Broken Top Club's restaurant features sweeping views toward the Cascades.

For members and staff at three of Central Oregon’s iconic courses, 2023 marks an anniversary to remember. Awbrey Glen and Broken Top are celebrating 30 years and Tetherow is celebrating 15 years.

When each course first opened, there wasn’t much more than golf. Over the years, however, each club has built a strong sense of identity and fostered an environment of not just golf, but of close-knit community where family, friends, and guests come together.

“A strong sense of humor, a hefty dose of tenacity, and an unwavering commitment to the future have helped the club survive and thrive these past 15 years,” says Tetherow general manager Nick OrRico, of the club’s opening during the 2008 recession.

At Awbrey Glen in northwest Bend, the motto has always been, “Come for the golf, stay for the friendships.” Maintaining a consistent culture for 30 years is difficult at any club, but Awbrey Glen has been able to do just that. “The members feel a sense of ownership and are invested in making Awbrey Glen a friendly environment,” says longtime member Richard Galio.

“A strong sense of community is what makes Broken Top such a special place to be,” says member Rick Johns. “The multitude of member events both on and off the golf course makes Broken Top a total experience.”

All three clubs have evolved since they first opened, with the addition of new amenities and upgrading of ones already in

place.

Seen as one of the more difficult courses in Central Oregon, Tetherow, in southwest Bend, has undergone changes to make it more playable, but without sacrificing the integrity of what it was originally meant to be.

“I want golfers to either love Tetherow, or hate it,” says the course’s designer, David McLay Kidd. “But the proof is in the tee times — we are booked.”

Tetherow has seen some significant additions aside from just the golf course. OrRico says that “Tetherow is now a full-scale destination resort with a 50-room lodge, vacation rentals, two incredible restaurants, a pool, activity center, and golf learning center.”

Awbrey Glen has also made planning for the future a top priority. The Reinvest in Awbrey Glen Program is ramping up this year. This capital investment initiative has recently made it possible for sections of cart path to be repaved and upgrades to be made in the kitchen. Going forward, there are plans to reshape tee boxes to make the course more playable.

“It’s exciting to see so many members involved in the long-term capital planning program to ensure we can build what we want in the future,” says 27-year-long member Dave Maul.

There is more to the story than just golf at Awbrey Glen, however. Members plan many events themselves. One of the most popular groups is the Explorer’s Club, which actively facilitates outdoor activities like biking, hiking, fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing for members.

At Broken Top, in southwest Bend, the addition of the golf performance center has made the game accessible to members year-round. Multiple indoor hitting bays are equipped with the latest technology. This is where members can get fitted for equipment and receive instruction, even when there’s snow on the ground.

Other modern amenities at Broken Top include restaurant upgrades, the installation of a yoga studio, and a six-acre lake where members can fish for trophy rainbow trout.

Community involvement is also a top priority for these golf clubs. Over the years, Tetherow has hosted events like the Blitz to the Barrel bike race in conjunction with 10 Barrel Brewing, the Golf Marathon, which has raised more than $100,000 for local children’s charities, and Classical Music in the Wild featuring world-renowned pianist, Hunter Noak.

Awbrey Glen has its own nonprofit called Glen Gives. Founded in 2004, the organization has raised more than $1.2 million to help more than 1,800 local families in need. An annual member fundraiser is held every fall.

Tetherow takes pride in its environmental stewardship. According to director of golf Hunter Hidalgo, Tetherow was the first course in Oregon to become an Audubon International Certified Signature Sanctuary Golf Course, one of just a handful of courses worldwide to earn the certification. The course’s fescue fairways and greens require little water and thrive in Central Oregon’s high desert climate.

While 2023 marks a time for reflection at Awbrey Glen, Tetherow, and Broken Top, there is plenty to look forward to.

OrRico is excited about what the future holds at Tetherow. He says, “Tetherow is not an accident. It took a lot of vision from David McLay Kidd, Chris van der Velde, and others to make this happen. Tetherow’s first 15 years have been special, but I think our best days are still ahead.”

Based on the club’s popularity, the world-class golf course, and all the amenities, the future looks bright indeed.

At Awbrey Glen, things are continuing to move full-steam ahead. Membership engagement is at an all-time high, and an emphasis on growing women’s and junior golf has brought a lot of new members into the club. Director of instruction Tim Fraley was recently named one of the best 50 teachers in the world for kids by “U.S. Kids Golf.” He has an array of instructional programs available year-round for all types of golfers.

At Broken Top, membership is thriving. The golf course is full, and an influx of younger members and families has bolstered participation in club events and added vibrancy to the total experience.

Looking back, it doesn’t seem all that long ago that Awbrey Glen, Tetherow, and Broken Top opened their doors. Clearly, a lot has changed since their inception. By and large, that change has been for the good.

If golf remains as popular as it has become, and Central Oregon continues to grow, there is little doubt that Awbrey Glen, Tetherow, and Broken Top will have many more important anniversaries to celebrate in the future.