golferpaul]

On 1/9/2022 at 3:38 PM, mallrat said:

Also the only course I haven’t played up there, which multiple friends say is the best is Brasada Ranch. 
 

 

We played Brasada on our trip last September and it was wonderful.  Very interesting layout and in very good condition.

Edited January 23, 2022 by Golferpaul

[garneson]

How did you get tee times at Crosswater and Brasada without staying at those resorts?

[Golferpaul]

18 hours ago, garneson said:

How did you get tee times at Crosswater and Brasada without staying at those resorts?

We rented two houses at Tetherow, and they were able to get all eight of us on.

[mallrat]

Not sure about Brasada but Crosswater is normally not a problem if someone is a member somewhere and the head pro calls for you. 

[pb_n_joe]

Great intel in this thread - super helpful as I plan my trip to Bend next week. I'm planning to play Pronghorn (Nicklaus) and one or two of the Sunriver / Crosswater courses, but I'm torn on Tetherow. I am staying at the Tetherow hotel for two nights, so naturally I would expect to play it once. But the mixed reviews here give me pause, especially at $220 for resort guests (no twilight rate).

 

For those of you who have played Tetherow - is it worth playing AT THIS PRICE (not sure if this is higher than historical rates) or should I play some of the value courses nearby instead (e.g. Widgi Creek, Juniper)?

[kaschreiber]

In my mind, yes - I love the course and especially if it's something you're not going to get another crack at anytime soon. I'd rather walk off a course like that and say "that wasn't worth it" then look back in two years and wish I had played it when I got the chance, personally. 

[Golferpaul]

1 hour ago, pb_n_joe said:

Great intel in this thread - super helpful as I plan my trip to Bend next week. I'm planning to play Pronghorn (Nicklaus) and one or two of the Sunriver / Crosswater courses, but I'm torn on Tetherow. I am staying at the Tetherow hotel for two nights, so naturally I would expect to play it once. But the mixed reviews here give me pause, especially at $220 for resort guests (no twilight rate).

 

For those of you who have played Tetherow - is it worth playing AT THIS PRICE (not sure if this is higher than historical rates) or should I play some of the value courses nearby instead (e.g. Widgi Creek, Juniper)?

We also stayed at Tetherow. In the four bedroom houses.  The houses are wonderful.

 

But our group of eight ranked Tetherow fourth or fifth among the five courses we played. 

 

I suggest you play it once and form your own opinion.  I'm sure somebody likes the course (at least the architect Kidd does).

 

These others were clearly enjoyed more than Tetherow;

Pronghorn Nicklaus

Brasada

Sunriver Crosswater

Pronghorn Fazio

[Seamus_MacDuff]

4 hours ago, pb_n_joe said:

For those of you who have played Tetherow - is it worth playing AT THIS PRICE (not sure if this is higher than historical rates) or should I play some of the value courses nearby instead (e.g. Widgi Creek, Juniper)?

Yes, it's worth dropping the coin and playing Tetherow, especially if you're a good stick and won't get beat up by the difficulty of the course.  I actually like the course a lot, but understand why many don't.  It's a David Kidd design from that phase in his career when he was building tough courses with difficult greens. 

 

It still rates #82 on Golf Digest's Top 100 Public list, and having played about 40% of that list, I think that's pretty accurate.  Both Pronghorn courses and Crosswater are better, but in my opinion Tetherow is far better than Brasada, Juniper, Widgi Creek, or any of the other options mentioned previously in this thread.  Just my opinion.....looking forward to hearing yours if you choose to play it.

[puttnforthe8]

20 minutes ago, Seamus_MacDuff said:

Yes, it's worth dropping the coin and playing Tetherow, especially if you're a good stick and won't get beat up by the difficulty of the course.  I actually like the course a lot, but understand why many don't.  It's a David Kidd design from that phase in his career when he was building tough courses with difficult greens. 

 

It still rates #82 on Golf Digest's Top 100 Public list, and having played about 40% of that list, I think that's pretty accurate.  Both Pronghorn courses and Crosswater are better, but in my opinion Tetherow is far better than Brasada, Juniper, Widgi Creek, or any of the other options mentioned previously in this thread.  Just my opinion.....looking forward to hearing yours if you choose to play it.

 

Woah big  @Seamus_MacDuff 🙂 😉  JK!  

 

I have a 180 take from Seamus.  I do not think it is worth $220.  I have played it since the time it was a third the price and that was borderline.  And imo Teth doesn't hold a candle to Brasada on so many level.   Teth is a roller coaster disguised as a golf course.  Even if you are a good player (I'm a 4), it is a bad play - you are often penalized for good shots.  It is one of those courses that in order to enjoy it, you need to play it a lot.  You need to know where to hit virtually every single shot, otherwise you are going to mutter WTF a lot!!!  

 

For a 1st time visitor, Brasada is way better; and I would put Widgi, Juniper and even Aspen Lakes ahead for a 1st timer.

 

 

[kaschreiber]

Does anyone know if a we could have our pro call to get us onto Brasada? Going with 12 guys in late Sept / early Oct. We finish our trip at Aspen Lakes, but thinking of hot-routing now and moving our Sunday AM round to Brasada if doable. We play Juniper when we arrive, Prongorn Nicklaus / Faz, Tetherow 36, Aspen Lakes. We got a massive airbnb house so don't have lodging on a course to have us try and get on. 

[puttnforthe8]

2 minutes ago, kaschreiber said:

Does anyone know if a we could have our pro call to get us onto Brasada? Going with 12 guys in late Sept / early Oct. We finish our trip at Aspen Lakes, but thinking of hot-routing now and moving our Sunday AM round to Brasada if doable. We play Juniper when we arrive, Prongorn Nicklaus / Faz, Tetherow 36, Aspen Lakes. We got a massive airbnb house so don't have lodging on a course to have us try and get on. 

 

You prob should call them directly.  I recall shortly before covid, might have even been a change for 2019 forward was that the only way on was stay and play (outside of members guests).

 

[kaschreiber]

24 minutes ago, puttnforthe8 said:

 

You prob should call them directly.  I recall shortly before covid, might have even been a change for 2019 forward was that the only way on was stay and play (outside of members guests).

 

thanks. thats what I had thought as well, I'll see if I can give them a call 

[spud3]

1 hour ago, puttnforthe8 said:

 

Woah big  @Seamus_MacDuff 🙂 😉  JK!  

 

I have a 180 take from Seamus.  I do not think it is worth $220.  I have played it since the time it was a third the price and that was borderline.  And imo Teth doesn't hold a candle to Brasada on so many level.   Teth is a roller coaster disguised as a golf course.  Even if you are a good player (I'm a 4), it is a bad play - you are often penalized for good shots.  It is one of those courses that in order to enjoy it, you need to play it a lot.  You need to know where to hit virtually every single shot, otherwise you are going to mutter WTF a lot!!!  

 

For a 1st time visitor, Brasada is way better; and I would put Widgi, Juniper and even Aspen Lakes ahead for a 1st timer.

 

 

My only advice for playing Tetherow is to take a lot of balls...

[Wardonation]

Tetherow is so bad not even funny. Kidd has said it was the worst course he has ever done and I sure hope so. Green are slow and several of them you cannot two putt period. In some spots you cannot keep the ball on the green with a putter.

[mallrat]

I think Tetherow is a tale of two courses. I love the layout and hole designs (except 15 I think), a tough challenge but can be played well, tee to green complex it is great.  Ow the green complexes on the other hand are horrible. Literally the worst I’ve ever seen. As said above, there are some greens where 3 putt is good and if you are above the hole you have no chance. 
 

I think it’s a must play to experience but don’t expect the course to be right in front of you, what you see is not what you get. 

[Golferpaul]

23 hours ago, kaschreiber said:

Does anyone know if a we could have our pro call to get us onto Brasada? 

It's worth a try.  Brasada is a wonderful course.  We got on by staying at the Tetherow houses and their guy got us on.

[Golferpaul]

23 hours ago, Seamus_MacDuff said:

It still rates #82 on Golf Digest's Top 100 Public list, and having played about 40% of that list, I think that's pretty accurate.  Both Pronghorn courses and Crosswater are better, but in my opinion Tetherow is far better than Brasada, Juniper, Widgi Creek, or any of the other options mentioned previously in this thread.  Just my opinion.....looking forward to hearing yours if you choose to play it.

The GD top 100 list is highly influenced by the architect.  Any course that has "Crenshaw", or "Kidd", or "Doak", or "Hanse" automatically gets a higher rating.  Just my observation.

[Golferpaul]

21 hours ago, Wardonation said:

Tetherow is so bad not even funny. Kidd has said it was the worst course he has ever done and I sure hope so. Green are slow and several of them you cannot two putt period. In some spots you cannot keep the ball on the green with a putter.

And then there are those small mounds of tall grass right in the middle of the fairway.  Strange.

[spud3]

A former Tetherow member just posted this regarding playing there.  I think it's spot on.

 

 

[Wardonation]

13 hours ago, spud3 said:

A former Tetherow member just posted this regarding playing there.  I think it's spot on.

 

 

I lived in Bend for 25 years and I am saying the best courses are in this order...

 

1 Bend Golf Club

 

2 Fazio (Pronghorn)

 

3 Crosswater

 

4 Brasada

 

5 Black Butte (either one)

 

6 Aspen Lakes (if it is in good shape)

[mallrat]

10 hours ago, Wardonation said:

I lived in Bend for 25 years and I am saying the best courses are in this order...

 

1 Bend Golf Club

 

2 Fazio (Pronghorn)

 

3 Crosswater

 

4 Brasada

 

5 Black Butte (either one)

 

6 Aspen Lakes (if it is in good shape)

Honest question,

 

when is the last time you saw Aspen in good shape, not trying to be a smart a55. Played it 2 years after it opened and it was great, played it 3 times since and conditions have been worse each time. Was told the other day that they are doing a good job there now

[Wardonation]

22 minutes ago, mallrat said:

Honest question,

 

when is the last time you saw Aspen in good shape, not trying to be a smart a55. Played it 2 years after it opened and it was great, played it 3 times since and conditions have been worse each time. Was told the other day that they are doing a good job there now

It has been long time, I was a member at Bend for years and never got out there much... The layout was great but the farmers let it go, sad really...

[garneson]

Any other courses worth a sub out of the courses below? I’m trying to keep it close to Bend and staying near downtown. 

Juniper

Widgi

Tetherow

Pronghorn (Nicholas)

 

I’ve tried calling Brasada and it didn't sound like they would welcome no guests/members. I’m sure Crosswater is the same. 

[Jeff58]

51 minutes ago, garneson said:

Any other courses worth a sub out of the courses below? I’m trying to keep it close to Bend and staying near downtown. 

Juniper

Widgi

Tetherow

Pronghorn (Nicholas)

 

I’ve tried calling Brasada and it didn't sound like they would welcome no guests/members. I’m sure Crosswater is the same. 

 

Eagle Crest’s Ridge Course. Often overlooked and I don’t know why. Eagle Crest also has an interesting short course and a putting course if you have family who might be interested.

 

 

[kaschreiber]

I'm going to disagree with @Jeff58 on Eagle's Crest, although I don't have anything else to add to your original list. I did my bachelor party in Bend and a handful of us went down early and stayed at Eagle's Crest and played both the Ridge and Resort courses. The short course and the putting course were fun, but would play all of the courses you have listed above (I haven't played Widgi) 10/10 times over either Eagle's Crest course, personally. 

[Jeff58]

3 hours ago, kaschreiber said:

I'm going to disagree with @Jeff58 on Eagle's Crest, although I don't have anything else to add to your original list. I did my bachelor party in Bend and a handful of us went down early and stayed at Eagle's Crest and played both the Ridge and Resort courses. The short course and the putting course were fun, but would play all of the courses you have listed above (I haven't played Widgi) 10/10 times over either Eagle's Crest course, personally. 

The choices were limited to the Bend vicinity, which is unfortunately limiting IMO. The other excellent courses are of the Black Butte, Sun River, Quail Run distance, which apparently counted them out.

The other “close” public alternatives are Lost Tracks, River’s Edge, The Greens at Redmond, and the Old Back Nine. I would think that if you had played them you would have found the Eagle Crest courses grossly better, as well as (oddly) not much more expensive.

Edited May 27, 2022 by Jeff58

[kaschreiber]

52 minutes ago, Jeff58 said:

The choices were limited to the Bend vicinity, which is unfortunately limiting IMO. The other excellent courses are of the Black Butte, Sun River, Quail Run distance, which apparently counted them out.

The other “close” public alternatives are Lost Tracks, River’s Edge, The Greens at Redmond, and the Old Back Nine. I would think that if you had played them you would have found the Eagle Crest courses grossly better, as well as (oddly) not much more expensive.

That's fair. Juniper and Tetherow are the only courses I've played in the area and playing both Pronghorn courses and Aspen Lakes in the fall. Haven't played any of the courses you mentioned, so could see that. May have came off as harsh on Eagle's Crest in totality, but meant relative to the other courses (with the exception of Widgi) I'd put them quite a bit above either of the full Eagle's Crest courses 

[pb_n_joe]

Played Pronghorn Nicklaus, Tetherow and Widgi Creek last week - enjoyed all three. Pronghorn (immaculate, fun, difficult) and Widgi (good value) don't seem too controversial, so I'll share my personal experience at Tetherow.

 

I'll start by saying I'm very glad I got paired with two members who were enthusiastic about guiding me through the course and helping me pick the right lines off the back tees. I think this makes all the difference here - I can only imagine how frustrating it would have been to play this course blind, given all the visual trickery and land contours you need to navigate.

 

That said, I had an absolute blast trying to pick apart the course - very clear risk / reward scenarios, almost every hole demands your full attention, with hardly any straightforward shots or bail outs where you can get away with a half committed swing. Tee to green is just as difficult in the air as it is on the ground, meaning you need to pick the right start line with the right shape AND catch the right slopes on the ground once the ball lands in order to end up in an ideal spot. After a couple of wayward bounces on the front 9, I threw out the notion of posting a good score, and really just embraced the process of figuring out the course on the back. I definitely agree with my playing partners, who said your first round at Tetherow is a learning experience, then you come back to shoot a good score.

 

I completely understand the mixed feedback on this course, as it is truly an emotional and physical rollercoaster, but I think that mental challenge / engagement is exactly what makes this course so highly rated. My main takeaway is that it's all about coming into a round here with the right mindset and going along for the ride.

 

Other misc. notes: great practice facility, massive ~100yd long short game area with multiple greens, greens are less jarring if you've played any of the Bandon courses before, loved the actual hotel / rooms, beautiful homes being built around the course

[Wardonation]

On 1/13/2022 at 4:55 PM, mallrat said:

One more Pronghorn note, take a cart, it’s a serious hike. There is a pretty good distance between a lot of the tees. 

Dude I bet we know each other? I am Jeff Ward...

[mallrat]

6 hours ago, Wardonation said:

Dude I bet we know each other? I am Jeff Ward...

Travis, I’m sure our paths have crossed. How’s Idaho?