Itching to feel the thrill of competitive golf again? No need to wait for the summer golf season. From April 23-26, Glaze Meadow at Black Butte Ranch will be among three hosts of the 13th Annual Central Oregon Shootout, one of Central Oregon’s most popular amateur golf events. As is seemingly always the case, the field is filling fast and is expected to be full by the time the tournament tees off.

What is that makes the Central Oregon Shootout so popular?

For one, the 54-hole tournament owns a unique format. The two-golfer team tournament features one round of scramble, one round of best ball and a final-round Chapman spread over three weekend days. The tournament also includes one gross division, four net divisions and and ladies net and gross payouts. Best of all, each round is played at a different course: Glaze Meadow, Aspen Lakes Golf Course in Sisters and Eagle Crest Resort

“We have people who have been here for over 10 years straight,” says Tom Baker, head golf professional at Glaze Meadow. “I think the draw is that it is preseason, it’s cost effective, and you get three exceptional courses working together. So it’s a good value between the food, prizes and everything else.”

The value is clear. Not only does the $600-per-team entry fee include three rounds of golf and cart at three of Central Oregon’s most coveted golf courses, it also includes tee prizes, merchandise, and continental breakfast and lunch each day.

More than that, the prize payout is expected to be more than $20,000 in kind, meaning a third of the field can expect to cash after the tournament.

“It’s a good payout for that time of year, for sure,” Baker says.

If that is not enough, remember that Central Oregon’s mild winter has left the area’s golf courses in great early season condition. That could mean peak condition by the time the Central Oregon Shootout tees off.

Sound interesting? Hurry. The deadline to enter is just a month away on April 16, that is if space remains available. Already more than 120 teams have signed up. All entrants need is an official handicap (maximum of 36 for men, 42 for women) and a maximum six-stroke differential between partners.

For more information or to register, download the information flyer and registration form here.