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 Brent McLean, vice president of sales and marketing for Northview Hotel Group, which owns Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond.

McLean has been in charge of the marketing efforts at both Eagle Crest and Brasada Canyons Golf Club in Powell Butte since Northview bought the properties in 2010. This is what he had to say about the current business of golf and about Eagle Crest, a resort with three golf courses:

Q: How was business in 2013?

A: Business was extremely positive for Eagle Crest Resort this past year. We’ve seen measurable increases in our golf rounds, merchandise sales, overnight lodging, corporate outings and banquets. Eagle Crest’s Ridge Course was the OGA’s (Oregon Golf Association’s) choice to host their prestigious Mid-Amateur Championship and we once again hosted the OSAA (Class 4A/3A/2A/1A) High School State Championships. The Resort Course again hosted the Central Oregon Shootout this past spring.

Q: Were any changes of note made to the facility during the past year?

A: With the Resort Course’s makeover of the second hole now complete, players are enjoying the increased playability and aesthetically pleasing aspects of a wider landing area and open approach to the green. Pace of play has been improved as a result. The Challenge Course upgraded the irrigation system and customers marveled at the exceptional shape the course was in by midseason. The Ridge Course got a new tee box on the third tee to create a new angle of play and a different shot requirement.

All three courses improved their conditioning as a result of ongoing adjustments in irrigation and our topdressing program.

Q: Are any changes and/or improvements to the facility scheduled for 2014?

A: We anticipate adding 172 new golf carts in 2014. The Ridge Course is set to see a modification of the third green to provide added pin placements and bring water more into play. The green will be expanded and moved closer to the water, adding a “Sunday pin” into the rotation.

Q: After a recession that began in 2007, how have your golf operations changed in recent years?

A: The downturn in the economy was also an opportunity for the golf business to make some corrections, mainly in the areas of expense control. We, like many facilities, discovered we could do more with less at least for a period of time. As a result, today we are a much more efficient operation, especially on the maintenance side of the business.

Q: Are the local golf facilities doing enough to attract and foster local play? If not, what more can be done?

A: Because of the large number of courses in our area it is paramount that we continue to look beyond the local market. Because of the addition of the Central Oregon Golf Trail (www.visitcentraloregon.com) and its cooperation with the Central Oregon Visitors Association we are seeing many new guests to Central Oregon and our resort. E-marketing will continue to be at the forefront of the promotions we offer at Eagle Crest Resort and we will continue to experiment with new markets and websites that will get more golfers to Central Oregon. Having said that, we intend on not losing focus on the local market and plan to roll out some initiatives this spring to foster local play on our Resort.

— Reporter: 541-617-7868, zhall@bendbulletin.com.