River’s Edge Golf Course

General Course Description

The River’s Edge Golf Course is an 18-hole public course in Bend that is a tale of two nines. The narrow front 9, built first, meanders along a basalt wall and subdivision, and the more open back 9 sits on a ridge also within a subdivision, overlooking the City of Bend (and the Cascades).  This combination yields a wide variety of holes, from the narrow sharp downhill 1st to the open trap dotted 10th. River’s Edge Golf Course has basalt outcroppings, many attractive tall trees, many traps, and lots of water. But the primary challenges are the elevation changes. Fairways are generally well maintained, but can be spotty and soggy in places. Greens hold run well, are consistent, and are generally flat on the front and undulate on the back. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Forward tees have shorter distances and much better angles. Very hilly and there are distances between some holes — take a cart.

Course History

The first (lower and front) 9 opened in 1987 and the second 9 opened in 1992.

Why It Is There

Built by the Purcell family (originally Clyde and Mary) as part of the River’s Edge housing development. The family (now Wayne and Ann Swarens) continue to own and operate the course.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Use the course guide on the score card, but note it is tied to the Gold tees. The par 5, uphill, dogleg right 9th hole, has a tree and trap early left front of the green. Note that if you go too far right of the trap you could be blocked by trees on the right, especially if the pin is in the back. Being short center of the trap is a fine spot. On the 16th hole, a steep downhill par 3, after the forward tee, the left side of the hill is grass (not sage) and can carry your ball down and forward to the green (but don’t go too far, as over the green is a steep drop-off).

Did You Know

The 2nd hole was the original 1st hole and the house next to the tee was the original clubhouse. The driving range was next to the clubhouse, where there are several houses now.

Good For Them

The course holds multiple junior clinics in the summer, including golf classes for Bend Parks and Recreation. Host course for Nike Junior Camps. The course annually hosts the Habitat For Humanity Tournament and the Central Oregon Veterans Outreach Golf Scramble.

Why Play This Course

It is an interesting and challenging course with a wide variety of holes and scenic views of Bend and the Cascades. But the very friendly and accommodating staff will improve your experience.

General

• • Type: 18-hole public course
  • Price: $$$
  • Phone/webpage:  (541) 389-2828/www.riversedgegolfbend.com
  • Address: 400 NW Pro Shop Drive, Bend, Oregon 97703
  • Owner: Rivers Edge Investment, LLC
  • Designer: Robert Muir Graves
  • Pros: Troy Eckberg
  • Practice Facilities: Driving range on grass, practice chipping area, putting green
  • Pro Shop: Good amount of clothing and some equipment
  • Food: Bogey’s Cafe has sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers; open from lunch to close of the golf day
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and on course (some port-a-potties as well)
  • Yardage Markers: 150 posts; 250, 200, 150, and 100 in-ground markers and on cart paths; pins color-coded for position
  • Clothing: No tank tops or cut offs, t-shirts OK
  • Walkable: Hilly, with distances between some holes, cart recommended
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes
  • Rentals: All and golf boards
  • Open as much as possible, but closed a few weeks in the winter