We are 4 Canadian fellows considering a golf trip to either Black Butte Ranch or Sunriver Resort in late May. Can anyone tell me about the quality of the golf courses at these 2 resorts and perhaps give an overall assessment of the resorts. We have heard varying reports about both. Thanks

Sunriver's courses are better in terms of design and shot values, but it's hard to beat the aesthetics of Black Butte's, especially Big Meadow. If you're serious golfers, I'd recommend Sunriver, but for almost every other reason, I like Black Butte. We've done family annual golf vacations there for years. It's smaller, more quiet, less commercial, and the mountain views.... awesome.

That also means fewer options for dining though. Just two restaurants in the Ranch, but Sisters is only 10 miles away. Suttle Lake and Camp Sherman each have decent restaurants too.

I should also mention Aspen Lakes, a course just outside of Sisters. Nice little track.

Why choose between the two? Stay in Bend, which is almost exactly between Black Butte and Sunriver. (around 1/2 hour to each) Lots of great restaurants in Bend, as well as night life! Some incredible golf courses too. Check with Mt Bachelor Village Resort in Bend for lots of room options. Besides courses at BBR and Sunriver, try Aspen Lakes, Widgi Creek, Juniper, Eagle Crest, Lost Tracks, or one of many other great courses around Bend. In late may, there's a risk of colder weather at either BBR or Sunriver, which are at higher elevations than Bend, so bring your long pants and sweaters and be prepared for anything.

Hey great replies. I'll follow up on the websites for these courses. We're now considering a recently opened place in Sisters called Five Pine Lodge. Looks great and then we could play both Black Butte and Aspen Lakes or run down to Bend for a round there.

I have driven past Five Pines several times, but never stopped. It looks very nice, but I would hesitate to stay there over Black Butte or Sunriver for this trip. I say that because the resorts offer so much more in things to do, but also Five Pine is right on the highway, right in an area that gets very congested. Speaking for myself, I just would not find the location to be relaxing at all.

I've been to Five Pine Lodge, and it's as good as it gets. The lodge sits back, out of hearing range of the road. It reminds me of one of the old National Parks lodges built by the CCC during the '30's. No expense was spared, and the property is large, with a great spa and restaurant. There are rooms in the main lodge building, or in separate cabins on the property. This place is brand new, so few travelers are aware of it yet. They will be soon. The town of sisters is charming, and only about 1/2 hour from Bend. Also, only about 5 minutes from Aspen Lakes Golf Club, which is one of the best in the area.

Sisters is a great little town but my preference would be to stay at Black Butte or Sunriver- but thats because I like riding on the bike trails and am not a golfer.

However- Five Pine Lodge sounds great- havent seen it.
Another place close by is Suttle Lake Lodge - have stayed there and its very nice.

If you stay in Sisters take a little side trip to Camp Sherman on the Metolius- its one of my favorite spots - there is a trail along the river and the Metolius is
a beautiful fly fishing river.

Where are you from in Canada? I am from Sask but live in Eugene Oregon.
Welcome- you will love it

I pitched a tent outside of one of the cabins at Five Pines Lodge last fall (Cycle Oregon started there), and walked through most of the buildings. Nice place, but not at all the atmosphere/feel of a Black Butte or Sunriver. I'd describe it more as Sisters' version of luxury hotel/motel. You'd be renting rooms, whereas in Black Butte or Sunriver you'd be renting a house or condo in a large "resort" setting, with miles of bike paths, tennis courts, horseback riding, fishing, swimming..... If you look at their websites, you'll get the picture.

How many rounds are you planning to play? Of the courses listed by roundthebend, I'd put Juniper (which is actually in Redmond) ahead of both Widgi Creek and Eagle Crest. Haven't played Lost Tracks. And, as much as I prefer Black Butte, if staying at Sunriver will get you onto Crosswater....

Now, I have to ask, why not Bandon? ;-)

Hello again. You guys are really helpful with your suggestions.

We're from Vancouver Island. I suspect we'll stay 4 nights and play 3 or 4 rounds. Maybe a couple at Aspen and then I'm not sure where else. How about Eaglecrest vs Widgi ?

I've stayed a Black Butte a couple of times but that was 20 years ago and I have heard that the resort may not be as good as it once was. I know the scenery is fantastic but also I'm a little concerned about the quality of their golf courses as a couple guys in our foursome are fairly serious golfers.

Geez, I just looked at the Bandon website. What a spread, and what a price !

I've been going to Black Butte all those 20+ years since you were last there, galiao, and you've heard right. It's as good or better than it used to be, but all that money pouring in from the country just south of Oregon's border has given the place a different feel.

My $.02; I think both Black Butte courses are better than either Widgi Creek or Eagle Crest (two courses there, too). Juniper is better than all of them, except that it's not much for scenery; links style, and no ponderosa pine around. I like Aspen Lakes a lot, too, but it's got a few holes that are a little tricked up, similar to Glaze Meadow at Black Butte.

Yeah, I know, Bandon is steep. But it's worth it, and the CAN vs. US $$ is right. It truly is a great golfing destination.

I read a review about BB on Trip Advisor.com and basically it raved about the place except for the hit and miss nature of the accommodations. I assume that would be because of renting homes or condos from different owners. When we were there last I believe the resort owned or operated their own condos which were great.

Just had a look at the Juniper website and we'll have to consider playing there. Maybe there, Aspen and one of the BB courses ( which is the better there ? )

From a golfer's standpoint, Big Meadow is the better course in BB.

Yes, some condo/homeowners put their places into the resort administered rental pool. So, if you rent through the resort, you'll have a good idea of what you're getting. We've also had good experiences renting through Howells: http://www.blackbutte.com/.

My husband and three of his 'serious' golf buddies (from Phoenix, San Francisco and Washington DC) get together each summer at Sunriver. I asked him about the courses, accommodation, etc. He said the best reason for choosing Sunriver is to play Crosswater and to rent a luxury house. They all agree that Crosswater is the best course in Central Oregon at this time. They also like Lost Tracks and the North Course at Sunriver.