Big Meadow will be busy this weekend playing host to the more than 350 golfers in the Central Oregon Shootout. No worries, though. Glaze Meadow is scheduled to open for the 2016 golf season on Wednesday.

Glaze Meadow is ready for the season, its fifth since the $3.75 million renovation of the golf course that was completed in 2012. And early indications are that Glaze Meadow is off to its best start to a season yet.

“It game out of winter great,” said Jeff Fought, Black Butte Ranch’s director of golf. “Both golf courses, Big Meadow and Glaze Meadow, look great.”

Sure, the maintenance staff at Black Butte Ranch has been hard at work whipping Glaze Meadow back into in-season shape.

But there is an added benefit. After five years, Glaze Meadow is approaching ideal maturity.

That should aid the playability of all facets of the course.

“Every year it gets softer and softer, obviously,” Fought said. “Since it was rebuilt we have been aerifying it. There is a lot more grass on the course. It’s softening. The greens are much more receptive.”

This is excellent news, of course, especially for those of us who have already fallen in love with the new Glaze Meadow.

Better yet, golfers can play Glaze Meadow at a particularly special rate. Through April, a golfer can play either course at Black Butte Ranch for just $44. In addition, golfers will receive a free Black Butte Ranch golf cap with a paid green fee. Golfers can also also play nine holes for $29, but a cap is not included.

The annual hat deal, which ends on April 30, was made even more special this year. This year, golfers can play unlimited golf during the day.

“44 bucks to play 36 holes; who wouldn’t want to come do that?” Fought said. “Especially once we get two golf courses open and you can play both of them in one day for 44 bucks.”

To play Glaze Meadow or Big Meadow, book a tee time online or call 855-210-5305 or the Golf Shop at 541-595-1545.