The Turn Spring 2020

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High Desert Oasis PRONGHORN RESORT BOASTS ONE-OF-A-KIND COURSES AND LUXURY LODGING

the golf channel visits central oregon

bourbon and reubens at black butte ranch pro tips from tetherow

SPRING 2020 PRONGHORN RESORT

One-of-a-kind courses and luxury lodging make this Central Oregon oasis the perfect golf getaway.

THE GOLF CHANNEL VISITS C.O. See where Matt Ginella and the Golf Advisor crew stopped in Central Oregon.

PRO TIPS

Tetherow’s Katie Burnett shares how to get back in the swing of things after a hiatus.

ON THE TEE

Former NFL pro Drew Bledsoe shares what he loves about Sunriver Resort.

19TH HOLE Enjoy a reuben and drinks at Black Butte Ranch.

PARTING SHOT Unbeatable views from the Aspen Lakes Golf Course.

THE TURN Produced by Visit Central Oregon Email: golftrail@visitcentraloregon.com

THE TURN | SPRING 2020

Co u r s e s a n d C OV I D - 1 9 Central Oregon boasts amazing golf with incredible views. With more than 30 courses within 30 miles of Bend, your options for getting outside and enjoying a round of golf are endless. Our local courses value your health just as much as your business and want you to know they’re working day in, day out to do everything possible to keep you safe during your visit. While we encourage you to check with individual courses for the latest policies and practices, here are some examples of the ways courses are adapting their practices to ensure safety in light of COVID-19.

Increased cleaning protocol Courses have boosted cleaning protocols to minimize the spread of germs. At Pronghorn Resort, guests are encouraged to walk the course, rather than using a golf cart. For those who use carts, a new cleaning and disinfection protocol is happening between uses. At Black Butte Ranch, carts are cleaned using a powerful disinfectant spray, and power washed at over 135 degrees, while pull carts and Golf Boards are also sprayed and wiped down after every use. Range balls are chemically washed and provided at the counter in sterilized baskets.

Closing meeting rooms Resorts have closed many common meeting areas and are frequently cleaning high-use surfaces in restrooms, door handles, phones and handrails.

Ensuring staff and guests are healthy All Central Oregon resorts are asking staff to be symptom-free prior to working. At Pronghorn Resort, guests who have recently traveled to COVID-19 hot spots or those who are showing any symptoms of illness have been asked to reschedule their visits. Working staff are practicing social distancing and frequent hand washing.

Giving golfers extra space Some Central Oregon resorts are taking extra steps to ensure golfers have adequate space between one another.

At Black Butte Ranch, range stalls have been widened by two feet to provide extra space and there is a limit of 25 golfers on the range at once. Golfers who use carts are asked to use separate carts for individuals from different households to encourage space.

Minimizing contact with equipment Courses are taking precautions to minimize the amount of contact golfers and staff have with the same equipment. At Pronghorn Resort, bunker rakes have been removed, and golfers are invited to drop out of all bunkers. Flags are to remain in holes and not removed for putting, and staff aren’t currently offering a bag drop.

Offering on-the-go food Along with other restaurants in Oregon, food at the area’s golf courses has shifted to take-out only, including at Tetherow Resort’s The Row, Pronghorn Resort’s Trailhead Grill and Black Butte Ranch’s Lakeside Bistro, each of which is open for carry-out or curbside meals.

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THE TURN | FALL 2019

Join longtime adventure photographer and videographer Chad Copeland for the third episode of “Adventure Calls,” a new series that explores Central Oregon’s multidimensional beauty, highlighting some of the lesser known culinary, arts and cultural attractions of the region. This episode includes a historical look at how a natural disaster gave way to the creation of the Tetherow resort and golf club in Bend.

HIGH DESERT OASIS Pronghorn Resort boasts one-ofa-kind courses and luxury lodging

THE TURN | SPRING 2020

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hen cruising in or out of the Redmond airport for a Central Oregon adventure, travelers might notice a 640-acre oasis of greenery and water in what is otherwise an area of undeveloped high desert sand northeast of Bend.

That pop of color is Pronghorn Resort, and its two eighteen-hole masterfullydesigned courses. The manicured greens are situated among ancient lava rock ridges and outcroppings, and positioned with the snow-capped Cascade Range as a backdrop.

The resort’s eighteen-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course was ranked No. 2 among Best New Private Courses

by Golfweek the year it opened in 2004, and since opening up to the public a few years ago, has continued racking up accolades, including being named one of the magazine’s Best Resort Courses in 2017. Golfers describe the course as challenging, but with a nice variety of short and long holes to accommodate players of all skill levels.

The resort is also home to the Tom Fazio Championship Course.

Completed in 2006, the rolling fairways and sculpted greens are set against lava rocks, water features and juniper trees. The eighteen-hole course’s claim to fame is its unique eighth hole, a par three which features a 45-foot canyon and exposed lava tube.

Each world-class Pronghorn course has emerged as a bucket-list destination for golfers, who can make Pronghorn home base for a golf-centric getaway to Central Oregon, taking advantage of on-site lodging, lessons and opportunities to explore everything the region offers.

STAY AT THE NEW HUNTINGTON LODGE Pronghorn Resort’s new Huntington Lodge is a hotel experience like no other in Central Oregon, offering a 104-room lodge situated within Pronghorn’s high desert juniper forest landscape.

The new lodge was named “hottest new hotel opening” last summer by Condé Nast Traveler, in a writeup that highlighted Huntington for offering guests “the perks of a rental home” paired with resort access, workshops, classes and other wellness benefits.

And of course, access to golf at Pronghorn.

Inside the lodge, guests will find modern and clean architecture, wood furnishings and soft, organic colors and materials. Rooms feature panoramic views of the Cascade mountains and across lush golf fairways, private terrace space, fireplaces and full kitchens.

THE TURN | SPRING 2020

SWING INTO LESSONS WITH JEFF RITTER Looking to improve your game?

Pronghorn Academy Director Jeff Ritter was recently ranked the No. 1 coach in Oregon by Golf Digest, and the Academy also received Golf Digest’s Editor’s Choice for Best Academies in the West in 2019. This recognition comes on the heels of a massive renovation to the 1,000-square-foot teaching studio, which offers all the latest technology for a world-class learning experience.

Academy programs include private lessons, Masterclass half-day golf schools dedicated to power game, finesse game and putting as well as a new player development program and practice club, allowing players to have both private and group coaching sessions for one monthly cost.

Ritter, who is also national director of NIKE Junior Golf Camps and lead coach for Golf Channel Academy instructional initiatives, is excited about the upcoming season. “Our goal is to create the best golf learning experience in the Pacific Northwest,” Ritter said.

“With our new studio, we’re coaching year-round regardless of weather, and the response from passionate golfers has been incredible.”

For more information on lessons with Ritter and his staff at Pronghorn, email academy@pronghornresort.com.

THE TURN | SPRING 2020

CUSTOMIZE YOUR GAME WITH TRUE SPEC A more precise set of golf clubs, tailored to your swing can help improve your game, too. True Spec Golf is a worldwide leader in custom club fittings and was recently named No. 1 Club Fitter in North America by GOLF magazine. Bend is home to one of twenty True Spec locations in North America.

As part of Pronghorn, True Spec Bend features an indoor-to-outdoor bay, a full grass range and short game area and state-of-the-art putting studio.

Using GEARS technology, True Spec Club Fitters can identify the equipment needed for playing your best golf game.

As a brand-agnostic fitter, True Spec stocks premium clubs and shafts from all major equipment manufacturers in its fitting matrix of 35,000+ combinations, providing every player the opportunity to maximize their potential and performance.

To schedule a fitting at True Spec Bend, book online, email info@truespecgolf.com or call 1-844-729-8809.

PLAN A FAMILY GETAWAY Settle in to a private four-bedroom villa or penthouse suite at the Huntington Lodge for a private getaway with family this summer or fall. The weekend can be spent golfing, munching on takeout and sampling some of Central Oregon’s craft brews.

The resort is following reccomended precautions for cleaning and sanitizing, meaning a getaway at Pronhorn is a great option for feeling safe and secluded while getting away from home.

Social distancing is a breeze on the resort’s spacious golf courses. Enjoy breathing in the clean, fresh, mountain air and watching the sun set over the Cascade mountains with your family or group. Now is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy quality time with the people in your life.

THE TURN | SPRING 2020

A Golf Channel special airing this March featured Central Oregon in all of its golfing glory, with Golf Advisor Round Trip host Matt Ginella touring around the region’s courses.

Ginella and the crew visited Pronghorn Resort, Tetherow Resort and Sunriver Resort, golfing rounds with Linksoul golf apparel Vice President Hank Ashworth, practicing putting with former NFL-pro turned Bend winemaker Drew Bledsoe and devouring a Blue Diamond burger at The Row. Take a look to see what else the Golf Channel was up to in Central Oregon.

THE TURN | WINTER 2020

THE TURN | WINTER 2020

BACK IN THE S W IN G OF T HIN G S

ADVICE FROM A PRO ON HOW TO STEP BACK ONTO THE COURSE THIS SPRING

Been out of the game for a few months and anxious to return? Here are few tips to come back with confidence, from Katie Burnett, head golf professional at Tetherow.

Start with your short game Start from the green and move backwards, beginning with your short clubs and practicing putting, chipping and pitching. If you start to do those first, you can work your way back into a full swing. Chances are, if you’re having issues with your short game, you’re going to have issues with your long game, so make sure your short game is on point first.

Get loose Before you start swinging, warm up, stretch and make sure your back and hips are loose. You twist and turn a ton in golf, and your body isn’t used to making those movements. Most people aren’t making turns like that with their body 100 times a day, so warm up to prevent being sore later.

Go easy on yourself Don’t put too much pressure on your performance the first time back on the course. Golf is not like riding a bike. It’s

going to take a while to get back into it.

Don’t get overly frustrated with yourself, and make it fun.

Play a low-stakes game To keep the pressure low, try using a golf simulator, visit TopGolf or somewhere where you can have a couple of drinks and not stress about having to post your score for your handicap. At Tethrow, there are low-stakes clinics with wine and snacks to encourage ladies to build up their confidence and have fun on the course, while socializing with others.

Take a lesson It’s always a good idea to take a lesson.

Instructors can analyze how you’re playing, offer tips and help you return to the course more confidently.

Think positive In the end, the better your attitude is, the better the results. Fake it until you make it—go into the game with a positive outlook, don’t get too frustrated and just believe in yourself, you’ll be happy you did.

THE TURN | SPRING 2020

ON THE TEE

Q&A WITH DREW BLEDSOE AT SUNRIVER RESORT

When he’s not busy running his winemaking businesses, former NFL star Drew Bledsoe is often on the course at Sunriver Resort, where he’s a member at Crosswater. We caught up with Bledsoe about how he got started golfing, his favorite hole at the resort and what he likes to do off the course at Sunriver.

Have you always been a golfer?

Well, I started playing in college, and I didn’t like it at first. But then I realized it wasn’t about hitting a little white ball, it was about spending four or five hours with your friends, and so I love playing now.

I started mostly playing in Pullman, Washington where I went to school, at the course there, and then in Moscow, Idaho. Then when I started playing football, we played quite a bit in Boston, and also out in Whitefish, Montana.

How did you discover Central Oregon and Sunriver Resort?

My wife has a long history in Central Oregon—her uncle was Bill Healy, who helped start Mt. Bachelor.

She has fun memories of growing up, riding bikes down at Sunriver. I knew when we decided to move over here that there was so much golf in Central Oregon, but any chance I could get I would try to play Crosswater. I think it’s one of the greatest golf courses in the world. I became a member about four or five years ago.

What do you like about the courses at Sunriver?

I like just the vibe of all the courses down there. You feel like you’re playing in the woods and it’s just relaxing and fun. You always feel like you’re out in the wilderness, and they are fun courses to play.

Crosswater is particularly special because every single hole you play has character and views and lots of room. I think they had enough land there to build two golf courses, but only built one—which means each hole is very separate and distinct.

Drew Bledsoe and his wife at Bledsoe Family Winery

Do you have a favorite hole there?

I would say No. 12 is always such a cool hole. It’s really hard, with water down the left and bunkers to the right. It’s not many times you play a hole that’s over 600 yards—it’s challenging but it’s fair.

What do you think about the greens?

The greens down there are almost always perfect— fast and well maintained. I know that can be a big challenge for the greens crew, as they have to deal with a lot of difficult weather, and also lots of play in the summer time down there. I know it’s a big challenge for them and they always do a spectacular job.

What do you like to do off the course in Sunriver?

We’ll take bikes down there or rent bikes at 4 Seasons and go pedal around, we’ll grab lunch or go floating down the river there, which is a nice relaxing and lazy way to spend the day.

THE TURN | SPRING 2020

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BLACK BUTTE RANCH’S BIG MEADOW CLUBHOUSE AND ROBERT’S PUB Try the Back Nine Bourbon and the Signature Reuben

After a round of golf on Big Meadow, refuel in the pub named for the legendary course architect who designed it. Located inside Big Meadow Clubhouse, Robert’s Pub is a great gathering place for families and golfers. Named after Big Meadow course designer Robert Muir Graves, the pub features a casual Northwest-inspired menu including burgers, fresh salads, fish n’ chips and classic sandwiches.

We recommend the Signature Reuben Sandwich.

The concoction of ale braised angus brisket, Tillamook Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and house 1000

Island dressing on a local artisan rye bun is served with your choice of soup, salad or Brew City Fries.

Wash it down with an Oregon microbrew, a Northwest wine or one of the pub’s specialty cocktails as you take in the striking view on the outdoor patio. Perhaps today is the day for the Back-Nine Bourbon, a mix of Broken Top Bourbon with fresh mint, lime, and soda with a Wild Roots Marionberry float over ice. Or stick with a mug of Oregon ale, pictured above.

THE TURN | SPRING 2020

PARTING SHOT

Aspen Lakes Golf Course

At the base of the Three Sisters, Central Oregon’s volcanic peaks, Aspen Lakes Golf Course is a perennial favorite among visitors and locals alike. Located in Sisters, Oregon, Aspen Lakes Golf Course is a 7,300-yard W.L. Overdorf design known for being a great test of golf in one of the region’s most breathtaking settings.

But be careful in becoming too distracted by the beauty, lakes and ponds come into play on more than half the holes. The perfect bent grass fairways and greens and unique bunkers made of crushed red volcanic rock contrast with the snow-capped peaks that seem to hover right over the course.

THE TURN | SPRING 2020

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SEATTLE 5.5 HRS

PORTLAND

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NEWPORT 3.5 HRS

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EUGENE 2.5 HRS

ASHLAND 3.5 HRS

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KEY ROAD CITY

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DESTINATION CAR ROUTE* *TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE

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