Nothing else is quite like an individual stroke-play golf tournament. The pressure of having to go it alone when every stroke counts is only matched by the exhilaration felt by playing well under such conditions.

With this in mind, two years ago Black Butte Ranch created The Battle at the Butte Individual Championship, a 36-hole stroke-play championship that will be held for the third consecutive year Oct. 2-4 at both Glaze Meadow and Big Meadow.

At stake is a chance to go it alone while taking on top-notch players from around the state.

“The tournament was fashioned off the Mirror Pond Invitational (Central Oregon’s oldest tournament held each June in Bend), as a way to get some of the great players in the state out to Central Oregon,” says Tom Baker, the head professional at Black Butte Ranch. “We really wanted to create something special after we remodeled Glaze Meadow.”

Stroke play, of course, has a way of bringing out the best in players. But such tournaments are not always easy to find.

Statewide, the Oregon Golf Association hosts the Oregon Men’s and Women’s Stroke Play Championships. And in Central Oregon, the Mirror Pond had stood alone for decades.

Black Butte Ranch’s aim was to lure top players (and more) to Black Butte Ranch for one last great competition before the season ends.

“There are not many stroke-play, individual events other than (Oregon Golf Association) stuff,” says Baker. “I would love to get some of the college kids out and all the high school phenoms, and make it something that they would want to win,”

Golfers who participate need not worry about the condition of both Glaze Meadow and Big Meadow, which will each host one round of the tournament.

Despite the fall date, both courses at Black Butte Ranch are still in peak season condition. And the weather in Central Oregon is often dry and mild well into late October.

“We’re still on perfect greens, and it’s nice to show them off in October,” Baker says.

Of course, one does not have to be in the upper echelon of Oregon amateur golf to play in the Battle at the Butte. The tournament is open to smateur golfers of all skill levels, with gross and net champions crowned in open, seniors and women’s divisions.

Cost to play is $170. That includes a practice round, fantastic tee prizes, an awards lunch, merchandise payouts, and the thrill of challenging two of the most beautiful golf courses in Central Oregon.

Entries are limited to the first 120 golfers. Discounted lodging packages are also available for Battle at the Butte golfers.

To sign up or for more information, register online, visit the information page, call 541-595-1292 or email golfgroups@blackbutteranch.com