OUR RATINGS
1 IS LOWEST - 10 IS HIGHEST |
| MAINT. |
SCENERY |
FUN |
SAFETY |
STAFF |
DESIGN |
VALUE |
OVERALL |
|
10 |
10 |
10 |
7 |
7 |
10 |
9 |
55 |
RIVERS EDGE
GOLF COURSE - OUR COMMENTS
Maintenance: This is a
meticulously maintained course - you'd never know it was in
the desert - I saw very few flaws in the maintenance aspect -
just beautiful. Lush fairways, well kept greens, and the
out-of-bounds areas are well-landscaped. The grass in
the peak of the desert summer was lush and dark green - no
brown spots to be found. The bunkers were smooth and
glistened in the afternoon sun, and the whole area is just
landscaped to the hilt.
Scenery: This is the desert?
It sure doesn't seem like it with so much water and lush,
green foliage. Views of the Cascade Snowpeaks highlight
the backdrop for this riverside course. The first few
holes border Coi Canal before heading over to the Deschutes
River, then back to the Canal. There are several
man-made water features as well. Just a beautifully
designed course.
Fun: This is the most fun I've had
on a course yet...narrow fairways with lots of hazards and
some very cool signature holes - Hole #6 is especially good -
an approach shot to an elevated green fronted by a pond and a
25-foot waterfall. Also hole #16 which features a 216
yard par-3 with a 300-foot vertical drop onto the green. Too
cool. There are so many twists and turns in these
fairways - it seems there's thinking required at every hole.
Hole #7 with it's three-tiered approach, Hole #13 with all
it's bunkers, and all the dog-legs just make it so fun.
Safety: There are a couple of spots
where you may find yourself teetering on a rock wall next to a
water hazard or climbing up a cut bank to get your ball - the
fairways are often narrow, and off of them can be steep - all
the water and relief on this course do pose potential issues,
but the holes are widely spaced and private - you're unlikely
to get nailed by a stray ball, and there are no real roads to
cross - just a couple of paths.
Staff: Don't remember now - must
have been OK. I know I didn't get hassled by anyone.
Design: The best designed
course we've played in the area so far. It is built
into the high desert scenery, with each hole offering
a new challenge. Water is used not only for hazards
but for scenic value, which is nice. Holes are set to
maximize views of the mountains, and wind through the
canyons, keeping the scenery varied and keeping you out of
the path of stray golf balls. Very fun, always
challenging.
Value: For me, this was a good
deal. It is about the going rate of many of the other
courses in Bend, but I enjoyed playing here more. I
think $67 for a round is pretty steep, but at least you get
something for your money.
Other Comments: I really enjoyed
the varied scenery, challenging terrain, and how the course
was cut through the canyon, making for a pleasant game under
the mountain views. This was a pretty difficult
course, though, so maybe a better bet for more advanced
players. There is almost always sunshine here, but it
is not that often you get to play in the winter due to snow
and frost conditions. |
