This is the latest installment of a weekly Tee To Green feature in which we check in via email with Central Oregon golf facilities for an offseason update. This week we contacted Mark Amberson, general manager at Awbrey Glen Golf Club in Bend.

Amberson has worked for the private golf course since it opened in 1993, and he oversaw the opening this summer of Awbrey Glen’s renovated par-4 fifth hole. This is what Amberson had to say about the current business of golf and about Awbrey Glen:

Q: How was business in 2013?A: Awbrey Glen Golf Club had a great year in 2013. The golf course was in outstanding condition, our golf and social events were very well attended and we have had 60 new membership enrollments this year. The opening of the new fifth hole and the expansion of our outdoor seating area were part of our success. In addition, our golf instruction and junior golf programs were outstanding. We had more than 100 junior golfers in our various programs this summer.

Q: Were any changes of note made to the facility during the last year?A: Yes! As part of our golf course master plan done by David McLay Kidd (a famed golf course architect and Bend resident) we rebuilt the fifth hole. The new hole opened for play on July 15 with a grand celebration for the members of Awbrey Glen. The new risk/reward par 4 is now a 335-yard hole from the back tees, and it plays 245 yards from the forward tees. This has been received well by golfers, enhancing the golf experience.

The new hole will tempt the long hitters to drive the green while trying to avoid the three well-placed bunkers or the long fescue grass along the left side of the hole. In addition, we expanded our beautiful outdoor deck area including adding two new fire pits. With the outstanding views from our deck, members and public diners enjoyed this new attraction.

Q: Are any changes and/or improvements to the facility scheduled for 2014?A: We are constantly making minor changes and improvements to our facilities, such as working on tee boxes, changing mow lines to enhance playability, thinning trees, etc. But we do not have any plans at this point for a significant project.

Q: After a recession that began in 2007, how have your golf operations changed in recent years?A: We have concentrated on player development programs and additional fun member events and activities.

Q: Are the local golf facilities doing enough to attract and foster local play? If not, what more can be done?A: We focus our efforts on enhancing the member experience at Awbrey Glen by providing golf programs that are fun, instructional and competitive. To “foster” local play our golf professional staff has done many player development programs for members and nonmembers. We added fun events such as the junior golf palooza and family scrambles to encourage families to be more involved in the great game of golf. We also have three large tournaments planned for 2014 benefitting local charities that will offer nonmembers a great golfing opportunity at Awbrey Glen Golf Club.

Awbrey Glen Golf Club

Number of holes: 18

Status: Open year-round, weather permitting

Location: 2500 N.W. Awbrey Glen Drive, Bend

Information: 541-385-6011

Course stats: Par 72, 6,957 yards

Head golf professional: Tim Fraley

Course designer: Gene “Bunny” Mason (1993)

Extras: Pro shop, dual-ended driving range, learning center, additional five-hole par-3 golf course, restaurant, fitness center, pool

Website: www.awbreyglen.com