The Inside Swing

Best Golf Courses in Bend, Oregon

Bend is Central Oregon's outdoor adventure capital and home to some of the most dramatically situated golf courses in the Pacific Northwest. Volcanic rock formations, ponderosa pine forests, and Cascade Mountain views create a rugged mountain golf experience that feels worlds apart from coastal Oregon.

Our Methodology: Courses are ranked by an expert panel evaluating design quality, conditioning, challenge, aesthetics, and overall experience. Both private and public courses are considered on merit.
1

Bend, Oregon · Jack Nicklaus (2004) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,379 yards

A Jack Nicklaus Signature design at Pronghorn Resort in the high desert east of the Cascades, this course offers panoramic views of Broken Top, the Three Sisters, and Mount Bachelor. The championship layout traverses juniper-studded lava terrain with pristine conditioning at 3,400 feet elevation.

Jack Nicklaus Signature high desert designPanoramic Cascade volcano viewsJuniper and lava terrain at 3,400 feet
Green Fee: $150–$275 Rating: 4.7/5
2

Bend, Oregon · David McLay Kidd (2008) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,298 yards

David McLay Kidd's Scottish links-inspired design on volcanic soil above Bend features firm, fast fescue conditions with panoramic views of Broken Top, South Sister, and Mount Bachelor. The windswept layout rewards creativity and ground-game play uncommon in the Pacific Northwest.

David McLay Kidd Scottish links styleFirm fescue conditions on volcanic soilPanoramic Cascade volcano views from every hole
Green Fee: $100–$200 Rating: 4.6/5
3

Sunriver, Oregon · Bob Cupp (1995) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,693 yards

Part of Sunriver Resort south of Bend, Crosswater is a Bob Cupp design that plays through meadow, marshland, and along the Deschutes and Little Deschutes rivers. At 7,693 yards from the tips, it is one of the longest resort courses in the Pacific Northwest with Cascade Mountain views throughout.

7,693-yard routing along two riversSunriver Resort south of BendCascade Mountain panoramic backdrop
Green Fee: $125–$225 Rating: 4.6/5
4

Powell Butte, Oregon · Peter Jacobsen & Jim Hardy (2007) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,295 yards

A Jacobsen-Hardy design at Brasada Ranch Resort east of Bend, this high desert course features dramatic canyon drops and panoramic views of eight Cascade peaks. The layout traverses juniper-studded rimrock terrain with 300-foot elevation changes that create some of the most dramatic holes in Oregon.

Views of eight Cascade peaks300-foot elevation changes through canyonsJacobsen-Hardy high desert design
Green Fee: $80–$160 Rating: 4.4/5
5

Bend, Oregon · Gene Bunny Mason (1993) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,019 yards

A private club on the west side of Bend, Awbrey Glen winds through ponderosa pine forest with views of the Deschutes River canyon and Cascade peaks. The layout features natural lava rock outcroppings, native vegetation, and a peaceful forested setting that captures the essence of Central Oregon golf.

Ponderosa pine forest settingDeschutes River canyon and Cascade viewsNatural lava rock outcroppings
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.4/5
6

Sunriver, Oregon · John Fought (1999) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 7,012 yards

A John Fought redesign at Sunriver Resort, the Meadows Course offers an accessible mountain resort experience through meadow and pine forest terrain. The layout features views of Mount Bachelor and the surrounding Cascades, with strategic water hazards and well-conditioned bent grass surfaces.

John Fought redesign at Sunriver ResortMount Bachelor and Cascade viewsAccessible mountain resort golf
Green Fee: $60–$120 Rating: 4.2/5
7

Redmond, Oregon · Gene Bunny Mason (1952) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,568 yards

A classic high desert public course in Redmond, Juniper Golf Club has served Central Oregon golfers since 1952. The layout through juniper trees and desert terrain offers panoramic Cascade views, affordable pricing, and a welcoming community atmosphere that embodies small-town Oregon golf.

Classic high desert public course since 1952Affordable Central Oregon golfPanoramic Cascade Mountain views
Green Fee: $35–$65 Rating: 4.1/5
8

Bend, Oregon · Tom Fazio (2007) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,464 yards

The private companion to Pronghorn's Nicklaus Course, Tom Fazio's design is the longer of the two at 7,464 yards through high desert terrain. The bold Fazio shaping through juniper and lava rock with Cascade volcano views creates one of the most dramatic private club experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

Tom Fazio 7,464-yard high desert designCompanion to Nicklaus Course at PronghornBold shaping through juniper and lava rock
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.5/5
9

Bend, Oregon · David McLay Kidd (2008) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,298 yards

A David McLay Kidd design on the southwest edge of Bend, Tetherow is a Scottish-influenced links course set against a dramatic Cascade Mountain backdrop. The windswept layout through native juniper and volcanic terrain features firm-and-fast conditions, massive greens, and sweeping Broken Top and South Sister views.

David McLay Kidd Scottish links-style designFirm-and-fast volcanic terrainSweeping Cascade volcano panoramic views
Green Fee: $100–$195 Rating: 4.5/5
10

Bend, Oregon · Brian Whitcomb (1996) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,003 yards

A Brian Whitcomb design on the south side of Bend, Lost Tracks offers accessible public golf through ponderosa pine forest with Cascade Mountain views. The straightforward layout provides a welcoming experience for all skill levels while the mountain scenery and pine-scented air elevate the round.

Accessible public golf in south BendPonderosa pine forest with Cascade viewsWelcoming layout for all skill levels
Green Fee: $35–$70 Rating: 4/5
11

Redmond, Oregon · John Thronson (1992) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,927 yards

Located at Eagle Crest Resort near Redmond, the Ridge Course features a high desert layout through juniper-studded terrain with expansive views of the Cascade Range. The John Thronson design offers resort-caliber golf with rolling terrain, lava rock features, and Central Oregon's characteristic dry, sunny conditions.

High desert resort golf near RedmondExpansive Cascade Range panoramic viewsJuniper and lava rock terrain features
Green Fee: $45–$90 Rating: 4.1/5

Public Courses in Bend

Looking for courses you can play without a membership? See our complete guide to public courses in Bend .

Overview

Central Oregon's golf scene revolves around Bend's resort corridor. Pronghorn Resort offers two championship courses (Nicklaus and Fazio designs), while Tetherow Golf Club provides a daring David McLay Kidd links-style layout with Cascade Mountain panoramas. Crosswater at Sunriver, carved through wetlands and old-growth forest along the Deschutes River, and Brasada Ranch's Peter Jacobsen design add further depth. The region's 300 days of sunshine and high-desert climate make for ideal summer golf.

Best Time to Play

June through September is the prime golf season in Bend. The high-desert climate delivers warm, sunny days with low humidity and cool evenings. At 3,600 feet elevation, summer temperatures are pleasant (70s-80s). Most courses close or reduce operations from November through April due to snow.

Travel Tips & Getting There

Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is the closest commercial airport, 20 minutes north of Bend, with service from several major carriers. Portland (PDX) is 3 hours northwest. Bend's craft brewery scene is nationally recognized — pair your golf with visits to Deschutes Brewery, Boneyard, and 10 Barrel.

Nearest Airport: Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best golf course in Bend?
Tetherow Golf Club, a bold David McLay Kidd design, is consistently rated the best course in the Bend area. Its links-inspired layout with volcanic rock features and sweeping Cascade Mountain views offers a truly unique experience.
Can you play Pronghorn as a visitor?
Yes, Pronghorn Resort allows resort guests to book tee times on both the Nicklaus and Fazio courses. Overnight packages that include golf and accommodations offer the best value and access.
When do Bend golf courses open for the season?
Most Bend-area courses open in late April or early May, weather permitting. Peak season runs June through September. Some courses extend into October, but snow can arrive as early as late October at this elevation.

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