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RANDALL & LEIGHSA FRANCIS

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RANDALL & LEIGHSA FRANCIS -Brokers
RE/MAX Equity Group
(541) 419-7297 or (541) 419-2883
francis@equitygroup.com

They are nearly united in their devotion to the game, but golfers in Central Oregon are very much divided when it comes to choosing their favorite places to play.

For the second consecutive year, The Bend Bulletin newspaper conducted an online survey soliciting golfers' opinions on a variety of topics, from which area courses provide the best golf value to the best places to take beginners.

Some 140 golfers responded to the survey, and of them nearly 90 percent said they consider themselves avid players. Half of survey participants have played 11 or more Central Oregon courses, and nearly that many say they compete in tournaments at least once a week. Overall course quality, scenery and value were all highly rated factors that influence where golfers choose to play.

Showing off Central Oregon

When it comes to entertaining out-of-town guests, or when golfers who responded to our survey just want to treat themselves to a special round of golf, courses that best display Central Oregon's scenic beauty were often picked as favorites.

Although nearly every Central Oregon golf course was mentioned at least once, Aspen Lakes in Sisters, Widgi Creek in Bend and Crosswater in Sunriver were among our respondents' top choices.

"Unique features and great mountain views make (Aspen Lakes) a 'must' play when entertaining guests," said one Bend golfer.

Another player wrote, "I've taken my father-in-law to Widgi Creek each of the last five years. It's not too tough and not too easy and it's just nice out there in the woods."

Another respondent reported that Lost Tracks in Bend, Eagle Crest's Ridge course in Redmond and Meadow Lakes in Prineville are his favorites because of price and walkability.

Crosswater was another oft-cited course, especially among lower-handicap players. In contrast, River's Edge was given the nod for entertaining guests because, according to one survey respondent, "it's a no-pressure golf course."

Good-value golf

The area's municipal courses - Juniper in Redmond and Meadow Lakes in Prineville - not surprisingly were chosen in the survey as two of the best golf values in Central Oregon.

"Juniper!" exclaimed one respondent. "It's Central Oregon's 'secret' course. Affordable, well-maintained and close to Bend."

But "value" for local golfers is not always synonymous with cheap rates. A friendly, informative staff, golf-course condition and even pace of play were among the factors that golfers said they consider when they're assessing overall value.

"Great price, great greens, fun layout and best pace of play," was one golfer's description of Meadow Lakes.

River's Edge, Lost Tracks, Crooked River Ranch, Widgi Creek and La Pine's Quail Run were other frequent "good-value" mentions.

"Very cheap, and in the summer it is in very good condition as well as a difficult challenge," wrote a single-digit handicapper from Bend about Quail Run. "All of that adds up to a great golf experience."

Kids, grandparents, beginners

Not all golfers are looking for a Crosswater-like challenge when they hit the links.

Golfers who responded to our survey shared myriad recommendations for those looking for a more forgiving golf experience.

The par-58 Greens at Redmond was mentioned most often as a favorite for beginner-level players for its ease and lower rates.

Eagle Crest's par-63, 4,160-yard Challenge course was the No. 1 pick for a golfer from Portland who said he is a frequent Central Oregon visitor in the summer.

"I play this often with seniors and find it a fun and challenging course for people of all abilities. The shortness of the course makes it playable for those who can't hit as far," he wrote.

Crooked River Ranch was another top pick, and one golfer opined that the course "was supportive of children playing with adults.

With more than two dozen courses on the map, could there possibly be anything missing from the Central Oregon golf scene?

For a concise list of Public, Semi Private & Private courses in Central Oregon, View the links to the right.

Contact Us:

RANDALL & LEIGHSA FRANCIS- Brokers
RE/MAX Equity Group
(541) 419-7297 or (541) 419-2883
francis@equitygroup.com