River's Edge Golf Course - Bend, Oregon

River’s Edge Golf Course, in the heart of Bend, OR, is a challenging course highlighted by extensive elevation change. Built on the northeast ridge of Awbrey Butte, this well-maintained golf course features strongly sloping fairways and elevated tees and greens. This attribute provides for some memorably fun shots, but requires sound club selection and keen surveyance of the terrain. The back 9 at River's Edge offers notable views, including Mt. Jefferson, while the front 9 has nice sights within the confines of the grounds; each provide respective signature elements. With a central location, River’s Edge is a great facility for all golfers to enjoy the high desert or sharpen their skills, but be prepared for a true test.

River’s Edge Golf Course is not overly narrow, but accurately favoring the break of the earth is a must. The tilted fairways and varying topography have the final say on shot results. Beyond the rough, trees are plentiful, and desert brush and rock provide plenty of out of bounds. River’s Edge actually only offers a brief glimpse of the Deschutes River, but has a decent amount of small ponds that can come into play. Bunkers are plotted all over, including some in the middle of the fairways. Stand-alone pines and beds of rock also exist as mid-fairway obstacles to be managed. Groves of pines neighbor some of the greens, impeding certain approach angles and serving as gatekeeper. Many of the greens are elevated and uninviting. Fast putts can be expected throughout, but modest breaks on the front offer a chance to establish feel prior to the extreme breaks found on the back 9. Signature holes at River's Edge include the Par 4 6th, with a water-guarded green that is elevated between two rock-wall waterfalls, and the Par 3 16th, with a near 300-foot descent to an intimidating, tight green.

River’s Edge is a great place to raise your game, due to the challenges that the course presents. For additional practice, there’s an adequate outdoor driving range with grass tees and a practice green for putting and chipping. The proshop is simple and straightforward, and the clubhouse includes a café with a nice deck overlooking the Bend area.

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River's Edge Golf Course Review

River's Edge History

River's Edge Notes