Nothing is quite like a good first impression. And so far in the early days of the 107th Oregon Amateur Championship, Black Butte Ranch’s Glaze Meadow is off to a good start as host.
The Oregon Amateur teed off on Monday, and the tournament advanced to the first rounds of single-elimination match play on Wednesday. The weather has been near ideal, with bright, sunny skies and mild high temperatures in the 70s.
The field has been whittled already to only the top men and women golfers in the state. But more than that, Glaze Meadow has proven to be a worthy Oregon Amateur host.
“We have really enjoyed the venue,” said Brent Whittaker, the Oregon Golf Association’s director of tournament operations. “The golf course is in excellent condition, and the greens have been really receptive. This has been a great tournament so far.”
The OGA’s showcase event is being played for the first time at Black Butte Ranch and for just the third time in Central Oregon. And the last time Glaze Meadow hosted an OGA event was the 2012 Oregon Mid-Amateur Championship just months after Black Butte Ranch completed its $3.75 million renovation of Glaze Meadow.
So for the OGA, setting up Glaze Meadow has been a feeling-out process. But the reviews from the OGA have been positive.
“I was at Black Butte on Tuesday and all was well,” said Barb Trammell, the CEO of the OGA. “There are always a few challenges, but Brent and the crew seemed to be handling things just fine. The staff at the Ranch has been doing a great job, too!”
On another note, Black Butte Ranch is doing more than just hosting. Thanks to Caleb Taskinen, an assistant superintendent on Black Butte Ranch’s maintenance crew, the home course has been well represented in the competition, too.
Taskinen played beautifully to advance into match play on Tuesday and into extra holes in the round of 64 on Wednesday, before eventually falling to Montana Frame.
Of course, there is still much golf left to be played, culminating in Saturday’s 36-hole championship matches in both the men’s and women’s division.
What can the golfers expect? At the very least an interesting final few days.
“Glaze Meadow gives us myriad options for setup and pin positions,” Whittaker said. “That should make for a fun and exciting finish to the tournament.”
Spectators are welcome at the Oregon Amateur, and admission is free.
To play either of Black Butte Ranch’s championship golf course, book a tee time online, call 855-210-5305, or the Golf Shop at 541-595-1545.