Bend, Oregon, has no shortage of golf courses.  Public options like Lost Track Golf Club, Old Back Nine, and River’s Edge Golf Course all provide a high-desert feel with mountain scenery.

If you are lucky enough to play the private or semi-private golf clubs in Bend, like Awbrey Glen or Tetherow, you are in for a special experience.

a Winding Paved Path Curves Through a Manicured Lawn with Tall Pine Trees in the Background Theres a Large Rustic Lodge with Many Windows an American Flag on a Pole and Golf Carts Parked Nearby Under a Clear Blue Sky

But there is one Bend Oregon golf course that locals call ‘home’—Widgi Creek Golf Club. Widgi Creek is not the most glamorous, exclusive, or pristine course in Bend. 

But it embodies everything fabulous about playing golf in Bend.  It’s the course in Bend I’ve played the most, and still one of my favorites in Bend.

A Guide to Widgi Creek Golf Club

Widgi Creek Golf Course: Rankings

Here are some of the rankings for Widgi Creek Golf Course in Bend, Oregon:

a Sand Bunker Borders a Neatly Mowed Golf Fairway Surrounded by Tall Pine Trees Under a Partly Cloudy Blue Sky the Green Grass Contrasts with the Sandy Bunker in the Foreground and the Scene is Calm and Peaceful

Widgi Creek Golf Club: Basics

If you have spent time in Bend, you have probably seen Widgi Creek Golf Club. It sits on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway, on the left just as you leave town.

The Golfing Experience at Widgi Creek

Widgi Creek is an inviting setting.  Tree-lined fairways.  Well-maintained greens and bunkers.  Super challenging holes like the epic 653-yard par 5 number 3 hole, which I never seem to play well.

Most of all, Widgi is like Bend – laid back and beautiful.

a Black Golf Club Rests on a Large Weathered Tree Stump Beside a Sand Bunker on a Golf Course in the Background Lush Green Grass Tall Pine Trees and a Blue Sky with Wispy Clouds Complete the Scenic Outdoor Setting

Widgi Creek is set among towering Ponderosa pines and flows along the Deschutes River corridor.

The course is renowned for its tranquil ambiance and natural layout, featuring elevation changes and water features that demand strategy but reward exceptional shots.

a Green Sign at Widgi Creek Golf Club Displays Daily Pin Location 1 and Play Ready Golf Below a Notice Warns That Outside Alcohol is Not Allowed and Violations May Result in Removal Trees and Green Grass Are Visible in the Background

What I also love about it:

  • An 18-hole, par-72 course that’s challenging and interesting

  • Tree-lined fairways and dramatic mountain views

  • Reasonably Priced, well-paced tee times and a relaxing environment

  • Great facilities for a public course – club house, driving range, practice area

It’s also a great course to walk.  In fact, I’ve probably walked nine holes at Widgi in the evening more than I’ve played eighteen.

a Blue Disc with a White Abstract Design Stands Upright on a Grassy Area Likely a Golf Course or Park Tall Pine Trees and a Blue Sky with Scattered Clouds Are in the Blurred Background Creating a Serene Outdoor Scene

Course Overview, Stats, and Rates

Widgi has four tees so it can play almost 7,000 yards from the tips.  Or you can play the blue/white combo like me which is less insane.

The course generally has narrow fairways, and tee shots demand accuracy and length. 

This is the high desert, and shots that miss the fairway quickly find themselves in the tall ponderosa trees that stand above tall grass.  I had to punch out several times when hitting poor tee shots.

a Golf Putter and a Bright Green Golf Ball Rest on Grass Near a Pond with Tall Pine Trees and a Clear Blue Sky in the Background Creating a Scenic Golf Course Setting

There is water on several holes, specifically 6, 7, 11, 17, and 18, and the ponds come significantly into play on your tee shot.  Check out the hole-by-hole layout, and you’ll find lots of interesting dog legs that require some strategy and course knowledge.

My favorites are:

Hole 7.  A long par five which requires some strategy to navigate bunkers and a green protected by water.

Hole 11.  Over water par three with a multi-level green that can make for some crazy putts.

Hole 17.  A monster par five (582 from the blue) that is a nightmare for slicers, but a beautiful hole.

a Row of Golfers Practices at a Driving Range Bordered by Tall Pine Trees Under a Blue Sky the Foreground Features Manicured Bushes Spelling out Pga in Green Letters on a Brown Mulch Bed Surrounded by Neatly Trimmed Grass

Rates at Widgi Creek vary by season and time, but in general are very reasonable for Bend.  I also like that they have 9 hole and twilight rates (which I take advantage of often).

Explore Widgi Creek Golf Clubs Comprehensive Rate Chart in Bend Featuring Five Seasonal Sections with 18 Hole and 9 Hole Prices for Prime Afternoon and Twilight Timesranging from to 5 and to

My Rounds at Widgi

a Golf Push Cart with a Bag Stands on Green Grass Near a Small Sign Reading Carts with an Arrow Tall Pine Trees Border the Golf Course and a Golfer with a Pull Cart is Seen in the Distance Under a Blue Partly Cloudy Sky

I’ve played Widgi many times. In fact, like Whiskey Creek Golf Course in Frederick, it has become my de facto ‘home course’ in Bend.

The first time I played was many years ago, when I was paired with several Bend locals. They helped me navigate the course, and I fell in love with the place.

a Bright Green Golf Ball Lies on Bare Soil and Sparse Grass Near Tall Blades with a Large Tree and Shadowed Trunk Nearby in the Background Theres a Paved Path Lush Green Grass and Tall Pine Trees Under a Partly Cloudy Blue Sky

I’ve played as recently as June 2025, this time paired with part-time residents of the Seventh Mountain Resort just down the road.  One of them came 6 inches from a hole-in-one on the par 3, second hole. 

Bend Golf at its Best at Widgi

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Widgi Creek Golf Club is a must-play. Its serene setting, thoughtful design, and warm community feel create a golf experience that stands out in Central Oregon.

a Man Stands at a Wooden Counter in a Golf Pro Shop with Large Windows Behind the Counter a Woman Assists Him Golf Gear Apparel and Displays Fill the Shop Two Deer Mounts Are on the Beam Above and Sunlight Streams Through the Tall Windows

A few more things to know:

  • There’s a full service bar and grill to hit up when you finish your round
  • If you are local and play a lot of golf, you’ll definitely want to consider a membership. Widgi offers very reasonable 5-day and 7-day memberships.
  • Widgi also has the best pickleball facility in the Pacific Northwest!

Looking for More to Do in Bend, Oregon?

Two Pint Glasses with Crux Fermentation Project Logos Sit on a Wooden Table Outdoors in Bend Oregon One Holds a Hazy Beer the Other a Golden Brewperfect for Enjoying One of the Best Things to Do in Bend Relaxing with Local Craft Beer

Of course, there’s more to do in Bend than golf, and we can help:

 

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Glenn VanLandingham Travel Writer
Glenn is a travel enthusiast and adventure seeker who lives in Frederick, Maryland, and Bend, Oregon. He and his wife Nicole use EpicBend and EpicFrederick to chronicle their adventures in these amazing places so others can live their best lives in Frederick and Bend.
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