Eagle Crest Challenge Course

General Course Description

The Challenge Course is an 18-hole “executive” course that is part of the Eagle Crest resort and development just to the west of Redmond.  Sitting on the same ridge that the adjacent The Ridge course does, the Eagle Crest Challenge Course contains nine par 4s and nine par 3s. I put quotation marks around executive because the course is a step above the standard executive course in quality and difficulty. It is a well-maintained course with mixed grass but well-conditioned fairways and greens that hold well and are true (but are a step slower than the other courses in the resort). Although short (there is a 399-yard par 4), undulations, grass troughs, traps, and trees force you to focus if you want to score well. It wanders through a housing development, but has pleasant views of the mountains to the east. Although it is short, it is hilly and there are distances between some tees. If you want to have fun, take the included cart.

Course History

Opened in 1999. Originally referred to as the “Mid-Iron Course.”

Why It Is There

Built as part of the Eagle Crest resort and development by Jeld-Wen, Inc.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

The wind comes over the butte to the west causing the grass to grow away from it. In general, putts towards the butte will be slower.  Most greens have no fringe. The poles are 100 poles and (other than the yardage at the tee box) there is no other on-course information on yardage and pin placement (so take the free yardage book). On the par-4 holes, most trouble comes after the 100 poles.  Unless you are trying to reach the green in one, a good strategy is to hit your tee shot to the 100 pole and play in from there.

Did You Know

The Eagle Crest resort and development is over 1,700 acres.

Good For Them

With The Ridge, they do a lot to encourage junior golf: host Nike Golf Camps, host OGA Jr. League, provide free clinics for lodge guests, host skill-building clinics, and have reduced rates for family golf. And note the Purple tees, made for juniors to have a par-72 course within this executive course.

Why Play This Course

If you are a skilled golfer, it is a great place to hone skills with your irons. For not-so-skilled golfers, it is a good place to learn how to improve your game. It is a well-maintained course with nice views and a very nice and accommodating staff.

General

• • Type: 18-hole public executive course
  • Price: $$
  • Phone/webpage:  (541) 923-4653/www.eagle-crest.com
  • Address: 8300 Coopers Hawk Drive, Redmond, Oregon 97756
  • Owner: Eagle Crest Acquisition Group, LLC
  • Designer: John Thronson
  • Pros: Ron Buerger (PGA), Kevin Story (PGA)
  • Practice Facilities: (It shares with The Ridge) driving range on grass, practice chipping and sand area (behind driving range), two practice greens, and an 18-hole putting course (for $11, but includes a putter and some balls)
  • Pro Shop: Lots of clothing and some equipment
  • Food: Greenside Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch serving burgers, salads, sandwiches, soda, and has a full bar with a nice patio overlooking the practice green
  • Bathrooms: Improved in pro shop and on course
  • Yardage Markers: 100 poles,; no other yardage or pin placement information — take the free yardage book
  • Clothing: Proper golf attire
  • Walkable: Some hills, but a nice walk
  • Spikes: Soft only
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brushes and air hose
  • Rentals: All
  • Tries to be open all year but closed some weeks during winter