T
he allure of our country’s 33rd state has always involved being outside and having ‘only in the Great Northwest’ active adventures. Sounds like a pretty cool place to play golf too, doesn’t it? While Bandon Dunes on Oregon’s coastline helped put The Beaver State on the golf radar, there is an abundance of other captivating courses for all to experience. The Central Oregon area is golf-rich with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the game on an extensive variety of terrific terrains. SunRiver Resort is a four-season luxury haven that places families at the forefront. Arriving on a weekend this past summer, we were pleasantly surprised to see more families enjoying the outdoors together like no place we’ve seen before. Bikes were scattered across the lawn area as the guests were waiting for some live music to commence. The only place I’ve seen more bikes in use was on Mackinac Island in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This all-encompassing resort offers over 40 miles of walking/biking trails. An outdoor wedding was taking place at one of the venues on the property on a gorgeous sun-drenched day. Private jets were landing and taking off at the nearby airstrip all day long while we were enjoying the heathland-style Meadows course. Several of the golf holes flow along the banks of the Deschutes River and provide a real serene feel. Think of Kohler’s Blackwolf Run but on steroids. Views of Mt. Bachelor (elevation 9,068 feet) can be seen from the property at SunRiver Resort. The Cascade Range offers a perfect backdrop to several of the area courses. Once you are on property you never have to leave. Vacation rentals are available for groups from as small as two to larger homes that can host 16. Whatever the size of your party or budget needs, you have plenty of options on site to enjoy a hassle free getaway. Check out what’s available for your group at benningtonproperties.com. SunRiver resort was named “Best Golf Resort in the Pacific Northwest“ by Golf Digest in 2020. Gray’s Trail is an 18-hole putting course. Another great way to connect with nature and the family in a relaxed setting. Running short on time try the Caldera Links, a 9 hole par-3 course. The Woodlands course is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece that winds through dense forests of pines and lava rock. Crosswater is a private course that offers playing privileges for resort guests. This heathland design plays along the Deschutes and Little Deschutes rivers and you have to navigate crossing them on multiple occasions during your round. All the resort courses are in
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