Widgi offers a reasonable challenge, good conditions, and some memorable holes at a great price.
Overview
Skiiers from Bend will know Widgi as the golf course you pass on the way from town to Mount Bachelor, one of the largest ski resorts in the country. It only takes 10 minutes to get to Widgi from downtown Bend, and Widgi is even closer to Tetherow, one of the best publicly-accessible golf courses in the country. Widgi can't stack up against Tetherow's views and thrilling links-style golf, but there's no doubt that Widgi is the best course close to Bend with greens fees at or less than $125 per round.
Widgi is a parkland course, with dense trees dominating the landscape and consistently threatening shots that spray left or right. If you end up in the trees, chances are you'll have to punch out. Water also plays a role in about a quarter of the holes, though it's rare that you're forced to carry much of it – it's more of a presence that can add some intimidation to your tee shot and may cause you to rethink your club selection.
Widgi isn't overly challenging – if you play this course after playing Tetherow, it will feel like a walk in the park – but the combination of relatively narrow fairways on most holes and the dense trees that surround them should lead many golfers to keep the driver in the bag and opt for a fairway wood or long iron to stay out of trouble.
For a course that maxes out around $125 for a round, Widgi has its fair share of beauty and challenge, and it's maintained well (aside from some gopher holes that you may find during your round). You can't find a better value within 30 minutes of downtown Bend.
Highlights
Hole 5: Par 3, 142 Yards
This is a beautiful, short par 3. It's only the 17th handicapped hole on the course, but if you miss the green off the tee, chances are you'll have a challenging up and down. The green is framed by bunkers in front, trees behind it, and a steep drop-off behind it and to its right. A pin placement on the left side of this green is a gift.
Hole 7: Par 5, 550 Yards
Widgi boasts a few memorable par 5s, and Hole 7 is one of them. Off the slightly elevated tee, it presents a narrow fairway with water to the right. If you hit an excellent drive, you may be tempted to go for the green in two, but beware – the green is protected by water jutting in from the right side, and there's only a sliver of fairway to the left of the green for the ball to roll up. Most golfers will lay up on the second shot and be pleased with par.
Hole 17: Par 5, 600 Yards
This is my favorite hole on the course, even though it's one of the hardest. A strong drive will help make this hole more manageable, but water lurks on the right from the tee. The green is the most protected on the course, with water on the right, bunkers on the left, and trees surrounding three sides. The only angle for you to attack this green is from directly in front of it.
Verdict
Although it isn't the most distinctive course you'll play, Widgi's reputation as a local favorite in Bend is well deserved – the course presents occasional beauty and challenges, and it's well maintained for the price.
Memorable2.5/5 | Replayable3/5 | Value4/5 |
About
LocationBend, OR | Yardage6,903 | ArchitectRobert Muir Graves |
Tips
Book your tee time online for exclusive discounts (often up to 25% off) that you can't get if you call the club house.
Widgi has a driving range, short game area, and practice green available to players.
This is a popular local course, and its players have a range of abilities. If you're there on a busy day, the pace may be slow.
Widgi offers electric bike rentals for an additional fee and a signed waiver. These are great fun to ride around the fairways, especially on the holes that undulate.
There is a helpful hole-by-hole layout available on Widgi Creek's web site.
Widgi is about a five-minute drive from Tetherow, one of the best publicly-accessible courses in the country. This is a great pair of courses to play if you're visiting Bend. Check out my review of Tetherow here.
If you also like pickleball, there's is an outstanding indoor pickleball center steps away from the Widgi clubhouse, though you can only book courts a few days ahead of time if you're not a member.
