The turf of Big Meadow flashed a bright green under the blue, cloudless sky. The putting surfaces were immaculate, holding each line true. Each tee box and fairway was well manicured. But the breeze was up, spreading nature’s debris around the course. And the afternoon temperatures were a touch cool, though pleasant. There in an instant to any golfer playing at Black Butte Ranch on this recent day in the middle of September was a perfectly lush golf course at Black Butte Ranch, in near-perfect condition, with just a hint of fall. It was a reminder of what is [...]

Thirty-seven years is a long time by most any measure. By Central Oregon golf tournament standards, it is nearly an eternity.The Fall Tour Invitational, a season-ending pro-am with deep Black Butte Ranch roots, has been played in every year since 1980. It is back this year, slated from Sept. 26-29, again marking the unofficial end to the golf season … at least the end of the season for Oregon golf professionals and their playing partners.For Black Butte Ranch and its staff of golf professionals, the Fall Tour is a labor of love. The four-day event, which includes the traditional third [...]

Each year golfers scout out the latest and greatest in new driver technology. We hit a driver off the tee when the situation probably calls for more restraint. And on the driving range golfers quickly work their way through their irons in a hurried effort to get to the big dog, which they could seemingly whale away with for hours. Face it. We golfers love the long ball. The problem is that a significant number of amateur golfers are either inconsistent or outright terrible with a driver in hand. But with help of a few aids, improving your consistency [...]

For golfers, Labor Day Weekend should not mean the end. In fact, for the savviest Central Oregon golfers, this is only the beginning of the prime golf season. The temperatures are mellowing, the kids are returning to school, the summer crowds remain only in memories, and both Big Meadow and Glaze Meadow will remain in peak condition for the weeks to come. Sounds like a great time to play golf, no? Black Butte Ranch thinks so, too. With the turn in seasons, Black Butte Ranch is offering an all-new local’s special that is valid through September: $59 walking, $69 [...]