Discover the Beauty of Black Butte Ranch
Black Butte Ranch boasts two exceptional courses, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking views. The Big Meadow course is a magnificent mountain course featuring fairways enveloped by trees and challenging bunkers. The Glaze Meadow course, in contrast, features a contemporary layout characterized by broad fairways and well-placed water hazards for strategic play. Both courses provide an unforgettable golfing experience suitable for players of any level of expertise.
The Big Meadow Course
Oregon’s golfers have a strong affinity for the beautiful Big Meadow, which has been recognized with numerous awards during its 30-plus years of existence. In 2013, Golfweek Magazine honored it as one of the “Best Courses You Can Play” in Oregon. Golfers can embark on a magnificent journey through the Oregon Cascades with the simple yet captivating design by Robert Muir Graves. The course was updated in 2007 and spans 7,000 yards from the championship tees. It boasts wide fairways, sweeping cape-and-bay bunkers, and elevated green complexes that provide a challenge to golfers of all skill levels.
The course’s elements blend seamlessly with the stunning mountain landscape of Black Butte Ranch, featuring majestic Ponderosa pines and glimmering Aspen trees. Golfers can capture stunning photos at the fourteenth hole, which showcases the majestic Three Fingered Jack – a striking volcanic peak towering above the beautiful Central Oregon terrain. Whether you are a golfer or not, Robert’s Pup offers a delightful dining experience with the best views in Central Oregon.
Hole #1 (Par-4) The opening hole presents your first challenge of accurately placing your tee shot in the center of the fairway. Avoid the left bunker for a short shot onto the green.
Hole #10 (Par-5) Sometimes cutting corners may seem alluring, but it’s usually not worth the potential risks involved, especially on the par-5 10th. Your best bet is to aim your tee shot at the fairway bunker; then, your second shot needs to stay left of the fairway bunker is a must. With this approach, you’ll have an easy wedge shot into a long, narrow green.
Hole #11 (Par-4) Don’t let the stunning view of the Three Sisters distract your tee shot. It’s crucial to steer clear of the fairway bunker on the right to leave a mid-iron shot to the green.
Big Meadow is defined by a breathtaking hole that offers a stunning view of Three Finger Jack.
Hole #14 (Par-4) The Signature Hole with a view of Three Finger Jack in the background. If you can avoid the three left bunkers, you will have a short second shot into the green.
The Glaze Meadow Course
Countless golfers have regarded Glaze Meadow Golf Course at Black Butte Ranch as the most iconic in Central Oregon for many years. In 2012, after architect John Fought’s extensive $3.75 million renovation, the course reopened, offering golfers a unique experience that stands out from any other in Central Oregon. The new Glaze Meadow golf course boasts slightly raised greens, square tee boxes, and deep grass-faced bunkers, staying true to the classic design of golf courses while blending seamlessly with the beautiful mountain surroundings.
From the back tees, Glaze Meadow measures 7,007 yards. The updated design now features five tee sets, making it more enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. The course features meticulously groomed bluegrass-rye fairways, with gentle hills and hollows surrounding the bent grass greens. The picturesque terrain, adorned with Aspens, towering Ponderosa pines, and breathtaking vistas of the Cascade mountain range featuring North Sister and Mt. Washington, offers a refined and unforgettable experience that captivates and lingers in the mind.
Featuring slightly elevated greens, square tee boxes, and deep grass-faced bunkers, Glaze Meadow reflects the spirit of classic golf.
Hole #3 (par-4) When teeing off, it is crucial to steer clear of the lake on the right. Your approach shot must avoid the water, as the green is right at the edge.
Hole #5 (Par-3) The view from the tee is Picturesque, with water on either side of the green; the tee shot is best not to waver from a center target line. The putting surface is relatively forgiving.
Hole #12 (Par-5) One of the longest holes in the Pacific Northwest, the left fairway bunker is a protective barrier for the ideal tee shot. A challenging bunker is located further down the fairway, leading to a green that slopes downwards at the back.
Hole #17 (Par-3) Be careful not to be deceived by the downhill tee shot…the length is longer than what meets the eye. It is advisable not to be short to avoid the bunkers on either side of the green.
Little Meadow Putting Course at Black Butte Ranch
The newest addition to Black Butte Ranch is The Little Meadow Putting Course, designed by award-winning architect John Fought. The course features twelve putting holes with lengths between 45 and 105 feet. However, this course can play as eighteen slightly shorter holes or nine longer holes. There is also plenty of room to change tee and hole locations on any given day. Each hole will feature interesting contours that will test even the best putters. All of the holes will have their own ‘fairway’ and provide ample variety. The new course is fully reversible, providing additional variety depending on how the holes are arranged. Several rock formations are integrated into the course along with the native landscape to ensure this entire area is unique.
Black Butte Ranch Lodge: Savor the Flavor
If you’re a foodie looking for a unique dining experience, look no further than the Black Butte Ranch Lodge Restaurant. Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, it is a haven for food lovers. With a menu combining local ingredients with global flavors, the Black Butte Ranch Lodge Restaurant offers a culinary experience that will elevate your palate. From succulent steaks to fresh seafood and from mouthwatering desserts to handcrafted cocktails, every dish is a work of art that will tantalize your taste buds.
For more information, please visit blackbutteranch.com.
Photos Courtesy of Visit Central Oregon
