As someone who frequents golf getaways anytime I have the opportunity — which, admittedly, is a bit tougher these days as a new dad — I’m always on the lookout for one-of-a-kind experiences that lead to lasting memories with friends or family.
While playing golf is the real reason for taking these trips, when the accommodations and hospitality are both elevated, it adds a certain pizazz, and really separates the good trips from the best ones.
Back in my younger days, there wasn’t anything wrong with a big group of guys cramming themselves in a small hotel room or rental house in order to save some cash. After all, many times the place was just somewhere to sleep, with the golf course (and nearby bars) serving as our haven for the weekend.
But now that I’m a little more “grown up” (used loosely), I tend to enjoy the finer things in life — and a central Oregon resort, Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte (about 30 minutes from Bend), more than fills that requirement for me.
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Brasada Ranch with my wife and 11-month-old daughter, along with two of our friends for a 3-day refuge. While golf was very much on the agenda — we played all three days — with it being near the end of the summer, we were all looking forward to some rest and relaxation before autumn comes.
Thanks to all that Brasada Ranch has to offer, a quick getaway ended up feeling more like a week-long vacation — and very much exceeded expectations.
So what makes this special sanctuary one of my favorite golf getaways? I list 12 reasons below, starting with the golf and giving love to the entire resort. Take a look below and, if you ever find yourself near Bend, Oreg., consider a trip to Brasada Ranch to soak in the serenity.
The golf
Brasada Canyons (the course located on the property), is one of the most stunning layouts I’ve ever witnessed — so it makes sense that it’s often listed as one of Oregon’s top courses.
The desert terrain and views of the nearby mountains offer an escape from real life for 18 holes. And because no two holes run parallel with one another, the whole layout focuses on privacy and seclusion, which leads to relaxing rounds that allow players to dial in each one of their shots.
Outside of the views, well-maintained grounds, and the hospitality of the entire staff, here are a few other reasons why I adored Brasada Canyons:
1. The forgiving fairways
While the back 9 plays much differently (and a little tighter) than the front 9, overall, the forgiving fairways at Brasada Canyons make the course a joy to play — especially if you’re a mid-handicapper like I am.
There are plenty of long holes and intimidating layouts that, from the tee box, might get into a player’s head. But once you settle in and realize nearly every par-4 and par-5 is safe to use a driver on, you can really just grip it and rip it, knowing your ball will (likely) be in a safe spot for a second shot. It doesn’t just make each round move fast, but also makes it one helluva experience — especially when you’re looking to go low on the scorecard!
2. The drivable holes
Similarly, the par-4 holes are extremely drivable, especially on the back 9 — so if you’ve got some accuracy and length with the driver, don’t hold back!
For instance, on No. 15 (a 292-yard par-4), staring down the hole from the tee box gives the illusion of an extremely difficult tee shot. There’s OB immediately to the left (which you need to carry if you’re going for the green), but it opens up a ton on the right side of the fairway. While the safe play is to simply poke it down the right, that route can set up a tricky second shot due to the green’s slope.
Instead, bite down and go for it — which is what I did — and see if you’re able to roll it on up there. Even with some headwind, I was able to reach the front of the green and give myself a long eagle putt. Not going to lie, it was a pretty awesome feeling.
3. The challenging greens
At first glance, the greens at Brasada appear to be lightning quick with lots of break — otherwise known as a golfer’s nightmare. But after settling in after a few holes, you quickly realize how crucial green-reading and soft touch comes into play.
I can’t tell you how many times I had a par putt from about eight feet that looked like it had break, only to watch my ball take-off on me and roll past the hole a couple more feet. The greens here require patience and call for pace — despite what your eyes or feet might be telling you.
Like, you can see the ball’s going to break, but it often doesn’t unless you just barely tap the thing and play the slope. My suggestion? Be conservative and less aggressive when you’re using the flat stick here.
4. “The Shed”
When I wasn’t playing a round, I was hanging out in The Shed to dial in my swing and put in some practice.
With two separate practice mats (both with garage doors that open up to the range), The Shed is Brasada’s game-improvement area, allowing players to either hit balls out towards the range or to play a virtual round on the golf simulator.
And for those who need some lessons, this is the spot to go, with Brasada having two PGA Golf Professionals available to work with, Kyle Johnson and Chris Rosenquist.
5. The back 9’s difficulty
As mentioned above, most holes at Brasada Canyons offer forgiving fairways that provide some insurance for mishit tee shots. But the back 9 is just a little bit tighter, and isn’t as forgiving as the front 9.
While the scorecard shows that the back 9 is actually shorter than the front 9, don’t let that fool you, because the tighter fairways, doglegs, bunkers, water, and smaller greens make the back more challenging, in my opinion.
It’s easy to make the turn with all the confidence in the world, then quickly get knocked down to reality after realizing the first few holes on the back 9 ate you up. This is your warning.
6. The practice areas
I’m not a country club kid, so having first-class practice areas aren’t the norm for me — and likely aren’t for many of you reading this. But Brasada Ranch has a superb driving range with a good amount of room for about 12 players, two large practice greens that mimic the putting surfaces on the course, and a dedicated short game spot to practice on bunker shots and wedge play.
Whether you’re getting ready to tee off, or you’re just working on a few minor tweaks following a round, Brasada’s got you covered when it comes to improving. Hell, I even went back out to the short game area after dinner for 45 minutes to put in some work since the sun was setting and there was a quiet calmness. It was just me, my thoughts, and some crispy wedge shots — which was a great way to end a long day.
7. The par-3 layouts
Most amateur golfers probably look at par-3s as easier holes, given the shorter distances. While that may be true at some golf courses, it sure as hell isn’t the case at Brasada Canyons — because these things are absolute round-wreckers.
Not only are the layouts intimidating — with most having elevated tee boxes that make it difficult to gauge what club to use — but the greens are protected by tons of bunkers, so if you’re not perfect off the tee, you’re in immediate trouble.
You kind of have to be a madman to enjoy this type of stuff, but, hey, that’s me, because the par-3s made the course really interesting, presenting a firm but fair challenge. So lock in your game plan from these shorter holes, otherwise you may look back at your scorecard and be kicking yourself.
The resort
1. Accommodations
With two (very) different lodging options, Brasada Ranch has a spot that perfectly fits your vacation needs and group size.
For bigger parties and those with kids, Brasada has cabins with 1-4 bedrooms, with many having hot tubs, expansive views of the golf course and the nearby mountains, as well as turnkey amenities like dishes and silverware to really make yourself at home. My wife, daughter and I stayed in a 3-bedroom cabin (which, admittedly, was so much space for us), but it was incredibly quaint, and had us feeling as if we were in a vacation home that we owned ourselves.
If you’re looking for a couples retreat, I suggest trying to reserve a bungalow — which are in high-demand, but well worth the experience. Our friends stayed in one of these and got spoiled, with a breakfast basket arriving at their door each morning, a back patio that looked out towards an adults-only pool, and decor that looked as if it was straight out of a Restoration Hardware catalog.
While you can’t go wrong with either choice, the bungalows are reserved for 21 and over guests, so keep that in mind as you prep your trip.
2. Food
I’m not necessarily a foodie — after all, I lived off of frozen pizzas as a single guy — but even I can appreciate an elevated menu. With two different restaurants on the property, Brasada Ranch offers a little bit of something for everybody.
For a more casual dining experience, Ranch House is the place to go, with the menu offering things like burgers, pizzas, salads, and your traditional Americana cuisine. The breakfast is also a hit, with lots of options for all guests — including those with allergies (my wife is Celiac, but she still had plenty of choices).
If you’re more interested in a higher-end meal on Brasada Ranch’s grounds, Wild Rye is it. The menu consists of plates using local ingredients from farms raising elk, venison, rabbit, and buffalo, among others, and the vibe very much fits the clientele’s needs, with an expansive Spirits menu and plates that are both exotic and unique.
3. Kid-friendly
While Brasada Ranch is a fantastic golf getaway and feels like an adult playground, the whole resort caters to all sorts of guests — including kids.
The adults-only pool by the bungalows is good for guests looking for a more quiet lounge day, but Brasada has a few other pools for general guests as well, including an indoor option and the uniquely-designed Sundance Pool, which boasts a seasonal waterslide and lazy river.
When the kiddos are done cooling off in one of the pools, they can go into the game room, sit around one of the many fire pits, burn some energy on the playground, or simply catch an outdoor nap under some shade at multiple seating areas.
As accommodating as Brasada is for kids, it never feels overwhelming. So even if you’re a couple celebrating an anniversary at the resort, the kids’ activities aren’t much of a distraction.
4. The sunsets
Sorry, I’m a sucker for a good sunset (especially on vacation), and Brasada Ranch has some of the best I’ve seen in the Pacific Northwest. There’s just something magical about seeing the sun settle beneath the nearby mountains and desert terrain, providing a mental sanctuary that allows you to escape all the craziness that life often brings.
Whether you’re watching the sunset from a back patio at your cabin, from the top of one of the restaurants, or standing on the golf practice area (as I was), you’ll feel at peace as the cooler desert air sweeps in to end the day.
