Three-Day Bend Trip in May (Suggestions?)

[tbhuskie8]

Hi everyone,

 

My buddy and I are coming to Bend May 9th-11th to stay at the Riverhouse Inn (directly next to River's Edge Golf Course) and to play some fun courses and do some brewery tours. We're both scratch golfers and our goal is to play some fun, challenging courses - on a budget. We originally planned on fitting in Tetherow but decided against it due to the cost. Pronghorn and Brasada were the others we were looking at but again, cost. Ultimately, we want to play some of Bend's best without breaking the bank.

 

What do you guys think of this itinerary? Any suggestions/changes?

 

May 9th:

 

- Drive down from Seattle then play 36 at Eagle Crest Challenge course

 

May 10th:

 

- Play an a.m. round at either River's Edge or Widgi Creek

- Play an afternoon round at Juniper

 

May 11th:

 

- Stop at Aspen Lakes on the way home for an a.m. 18

 

 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks, everyone!

[VinceFurnier]

I think you have a great plan, I like all of those courses. I would recommend playing Tokatee on your way home. Gorgeous track and a lot of fun.

[tbhuskie8]

Tokatee looks pretty sweet.

For those who've played both courses, which would be a better choice: River's Edge or Widgi Creek?

[VinceFurnier]

I haven't played Widgi in years and I only played there twice. All I really remember about it were really long Par 5s (over 600!) and slow play. Rivers Edge is a little bit goofy, and a little rollercoaster-ish, if that makes sense. Both decent courses. I would probably choose Rivers Edge especially if I was staying there.

[DeNinny]

On your list I've played Juniper and Aspen Lakes. You will be fine with both of them. Juniper is the best "bang for your buck" course down there in the entire area and is the most challenging. Aspen Lakes is just so unique with the red bunkers and has great backdrop views. Both are must plays for first timers in the area.

If you come in from Hwy 26 to the north you could hit Ka Nee Tah or Crooked River Ranch, which are both in the affordable range. Crooked River Ranch has some awesome views too. Neither are on the level of Juniper or Aspen but they are fun for the price. If the wind is howling, Crooked will be a good test for a scratch golfer.

Tokatee is a gem but you could also consider the Black Butte courses. I think they just renovated the Glaze Meadow course. Tokatee is a better value but is also a little more out of the way on the way home.

[tbhuskie8]

Glaze Meadow is right on the way home so we may do that instead of Aspen Lakes . I just read through several reviews of Glaze Meadow and looks like it would be a pretty memorable experience - and a few bucks cheaper than Aspen.

So everyone, how does the new Glaze Meadow stack up to Aspen Lakes?

[poizster]

[quote name='tbhuskie8' timestamp='1360490966' post='6398625']
Glaze Meadow is right on the way home so we may do that instead of Aspen Lakes . I just read through several reviews of Glaze Meadow and looks like it would be a pretty memorable experience - and a few bucks cheaper than Aspen.

So everyone, how does the new Glaze Meadow stack up to Aspen Lakes?
[/quote]

Aspen lakes and Glaze Meadow are two of my favorites in Bend, you really need to play them both. I know that probably doesn't help much. Also I would skip Rivers Edge all together, as someone mentioned it's a really quirky course, I didn't like it. I haven't played [color=#282828]Widgi[/color] Creek but Lost Tracks is another great course for a golfer on a budget.

[DeNinny]

Choosing between Glaze and Aspen is like choosing between a hot blonde and a hot redhead. You're gonna have a great time at either. Just make sure the one you choose is not under some kind of maintenance. LOL choose the low maintenance one.

[poizster]

[quote name='DeNinny' timestamp='1360515572' post='6399845']
Choosing between Glaze and Aspen is like choosing between a hot blonde and a hot redhead. You're gonna have a great time at either. Just make sure the one you choose is not under some kind of maintenance. LOL choose the low maintenance one.
[/quote]

Aspen would be the hot redhead, hence the red bunkers. Hot blondes are a dime a dozen, hot redheads on the other hand.... those are hard to find and when you do you better take advantage of it!

I vote for Aspen!

[tbhuskie8]

Well I do like me a good redhead (brilliant analogy, DeNinny!).

I think I'll take out Eagle Crest so we can hit up Aspen Lakes on the way down and Glaze Meadow on the way back.

Boom!

[poizster]

[quote name='tbhuskie8' timestamp='1360545495' post='6402755']
Well I do like me a good redhead (brilliant analogy, DeNinny!).

I think I'll take out Eagle Crest so we can hit up Aspen Lakes on the way down and Glaze Meadow on the way back.

Boom!
[/quote]

Perfect plan. You'll love Aspen.

[tbhuskie8]

Here's the updated itinerary:

[u][b]May 9th[/b][/u][color=#282828]: [/color]

[color=#282828] - Drive down from Seattle then play 2 p.m. twilight at [/color][b][i]Aspen Lakes [/i][/b]

[u][b]May 10th[/b][/u][color=#282828]: [/color]

[color=#282828] - 7 a.m. at [i][b]Lost Tracks[/b][/i][/color]
[color=#282828] - 2 p.m. twilight at [/color][i][b]Juniper[/b][/i]

[u][b]May 11th[/b][/u][color=#282828]: [/color]

[color=#282828] - 8 a.m. at [i][b]Glaze Meadow GC [/b][/i]on the way home [/color]


Four rounds for under $200. Not bad for experiencing some of best golf in Bend


[color=#282828]Thanks to everyone for the input![/color]

[poizster]

[quote name='tbhuskie8' timestamp='1360547695' post='6403091']
Here's the updated itinerary:

[u][b]May 9th[/b][/u][color=#282828]: [/color]

[color=#282828] - Drive down from Seattle then play 2 p.m. twilight at [/color][b][i]Aspen Lakes [/i][/b]

[u][b]May 10th[/b][/u][color=#282828]: [/color]

[color=#282828] - 7 a.m. at [i][b]Lost Tracks[/b][/i][/color]
[color=#282828] - 2 p.m. twilight at [/color][i][b]Juniper[/b][/i]

[u][b]May 11th[/b][/u][color=#282828]: [/color]

[color=#282828] - 8 a.m. at [i][b]Glaze Meadow GC [/b][/i]on the way home [/color]


Four rounds for under $200. Not bad for experiencing some of best golf in Bend


[color=#282828]Thanks to everyone for the input![/color]
[/quote]

Looks like a great plan. At some point you'll have to go back and play tetherow, brasada, & pronghorn. Every time I visit Bend it makes me question why I don't live there. One day..

[DeNinny]

Ah Pronghorn, that would be on the level of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model...I hit the Nicklaus course once and loved it!

tbhuskie8 you have a good plan. The real issue is when you want to come back again and then have to decide to go back to some courses or try new ones.

[poizster]

[quote name='DeNinny' timestamp='1360551838' post='6403621']
Ah Pronghorn, that would be on the level of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model...I hit the Nicklaus course once and loved it!

tbhuskie8 you have a good plan. [b]The real issue is when you want to come back again and then have to decide to go back to some courses or try new ones.[/b]
[/quote]

Haha that is so true, Aspen is always a constant for me. Whenever I'm in Bend I have to play that course.

[fore_life]

I played juniper and aspenn last June, aspen lakes is one of my favorite tracks I've played. I was first out played solo and it was just the perfect day.

Ps hit up boneyard brewery in bend, that was my favorite and we hit em all. The hop venom dipa is incredible.

[tbhuskie8]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1360552436' post='6403705']
I played juniper and aspenn last June, aspen lakes is one of my favorite tracks I've played. I was first out played solo and it was just the perfect day.

Ps hit up boneyard brewery in bend, that was my favorite and we hit em all. The hop venom dipa is incredible.
[/quote]

We're planning on Deshutes and a few other local breweries. Boneyard has been added to the list!

Next time we come to Bend no expense will be spared.

[VinceFurnier]

[quote name='tbhuskie8' timestamp='1360557987' post='6404337']
[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1360552436' post='6403705']
I played juniper and aspenn last June, aspen lakes is one of my favorite tracks I've played. I was first out played solo and it was just the perfect day.

Ps hit up boneyard brewery in bend, that was my favorite and we hit em all. The hop venom dipa is incredible.
[/quote]

We're planning on Deshutes and a few other local breweries. Boneyard has been added to the list!

Next time we come to Bend no expense will be spared.
[/quote]

I forgot you were going brewery hopping. I like 10 Barrel Brewing. I don't condone drinking and driving anywhere, but you should know Bend is notorious for handing out the DUIs.

[fore_life]

10 barrel was a close runner up for my favorite beers in bend.

We were there for a weekend, did a tasting at every stop on the ale trail, and bought a growler of the hop venom from boneyard. I'm dying to get back there, beautiful area, fantastic golf, yummy beer. Also, there was a cafe we went to for breakfast that I can't remember the name of, more of a diner place but the portions were huuuuuuuuge

[DeNinny]

[quote name='poizster' timestamp='1360552069' post='6403659']
[quote name='DeNinny' timestamp='1360551838' post='6403621']
Ah Pronghorn, that would be on the level of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model...I hit the Nicklaus course once and loved it!

tbhuskie8 you have a good plan. [b]The real issue is when you want to come back again and then have to decide to go back to some courses or try new ones.[/b]
[/quote]

Haha that is so true, Aspen is always a constant for me. Whenever I'm in Bend I have to play that course.
[/quote]

I can never scratch Juniper off of my list. I've skipped Aspen once but that's because eventually I will be back...

[theonlybfc]

Just my two cents, but I would probably rather play one round at Brasada instead of two other rounds if the math adds up like that. Brasada is one of my favorite courses in Bend and I have played just about all of them including both pronghorns and crosswater. Again, just my two cents.

[soregongolfer]

[quote name='tbhuskie8' timestamp='1360547695' post='6403091']
Here's the updated itinerary:

[u][b]May 9th[/b][/u][color=#282828]: [/color]

[color=#282828] - Drive down from Seattle then play 2 p.m. twilight at [/color][b][i]Aspen Lakes [/i][/b]

[u][b]May 10th[/b][/u][color=#282828]: [/color]

[color=#282828] - 7 a.m. at [i][b]Lost Tracks[/b][/i][/color]
[color=#282828] - 2 p.m. twilight at [/color][i][b]Juniper[/b][/i]

[u][b]May 11th[/b][/u][color=#282828]: [/color]

[color=#282828] - 8 a.m. at [i][b]Glaze Meadow GC [/b][/i]on the way home [/color]


Four rounds for under $200. Not bad for experiencing some of best golf in Bend


[color=#282828]Thanks to everyone for the input![/color]
[/quote]

I'll never go back to Lost Tracks. Horrible service and way too many short doglegs for my taste. I played Widgi Creek the last time I was there and I really enjoyed that course.