Best Golf Courses in Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon, has firmly established itself as one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier golf destinations. With its high desert climate, more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and stunning Cascade Mountain backdrops, it’s no surprise golfers from around the country flock to this Central Oregon town. Bend offers a wide range of golfing experiences, from luxurious private clubs to publicly accessible masterpieces designed by some of the most notable architects in the game. This article explores the best golf courses in and around Bend, highlighting what makes each one a standout in this golfer’s paradise.

Located just minutes from downtown Bend, Tetherow Golf Club offers a distinctly modern experience set against the eastern flanks of the Cascade Mountains. Designed by David McLay Kidd, this 18-hole championship course is known for its rugged beauty, fast-running fescue fairways, and strategic complexity. Tetherow is semi-private, offering public tee times while maintaining a club-like atmosphere, and it’s frequently ranked among the top courses in Oregon. The course’s design encourages creative shot-making, with risk-reward options on nearly every hole.

The Nicklaus Course at Pronghorn Club, located about 20 minutes northeast of Bend, is a private layout that allows limited public access through resort stays. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course delivers a polished, meticulously maintained golfing experience with panoramic mountain views and dramatic lava rock outcroppings woven into the design. The fairways are generous, but the approach shots demand precision, especially around the firm, fast greens. One of its signature holes is the par-3 8th, framed by ancient rock formations and desert vegetation. Pronghorn's luxury amenities further enhance the overall experience, making it a bucket-list destination for serious golfers.

Broken Top Club, a private golf community west of downtown Bend, features a championship course crafted by the renowned duo Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. This layout combines traditional design principles with innovative elements, offering tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and undulating greens that reward thoughtful play. Though private, Broken Top allows a limited number of reciprocal rounds and event access. Its scenic alpine setting, with views of the Three Sisters peaks, makes it one of the most visually appealing courses in Central Oregon.

Widgi Creek Golf Club is a favorite among local players thanks to its accessibility, affordability, and forested beauty. Designed by Robert Muir Graves, this public course is set among towering pines and features tight fairways that reward accuracy over distance. At over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, it can be a formidable test, though it offers multiple tee boxes for players of all abilities. Its walkability and friendly atmosphere make it ideal for both casual rounds and serious competition. The course’s proximity to the Deschutes River Trail also makes it a convenient spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Crosswater Club at Sunriver Resort, located about 20 minutes south of Bend, is consistently rated among the top 100 courses in the United States. Designed by Bob Cupp, this 7,683-yard championship course sits on 600 acres of woodlands and wetlands, intersected by the Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers. The course’s design emphasizes environmental stewardship, and it’s an Audubon Sanctuary, making it as peaceful as it is challenging. Though Crosswater is technically a private course, guests of Sunriver Resort can access tee times, offering a rare opportunity to experience world-class golf in a truly spectacular setting.

Also located at Sunriver Resort are the Meadows and Woodlands Courses, both open to the public and suitable for a range of skill levels. The Meadows Course, designed by John Fought, features expansive fairways and scenic views along the Sun River. It’s a strategic layout that favors shot placement and course management. Meanwhile, the Woodlands Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., offers a more challenging experience with tighter fairways, water hazards, and fast greens. Both courses complement the resort’s amenities and provide enjoyable rounds amid classic Central Oregon landscapes.

Established in 1925, Bend Golf Club is one of the oldest courses in the region and carries a deep sense of tradition. This private course is known for its parkland-style layout, mature trees, and immaculate greens. Though less dramatic in scenery than its high-desert counterparts, it offers an excellent walking experience and solid design integrity. Bend Golf Club has hosted numerous amateur and professional events, reflecting its respected standing in Oregon’s golf community. Its practice facilities and year-round conditioning make it a dependable choice for serious players.

Lost Tracks Golf Club offers one of the most imaginative and memorable public golf experiences in Bend. Designed by Brian Whitcomb, this course is situated among pines and wetlands and features creative elements like a railcar-themed footbridge to an island green on the par-3 16th hole. It’s a course that combines solid architectural design with visual flair. The rolling terrain, abundant water features, and welcoming environment make it a must-play for visitors seeking variety. With reasonable rates and excellent conditioning, it appeals to golfers of all skill levels.

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