Bend, Oregon
Tetherow is an acclaimed, high-desert David McLay Kidd design that delivers architectural character, scenery, and a true sense of occasion. Bold visuals, demanding strategy, and firm, undulating terrain make it a must-play for the region—a resort round you’ll remember.
Before your round, pause at the first tee for unobstructed Cascade mountain views—the framed panorama is one of the region’s most stirring and is a must for pre-round photos.
Tetherow Golf Club fuses a high-desert setting with the sensibility of Scottish links and heathland golf. David McLay Kidd lets the landscape dictate strategy: broad, firm corridors, wild bunkering, and dramatic isolation reward bold plays and thoughtful angles. Fire-cleared terrain produces fast, running fairways, abrupt elevation changes, and stirring visuals—each hole feels cut from a canvas of wind and sunlight. Instead of penalizing misses by rote, Kidd invites imaginative recoveries, shifting par boundaries depending on wind, firmness, and bravado. The result: a course as much about the ground game and creative shotmaking as stamina and nerve, with standout risk-reward options and a menu of distinct choices on every tee.
David McLay Kidd instilled his vision of modern Scottish-influenced golf—a test of creativity and placement, not just power—on a stage few American venues can match.
A true three-shot par 5 in the high desert, the 2nd snakes through mounds and punishes miscalculation off both tees and layups. The fairway angles and natural contours make each shot a risk/reward play—even the layup bristles with tension.
Play for proper position off the tee and layup; only the disciplined or truly long should attack in two.
Native areas and cross-bunkers await both timid and overly aggressive lines.
Resort-quality, firm fairways and contoured greens; high-desert dryness means fast play most of the year.
Generally four and a half hours, but expect some waits during peak resort times or later public slots.
Upscale, high-energy, and destination focused; the scene is serious golf in a relaxed, spectacular setting.
Collared shirts and golf attire required—traditional resort standards apply.
Brush up on bump-and-run strategies—Tetherow demands creativity from tight lies and firm turf.
Expect shifting high-desert breezes; practice flighting shots and controlling trajectory.
The altitude and sun can drain you quickly—sunblock and extra water are essential.
Rehearse long irons and hybrids; several par 3s stretch your full bag.
Resort planning begins on fire-cleared site
Renamed Tetherow to honor Oregon pioneer
Golf course construction commences
Course opens to the public; DMK named Architect of the Year
Tetherow first appears on America's 100 Greatest Public Courses
Climbs to #57 on Golf Digest's top public list
Clubhouse & facilities refreshed; no course redesign
Tetherow’s dramatic landforms and openness owe their character to a massive wildfire that cleared the site before construction. This sparked David McLay Kidd’s vision for a bold, windswept, Scottish-influenced layout in the high desert.
The club was renamed in honor of Solomon Tetherow, a 19th-century Oregon Trail leader whose wagons passed through the area. His adventurous spirit echoes in the course’s raw, untamed feel.
Upon opening in 2008, Tetherow was instantly acclaimed as the Best New Course You Can Play in the Country by Golf Magazine, cementing its national reputation from day one.
Despite its national rankings and dramatic design, Tetherow has never hosted a major championship or pro tour event—instead, it thrives as a pure destination golf adventure.
The course was only possible thanks to a wildfire that cleared the site, shaping its open, windswept feel.
Tetherow’s opening acclaim included Golf Magazine’s 'Best New Course You Can Play in the Country' honor.
The course plays above 3,600 feet, so expect your shots to fly farther in the thin, dry air.
Named in tribute to Solomon Tetherow, a historic Oregon Trail pioneer.
Unique fescue fairways and sandy rough deliver genuine running-play options rarely found in inland U.S. courses.
Elite resort layout, championship pedigree, and complementary to Tetherow’s challenge.
Nicklaus strategy, dramatic desert scenery, and world-class amenities.
An approachable option with tree-lined holes and a fun test for all levels.
Good value, character-filled layout, popular for relaxed resort play.
Red cinder bunkers and mountain scenery—worth the drive for variety.
Stay in Bend for easy access to all top Central Oregon courses and the city’s dining and nightlife.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If Tetherow Golf Club is your kind of course, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Tatanka Golf Club is a natural next stop after Tetherow Golf Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Ballyowen Golf Club's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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