Golf Destination: Pronghorn Lava Rock and Ghost Trees in Bend, Oregon

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By Chuck Fox, Owner, Quintessential Golf, Resident since 2012

Pronghorn Golf Resort has developed into central Oregon’s most impressive golf destination resort. With majestic views of the Cascade Mountains, they carve two outstanding bentgrass golf courses from lava formations, juniper trees, and high desert terrain. Yes, it’s on the east side of the Cascades in the high desert. Only eleven inches of rain fall per year contrasted with thirty-six inches in Portland. Surrounded by Bureau of Land Management property between Redmond and Bend, Pronghorn Golf Resort is secluded and tranquil. They get the name from the antelope-like hoofed species which make their home on the property.

A striking 55,000 square-foot stone clubhouse anchors the resort. From junior suites to four-bedroom Mediterranean-style villas, the accommodations are first-class. The new Huntington Lodge expands accommodation options to serve the increased demand. Tremendous practice facilities include a large and perfectly conditioned range. The short game area is one of the best we’ve seen. With a variety of greens and bunker configurations shots as long as 60 yards from rough, fairway and bunkers are possible.

Pronghorn Resort is the only golf community in the West that features side-by-side Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus golf courses. As a premier semi-private club, the Fazio course is available only to members. However, the impressive Jack Nicklaus course is open to the public.

Trouble – par4 thirteenth hole at Pronghorn Nicklaus Signature course

Achieving National acclaim Golf Magazine’s 2016/17 public course ranking places the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course #38 in the nation.

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Pronghorn Golf Resort offers, from every hole, generous views of the Cascades. It’s difficult to overstate the quality of the golf course conditioning. They maintain bentgrass on tees, fairways, and greens to the highest standards. Member services are at the private club level.

The Nicklaus course is super fun to play.

Signature ghost trees

A traditional style desert course, the mix of holes is refreshing and memorable. We love risk/reward of the short Par4s. Nicklaus included three at Hole #4, #12 and #13 adding to the fun. The Par4 Hole #12 is only 280 yards from the middle teeing ground providing many options for the tee shot. A plateaued green requires precision for the approach shot. Our favorite hole is the short Par4 Hole #13, only 330 yards from the tee around a lake the entire right side. An approach to a green surrounded by bunkering with a large rock outcropping behind. Anchored by the signature Hole #15, the Par5’s are scenic and fun. Amid the largest stand of Juniper trees in the world. Ghost trees abound, some in perilous positions.

Central Oregon is a top 50 golf destination in the world according to Golf Digest. The warm, dry weather from May to October is perfect for golf. With twenty-six courses near Bend (population 90,000), it’s a golfer’s paradise. Beyond Pronghorn, there are three other major golf resorts are nearby; Sunriver, Black Butte, and Tetherow. Besides the superb golf, you’ll find excellent hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and restaurants.

Majestic views of snowcapped Cascade mountains

If You Go:

Course Info: The Nicklaus Signature course is open to thepublic. The Fazio course is reserved for members. (https://pronghornresort.com)

Location - A thirty-minute drive from the Redmond airport and a thirty-minute drive from downtown Bend. Guests staying at the Resort receive free airport pickup. Portland International airport is 166 miles to the northwest.

Lodging: Pronghorn Resort offers Junior Suites to Four-Bedroom Villas. The on-site Huntington Lodge opened in May and provides luxury hotel rooms. Other accommodations are located in Bend twenty minutes away.

Quintessential Golf (https://www.quintessentialgolf.com) A source of golf travel inspiration, Quintessential Golf online magazine spotlights the most spectacular, enduring and scenic courses, resorts and golf adventures. Written from a player’s point-of-view, articles include magnificent highresolution course images. Brought to you by Chuck Fox, single-digit golfer, writer and photographer based in Danville, California, he is fulfilling his passion and dream to play, photograph and share the romance and beauty of golf throughout North America.