Got to enjoy playing the Big Meadow course at Black Butte again in Oregon this past week for an informal work trip that allowed some time for fun. This course is everything you would imagine from a ce... Continue »

Got to enjoy playing the Big Meadow course at Black Butte again in Oregon this past week for an informal work trip that allowed some time for fun. This course is everything you would imagine from a central Oregon facility with its perfectly lush conditions, its massive tree-lined and narrow fairways, and its exhilarating views and challenge.

Fairways are in pristine shape with every blade of grass healthy and vibrant, while the rough is thick and varied in its penal nature. The tee boxes are all flat and perfectly manicured, while the bunkers are in very good shape as well. The greens? Simply fantastic. We got consistent speeds and true lines throughout the entire day. A true feast for the golf purist.

The course starts off flat and somewhat open the first hole before winding into the Oregon forest and throwing all sorts of twists and turns at you, also including some subtle but distinct elevations on various holes. Tee shots are inviting but also daunting with sharp corners and no shortage of balls needing to be saved from just off the fairways but also right out of someone's backyard. Yes, there are plenty of homes surrounding the fairways here, but they're not intrusive. They simply add to the experience.

We had top-notch service from start to finish - both with the warmup facilities (including a tremendous driving range with an epic of view of the Black Butte itself) and cart service throughout the round. This place is a true gem and I can't wait to play here again ... hopefully next year!

Was looking forward to this one for a long time and Black Butte Ranch's Big Meadow course did not disappoint. From a pretty spectacular practice area, and across eighteen gorgeous holes of testing gol... Continue »

Was looking forward to this one for a long time and Black Butte Ranch's Big Meadow course did not disappoint. From a pretty spectacular practice area, and across eighteen gorgeous holes of testing golf, the experience is pretty top notch from start to finish. A true mountain forest gem, Big Meadow winds through the woods outside of Sisters with a stunning combination of holes all framed and shaped by the tall trees, with imposing mountaintops making surprise appearances above them throughout the day. It's a very memorable journey that will also require every club in your bag thanks to the narrow channels and numerous, strategically placed bunkers that offer up its best defense. Well, that and some very tricky greens that are simply fast and nerve-wracking, but never gimmicky or tricked out. But mainly it's the sand encroaching on every section of fairway that looks to be the best angle into the green. You'll have choices to make without a doubt. Conditions are pretty fantastic with the aforementioned greens getting a lot of love for their speed and challenge, but one (the par 3 13th) costing it some points due to some very poor coverage that required moving the ball for a playing partner. The rest were pretty great though, with minimal ball marks and good reception of approach shots. Fairways are lush and green, but some areas were definitely a little muddy or overwatered, and of course with so many tall trees, getting sunlight in there to do its job makes it very difficult to find that perfect balance, but they do it very well. Rough is immaculate and you'll find very few areas except on the extreme edges (many homes protected by OB stakes so keep that in mind) where you won't be able to manage a good shot. Bunkers (with rakes) were in very good shape, and the tee boxes were generally immaculate. Rudimentary carts with USB ports but no GPS. Cart service very good throughout the day, and of course the facilities, from the restaurant, to the pro shop and the practice areas, are all very favorable. They just do things right here, and it's honestly not at all pricey for what you're getting. And finally, the surrounding area with its terrific views and dense, tree-lined roads leading you to gorgeous rivers and lakes, it all ties in so perfectly with this great facility. I'm absolutely thrilled I got to play here and would welcome the next chance. Stop by if you can. *I took pictures of each and every hole so do have a look once Johnny has a chance to upload them.

Played 9/17 with a 9:30 tee time. Beautiful setting just outside Sisters Oregon.
This is a resort with two courses and condos/rooms around the clubhouse area. Small clubhouse with a small grille I d... Continue »

Played 9/17 with a 9:30 tee time. Beautiful setting just outside Sisters Oregon.
This is a resort with two courses and condos/rooms around the clubhouse area. Small clubhouse with a small grille I did not eat here but it was fairly busy for a Wed. Morning.
Nice grass range and practice green. Warmup balls not included in the green fee.
Played with a guy who has retired here and knew the layout of the course.
Pretty straightforward layout with pine tree lined fairways and not much elevation change except for a couple of holes on the back.
Tee boxes were all quite nice. No problem finding a nice level spot to tee it up.
Fairways very lush and I never had a thin lie.
The main defense this course has is a lot of bunkers. Many of the holes had large bunker complexes that are reachable on your tee shot. There was always a way around but you had to be accurate.
The bunkers had nice sand and were all nicely raked.
The greens were another story. Many of the greens had large bald spots which looked like a fungus. The cups were all set in good areas but unless you were close you had some bad areas to contend with. They were firm and no ball marks to speak of but really were the low point of the course.
Overall I really enjoyed the layout and would play here again if I was in the area.

Big Meadow is interesting, challenging and beautiful all rolled into one spectacular golf experience. The course is perfectly groomed in every aspect. It winds through the scenic Oregon cascades whi... Continue »

Big Meadow is interesting, challenging and beautiful all rolled into one spectacular golf experience. The course is perfectly groomed in every aspect. It winds through the scenic Oregon cascades which gives each hole its own character while showing off spectacular views. The greens are smooth firm and fast and a joy to putt on.

The club house has a great pub and the pro shop has a good selection. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.

Combined with a sister course 10 mins away, this is a truly wonder golf destination not to be missed when in Central Oregon.

Black Butte Ranch Golf Course Review
Sisters Central Oregon Golf Course Reviews