There is no question that John Fought redesigned Glaze Meadow into one of Central Oregon’s true gems since the $3.75 million renovation was completed in 2012. Now Glaze Meadow is set to tee off its fourth season on Sunday, and it appears the course is better than ever.
“Everything came out of winter so nice,” says Jeff Fought, Black Butte Ranch’s director of golf and the brother of the famed architect who redesigned Glaze Meadow.
Certainly good news for those of us who have been waiting all winter for another crack at the 7,000-yard course.
Of course, any golfer who plans to head out to Glaze Meadow should tee off with a game plan to maximize his or her round. What does Fought, among the most decorated golf professionals in the Pacific Northwest, suggest?
“It’s about hitting the ball the right distance off the tee and on the greens,” Fought says. “Glaze Meadow is a course that you need to hit the golf ball on the greens, pin high. You have to have the right distance at Glaze Meadow all over.”
For those who have never played Glaze Meadow, it begins with a meander through a gorgeous meadow. Then it climbs back into the ponderosa pines. All the way it challenges golfers to hit their spots, particularly on the back nine.
“Of the 36 holes we have, the back nine at Glaze Meadow is the best nine holes,” Fought says. “It’s got the length. It’s got the character. It’s got the bunkering. It is a great nine holes.”
John Fought also infused Glaze Meadow with some classic golf-design features, including spacious, turtleback greens that particularly reward accurate approaches.
Those greens look forgiving, of course, but they can also lull a golfer into a false sense of security. Ultimately, players should hit their approaches to the hole.
“The greens are so big that sometimes I catch myself with a 30-footer or so,” Fought says. “I think anywhere you have big greens, at St. Andrews or wherever, you get off that goal of just hitting it next to the hole. You see that big green and you know that you can get away with something.”
Golfers who play Glaze Meadow will receive a special deal, too. Through April, a golfer can play 18 holes at Black Butte Ranch for $42. In addition, golfers will receive a free Black Butte Ranch golf cap with a paid green fee. This year is particularly special. The design of the hat commemorates Black Butte Ranch’s 45th anniversary — which we will be celebrating all year long — with a stitched red-and-white logo on the side that reads “celebrating 45 years.” Golfers can also also play nine holes for $27 after 2 p.m., but a cap is not included. The cap special will not last long, ending on May 1.
Book a tee time online or call 855-210-5305 or the Golf Shop at 541-595-1545.