Fall Golf in Central Oregon

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Updated: October 2, 2019

For fall golf, there might not be a better place then Central Oregon. With the vast array of colors, some snowcapped peaks and typically great golf conditions, Central Oregon is a hotbed of fall golf for locals and visiting golfers as well. Here’s a look at three places you might want to check out when you are in the area:

Juniper Golf Course

There’s no doubt that Central Oregon continues to be a fantastic option for golfers looking for a great golf getaway.  When you hear golfers talk about their plans for golf in Central Oregon, the resorts in the area are typically what comes to mind.  But with so many golf courses to choose from during your golf get away, those who really know golf in Central Oregon often talk about the only resort quality golf course that is municipally owned, seconds from the airport in Redmond. If your knowledge of the Central Oregon golf market runs deep, there’s a good chance you already know about Juniper Golf Course.

Juniper Golf Club has undergone some serious changes over the years. The original Juniper Golf Club was located near the Redmond Airport and when it became too costly to keep the land, the city of Redmond began to look at other options. The able to acquire land just south of town and have Northwest architect John Harbottle design a completely new course.

The new Juniper opened in 2005 with 18 championship holes carved through the beautiful high desert landscape.  The end result is a very popular and challenging layout with consistently superior course conditions and an experience that is unusually nice for a municipal golf course.  When you consider the green fees at this municipal gem are well under $100 a round in season, you’ll be hard pressed to find greater golfing value anywhere in the region.

It’s nearly impossible to play a round of golf without gazing into the horizon at the natural beauty of the region.

Crooked River Ranch Resort

At Crooked River, the fifth hole is perhaps one of the most dynamic golf holes you will come across. There’s a great view and a tough shot. The dogleg left hole, 260-yard par-4, may not seem intimidating on the scorecard, but from the tee box it’s another story.

The Crooked River runs along the left side of the hole in a large deep canyon and the desert sits on the right side. The green can be driven, but it’s a tough shot. Any shot to the left, and you’re left looking straight down 12 stories at your ball floating away in the Crooked River.  In his book on Oregon Golf, author Paul Linnman calls the hole “the most spectacular golf hole in Oregon.”

Crooked River Ranch is a place for families. Not only is there the golf, there’s the camping, fishing and boating. There is an inviting RV park on property as well. With plenty of outdoor activities in and around the resort, a family vacation will never get boring. Long-time Director of Golf Pat Huffer has been elected into the PGA Northwest Section Hall of Fame.

Black Butte Ranch Resort

Black Butte Ranch is one of those special places that not only has plenty of family activities, but also offers two golf courses to choose from.

With the Big Meadow and Glaze Meadow golf courses, Black Butte is a golfer’s paradise. Each course is providing a different, yet challenging golf experience and both are worth the trip to Central Oregon.

Big Meadow underwent a bunker renovation several years ago. With the new and remodeled bunkers, the course became even more challenging.   

For years, many golfers have considered Glaze Meadow Golf Course at Black Butte Ranch to be the most iconic in Central Oregon. When the course reopened in 2012, after being closed for a year, for an extensive $3.75 million renovation by architect John Fought, golfers were treated to an experience unlike anything else in Central Oregon. Featuring slightly elevated greens, square tee boxes and deep grass-faced bunkers, the new Glaze Meadow reflects the spirit of classic golf course design in a true mountain setting. 

There are plenty of rental options plus a fitness and spa make for even more off the course activities. Check their website for other off-course activities that are available to guests.