(Bulletin file photo)

Central Oregon has a reputation throughout the Pacific Northwest for great golf courses, but local residents know best which one is worthy of the No. 1 spot.

Tetherow Golf Club

GO! Magazine readers decided that title should go to Tetherow Golf Club.

The 18-hole course was designed by renowned architect and Bend resident David McLay Kidd.

Tetherow has a striking design using hard and fast fescue grasses as well as Colonial Bentgrass that provide a style of golf more like a Scottish links course than a typical American layout. Tetherow is private, but does allow limited access to the general public based on availability. Green fees range from $90 to $175.

Sunriver Resort

Taking the No. 2 spot for golfing is Sunriver Resort, where there are two courses: Meadows and Woodlands.

Meadows is an 18-hole course that meanders through wetlands and some forest. It’s playable for golfers of most skill levels.

Both courses are open to the public. Greens fees are $49 to $99 depending on the time of day and the time of the season (peak season is more expensive).

The Woodlands finished replacing its greens in 2014. This course is more challenging than Meadows due to numerous trees and the shape of the golf course.

River’s Edge Golf Course

Landing the No. 3 spot is River’s Edge Golf Course, another public course. The 18-hole course is located on Bend’s west side, situated high on the side of Awbrey Butte. It offers tremendous views of Deschutes River, Mount Jefferson and Mount Hood.

The sixth hole is a favorite of golfers because of its level of difficulty and an elevated green that features a 25-foot waterfall.

Tetherow and Sunriver Resort golf courses are open seasonally. River’s Edge is open year-round.

— Jody Lawrence-Turner, The Bulletin