Pronghorn in Bend, Oregon

 

This past fall I found a place ideal for those who love golf, but like to ski also. Just east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon lies Pronghorn.

This luxury golf development has both a Fazio and a Nicklaus golf course. Although you can golf year round, great skiing is available as well at nearby Mt. Bachelor. For restaurants and shopping, downtown Bend, Ore., is only minutes away.

Pronghorn is set on a very large piece of property about halfway between Redmond and Bend. The development encompasses 640 acres, but is surrounded by 20,000 acres of land owned and protected by the government.

 

The golf is as good as any facility I have ever visited. The Fazio course is destined to be ranked among the best in the U.S., and the Nicklaus course is not far behind. Other activities nearby include bike riding, fly fishing, hiking and rafting.

 

The Fazio course is really something. Sort of like a high-desert version of the famed Pine Valley. The sixth hole is one of the most scenic par-4s in the entire U.S. This dogleg left fairway can be stretched to 423 yards. It plays slightly uphill crossing a lake off the tee. About 200 yards out, the high mountain lake turns into a rocky stream and crosses the fairway as it continues all the way to the green. From the green the player is greeted with a glorious view of the Cascades, high desert trees and the waterscape he has just traversed.

 

Number 12 is a birdie hole. This 500-yard par-5 can be reached in two easily, but an errant drive or approach will leave you wishing for a mulligan.

Number 16 is a classic par-3, playing slightly less than 200 yards. Deep bunkers guard the green front left, right and long. High desert chaparral frames the shot, which must be a good one.

The Nicklaus course is also very good. Again, it has a Pine Valley feel to it. The Fourth hole is a prime example of this. It is a short par-3 playing only 158 yards, but is surrounded by sand. The green is on a plateau rising up from the sand, and the shot is visually intimidating the first time. On the back nine, Number 13 is quite memorable. At 376 yards, it is a dogleg to the right with water guarding the last half of the right side. The green is set on a peninsula above the lake with a bunker in back.

 

Pronghorn is a first class facility all the way. At great expense both courses were laid on top of a layer of sand to ensure proper drainage. The practice facility is state of the art with multiple chipping and putting areas in addition to a large two-sided range. There is a Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf, as well.

 

The clubhouse is a remarkable architectural achievement meant to resemble the West’s Grand National Park lodges. The restaurant and grill look over the finishing holes with dramatic views of the Cascade Mountains.

We stayed at The Residence Club, which is just a short walk from the clubhouse and which fronts the 18th green on the Nicklaus course. The units are very luxurious and large, featuring stone fireplaces, LCD TV’s, gourmet kitchens, marble bathrooms and the best in bedding and linens. The Residence Club has access to the Trailhead Clubhouse with a large pool area as well as a restaurant and bar.

 

Skiers can find some of the best skiing in Oregon at Mt. Bachelor, about 30 minutes from Pronghorn. This trip would take you right through downtown Bend, with all its shopping and restaurants.

Fly fishing is available on several local rivers.

For more info visit www.fishthedeschutes.com.

 

We made good use of Pronghorn’s bicycles and its great paths throughout the property. This part of Central Oregon is full of natural beauty.

The climate at Pronghorn is dry, being on the east side of the Cascades. This allows for a mild winter and a pleasant summer as well. The rainy side of the state starts just west of the mountains, which are in full view of the property. The main airport in this area is in Redmond, which is only a short drive. From Santa Barbara you can fly Alaska Airlines into Portland and then connect to Redmond. They offer non-stop service through LAX.

 

I found Pronghorn to be a very relaxing golf retreat and well worth a visit. For more information, visit www.pronghornclub.com or call (541) 312-9424.