Tetherow Golf Club

Tetherow Golf Club opened in 2008, designed by David McLay Kidd — the Scottish architect who created the original Bandon Dunes course. Set on volcanic terrain near Bend with sweeping views of the Cascade Range (Broken Top, South Sister, Bachelor), the course plays entirely on fescue grass over volcanic soil — conditions unlike anything else in Oregon.

Named one of Golfweek\'s Top Resort Golf Courses in the U.S. (2025) and ranked 15th in Oregon. The design is deliberately "controversial" — Kidd created a penal, links-inspired layout demanding imagination and ground-game creativity that rewards those who adapt but frustrates those who don\'t.

A links-style layout at 7,298 yards on rolling volcanic soil blanketed entirely in fescue grass. Conditions are firm and fast — the ball bounces and runs 20-40 yards on the firm turf. Hidden bunkers, substantial green movement, and constant Central Oregon wind create a demanding test.

Forecaddies are included and strongly recommended — blind bunkers and hidden contours punish uninformed play. The Cascade volcano panorama (Broken Top, South Sister, Bachelor) is stunning throughout.

This course demands a different style of golf than most American courses. Embrace the ground game.

Forget target golf. Learn to use the ground game — bump-and-run approaches, low shots, and creative use of slopes around greens are essential.

Trust the forecaddie. Blind bunkers and hidden contours punish uninformed play.

Fescue fairways and greens play nothing like typical irrigated American courses. Expect the ball to release dramatically on firm turf.

Central Oregon wind is a constant factor. Club selection must account for both wind and the firm, bouncy conditions.