One sure sign Black Butte Ranch is at peak-season perfection is when Phil Lagao becomes hyper-focused on the detail work — the little things that really only him and his staff on the maintenance crew really notice.
Lagao, the longtime superintendent at Black Butte Ranch, is always busy. But the tasks change as the season progresses. This has been an atypical year at Black Butte Ranch, after a snowy winter left both Big Meadow and Glaze Meadow under a blanket of snow for far longer than would be considered normal. But finally, Lagao is doing the kind of work that highlights the specialness of Black Butte Ranch’s two championship golf course
“We’re just plugging away and trying to keep our head above water,” Lagao said with a laugh. “But I feel good about where we’re at.”
What’s on the superintendent staff’s plate as the calendar nears August?
You might not notice it, at least at first, but Lagao and his crew have been busy edging sprinkler heads and performing always-necessary weed control. To get the turf that uniformly emerald green, the crew has been using iron, hand-spraying any dry spot created by the summer heat, and using growth regulator.
“Golfers might not notice it, but it’s all the little things that make the golf courses really stand out,” Lagao said.
The detail work is crucial this time of year. Not only do the courses have to stand up to Central Oregon’s summer weather, Black Butte Ranch is also about to host some of its biggest tournaments of the year.
The busy tournament schedule begins with the Black Butte Ranch Invitational, a two-person team event open to all that will be played at both Big and Glaze Meadow. One of Black Butte Ranch’s annual Signature Golf Events, the Black Butte Ranch Invitational is scheduled for Aug. 18-20.
Then from Aug. 26-29, the Oregon Golf Association Oregon Amateur Four-Ball will tee off at Big Meadow with golfers from across the state. Just two weeks later, Grapes & Golf will pair world-class golf with incredible wine at both Glaze Meadow and Big Meadow.
It’s a whirlwind, which means Black Butte Ranch must be prepared.
Lagao said he tries to plan about a month ahead for such events, and so far he likes what he sees.
“I’m happy with where we are at,” Lagao said. “The courses are in good shape and exactly where they are supposed to be this time of year.”
Come take advantage of the conditions.
Fill out a registration form online for either the Black Butte Invitational or Grapes & Golf. For more information or to build a customized trip or for more information about Black Butte Ranch’s Signature Golf Events, contact Group Sales Manager Ryan Dunning at 541-595-1292 or
For daily fee golf at Black Butte Ranch, book a tee time online, call 855-210-5305, or the Golf Shop at 541-595-1545.