A golfer tees off at the 12th hole while playing at Crooked River Ranch Golf Course.

ASPEN LAKES GOLF COURSE

The red cinder bunkers at Aspen Lakes are as recognizable as perhaps any feature on any course in the region. Located just east of Sisters, Aspen Lakes is lined with ponderosa pines and is a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The course has a quality set of par 5’s, and its 222-yard, par-3 15th hole is among the toughest pars in Central Oregon.

Number of holes: 18. Status: Open year-round, weather permitting Location: 16900 Aspen Lakes Drive, Sisters Tee times: 541-549-4653 Course stats: Par 72, 7,302 yards Green fees: Through Sept. 30, $49 to $75 daily; after Oct. 1, $35 to $49 daily Power cart: $15. Extras: Putting green, driving range, pro shop, practice bunker, clubhouse, restaurant. Golf boards no longer offered.

Website: www.aspenlakes.com

BLACK BUTTE RANCH

Big Meadow: The course was ranked in the top 10 in the state by Golfweek magazine in 2016. Golfers will find a well-bunkered, straightforward layout that is welcoming to players of all abilities. In addition, the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains on the back nine can make for a memorable finish.

Glaze Meadow: The course is maturing into a must-play track in Central Oregon after a John Fought redesign nine years ago. Glaze Meadows new design utilizes classical elements, including grass-faced bunkers and turtleback greens reminiscent of the golden era of golf design.

Number of holes: 36. Glaze Meadow (18) and Big Meadow (18). Status: Open seasonally Location: Eight miles northwest of Sisters on U.S. Highway 20 Tee times: 541-595-1500 Course stats: Big Meadow, par 72, 7,002 yards; Glaze Meadow, par 72, 7,007 yards

Green fees: Through June 17: before noon $74, after noon $64, after 3 p.m.

$49; June 18-Sept. 30: before 7:30 a.m. $69, 7:30 a.m. to noon $84, noon to 3 p.m. $69, after 3 p.m. $54 Power cart: $36 GolfBoard: $27. Extras: Two golf shops, driving ranges, putting greens, chipping and bunker practice areas at both courses, new putting course

Website: www.blackbutteranch.com

CROOKED RIVER RANCH

Perched on the rim of the Crooked River Gorge, 400 feet above the river, this course is enjoyable for golfers of all abilities. The No. 5 canyon hole with its gofor- it or go-home attitude makes it easy to see why it is the signature hole. The 260-yard, par-4 hole can easily be managed with two short irons, though adventurous golfers might choose to take the shortcut over the gorge and play the hole as a 225-yard par 3. Just minutes north of Redmond, Crooked River Ranch is well worth the trip.

Number of holes: 18. Status: Open year-round, weather permitting Location: 5195 SW Club House Road, Crooked River Ranch Tee times: 541-923-6343 Course stats: Par 71, 5,818 yards Green fees: May through September: Mon-Thu: $48, Fri-Sun: $55; Oct: Mon-Thu: $40, Fri-Sun: $43; November through February: $32 daily; March through April: Mon-Thu: $43; Fri-Sun: $43 Power cart: $17 for 18 holes; $11 for nine holes Head golf professional: Randy Ballard Course designers: Original four holes: William McPherson (1978); original full nine: Bunny Mason; second nine: Jim Ramey (1994). Extras: Driving range, pro shop, chipping and bunker practice area, two practice putting greens

Website: www.crookedriverranchgc.com

DESERT PEAKS GOLF CLUB

The municipal golf course has a flat, straightforward design that will not intimidate golfers of any skill level. Located just north of Madras, Desert Peaks does offer some spectacular Cascade mountain views, and it is a good place for beginning golfers to play a regulation-length course.

Number of holes: Nine. Status: Open year-round, weather permitting Location: 565 NW Adler St., Madras Tee times: 541-475-6368 Course stats:

Par 36, 3,231 yards Green fees: $18 for nine holes and $27 for 18, weekdays; $20 for nine and $29 for 18, weekends

Power cart: $10 per rider for nine holes, $16 per rider for 18 holes. Extras: Putting green, driving range open, clubhouse Email: desertpeaksgolf@gmail.com Website: www.desertpeaksgolf.com

EAGLE CREST RESORT

Eagle Crest near Redmond boasts two championship golf courses in the Ridge Course and the Resort Course. The resort also offers the tough 18hole, par-63 Challenge Course, and a popular 18-hole putting course. Due to its lower elevation, Eagle Crest has one of the longest seasons in all of Central Oregon.

Resort Course: This is a golf course that poses two distinctly different nines. Break out the driver on the front nine as the fairways are wide, but the holes are longer. The back nine will require more accuracy and course management as the fairways become tight. The Resort Course is a great test for players of all abilities. The key to scoring well here is to keep the penalty strokes off your card.

Ridge Course: The course cuts through an ancient juniper forest with gorgeous views of the Cascades and the top of Smith Rock State Park. Known as a “ driver’s dream,” the par-72 Ridge Course’s ample landing areas allow for golfers to hit the long ball.

Challenge Course: Exceeding many golfers’ expectations is this 18-hole, 4,175-yard, par-63 track. Boasting nine par 3s and nine par 4s, this course offers entertainment and challenge for all. With holes such as the 400-yard, par-4 fourth, the Challenge Course is no pitch-and-putt facility.

Number of holes: 54. Ridge Course (18), Resort Course (18), Challenge Course (18). Status: Two courses open year-round, weather permitting; Resort Course open seasonally.

Location: 1522 Cline Falls Road, Redmond Tee times: 541-923-4653 Course stats: Challenge Course, par 63, 4,175 yards; Resort Course, par 72, 6,704 yards; Ridge Course, par 72, 6,952 yards

Green fees: Challenge Course: Through Oct. 3, $48 daily; Oct. 4-Nov. 14, $39 daily. Resort Course: Through Oct. 3, $81 daily; Oct. 4-Nov. 14, $59 daily. Ridge Course: Through Oct. 3, $81 daily; Oct. 4-Nov. 14, $59 daily Power cart: $18. Extras: Indoor driving facility, putting green, pro shop, snack bar, banquet/ meeting facilities

Website: www.eagle-crest.com

THE GREENS AT REDMOND

The Greens at Redmond has made significant improvements to its conditioning since new ownership took over in 2014. A true executive course with 14 par 3s and four par 4s, its short layout is well-designed and enough to test most golfers. It is ideal for those with three hours or less to spend on a round of golf.

Number of holes: 18. Status: Open year-round, weather permitting Location: 2575 SW Greens Blvd., Redmond Tee times: 541-923-0694 Course stats: Par 58, 3,131 yards Green fees: $31 daily Power cart: $26 (can be shared). Extras: Indoor driving facility, putting green and practice bunker, pro shop, snack bar, banquet/meeting facilities.

Website: golfthegreens.com

JUNIPER GOLF COURSE

Juniper is cast across the high desert terrain, winding through juniper trees and lava rock on the south end of Redmond. Hard and fast conditions make the course a challenge to even the most skilled golfers, and its speedy bentgrass greens are its hallmark. If the prevailing wind is up, the 478-yard, par-4 17th hole is arguably the toughest par in Central Oregon.

Number of holes: 18. Status: Open year-round, weather permitting Location: 1938 SW Elkhorn Ave., Redmond Tee times: 541-548-3121 Course stats: Par 72, 7,186 yards Green fees: $25-$68 Power cart: $18. Extras: Driving range, putting green, practice pitching green, restaurant, banquet facility