Brasada Canyons: Elevated Golf with Cascade Views

A friendly resort course that delivers stunning mountain vistas without the intimidation factor of Central Oregon's most challenging tracks.

Overview

Brasada Canyons is the golf course at Brasada Ranch, a high-end ranch-style resort nestled in the high desert of central Oregon. Available only to members and resort guests, the course maintains an air of exclusivity that translates to quieter rounds and pristine conditions – a welcome respite from the crowded public courses in the region during peak season.

What immediately strikes you about Brasada Canyons is its elevation. For most of the round, you're playing at a height that makes you feel like you're on top of the world, with picturesque mountain views gracing every hole. The course takes pride in a unique design feature: no two holes run parallel to one another, creating a sense of discovery as you navigate from tee to green.

Located just 10 minutes east of Juniper Preserve (home to Pronghorn Golf Club's two outstanding courses), Brasada Canyons occupies an interesting position in Central Oregon's golf hierarchy. While it may not carry the same prestige or challenge as the region's marquee courses like Tetherow, Pronghorn, or Crosswater, Brasada Canyons offers something equally valuable: beauty and enjoyment without the punishment.

This plays more like a friendly resort course than a championship test. Wide, forgiving fairways welcome imperfect drives, approach shots don't require surgical precision, and the greens, while fast and occasionally sloped, remain relatively predictable. It's golf designed to be enjoyed rather than endured – a refreshing change of pace for golfers who've battled the region's more notorious layouts.

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Highlights

Hole 8: Par 4

The narrowest fairway on the course presents your first major strategic decision. Playing it safe to the left leaves you with a longer approach, but going for the optimal angle requires threading a tighter window. Your reward for navigating the tee shot is one of the most stunning approach shots you'll encounter anywhere – the Cascade Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop as you play over a valley to a small climb up to the green. The sloped putting surface adds a final layer of complexity to what is appropriately the course's third-hardest hole.

Hole 10: Par 4

The back nine opens with a sharp dogleg right that presents big hitters with a classic risk-reward scenario. Cut the corner over the trees and you'll have a relatively short shot to reach the green in two. The safer play keeps you left past the bunkers, leaving a more traditional three-shot approach to this gradually uphill green.

Hole 15: Par 4

This is pure risk-reward golf at its finest. The hole is driveable, but coming up short means finding sand or brush that's difficult to escape. The fairway runs almost perpendicular to the tee box, with three imposing bunkers in the middle daring you to take them on. There's a cautious option to the right for those who prefer to play it safe.

Hole 18: Par 5

The course's only water hazard makes its appearance on this fun finishing hole that's reachable in two for longer hitters. The tee shot features a bunker on the left that most players can clear, though long drives to the right may find a small fairway bunker. The approach brings the water into play only if you miss far left. As you finish your round, you'll cross the bridge that leads back to the clubhouse – a perfect punctuation mark to end your day.

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Verdict

Brasada Canyons delivers consistent beauty and enjoyable golf without the ego-bruising difficulty that characterizes many of Central Oregon's premier courses. It's golf designed for pleasure rather than punishment, set against some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the region.

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Tips

• The course features long distances between holes and significant elevation changes, making it unsuitable for walking. A cart is highly recommended.

• Brasada Ranch frequently runs vacation specials and packages. Check their website and ensure you're taking advantage of current deals when booking your stay.

• Take time to enjoy the practice facilities before your round. The driving range, short game practice area, and putting green are all well-maintained and offer great preparation for the course.

• Don't miss the Ranch House, just a few minutes' walk from the pro shop. The food is excellent and the views are spectacular – it's the perfect spot for a post-round meal or drink.

• If you're making the trek to this part of Central Oregon, consider extending your trip to play one or both of Pronghorn Golf Club's courses, just 10 minutes away. The proximity makes it easy to experience multiple high-quality tracks in a single trip.