If the breathtaking Cascade scenery and elegantly maintained greens were not enough, Awbrey Glen Golf Club, celebrating its 20th anniversary year, hopes to be forever associated with the lasting relationships and friendships that accompany each membership.
Springing forth from the forested hills on Bend’s east edge amid the rush and race of economic progress in the early 1990s, Awbrey Glen Golf Club and the entire Awbrey Glen community were cultivated by an optimistic vision and focused dedication. Developed by Brooks Resources Corporation, the residential community and premier golf club welcomed home and lot buyers back in late 1992, with the first tee-times logged down during the summer of 1993.
“There are twenty-two golf courses in Central Oregon and lots of choices,” said General Manager/COO Mark Amberson. “The members of Awbrey Glen have coined a phrase – “Come for the golf, stay for the friendships.” Most people are drawn by the excellent golf first and end up staying for the relationships and bonds created with fellow members and staff.”
In the tradition of storied golf meccas around the globe, Bend’s newest private golf club hosted prestige events starting in 1995 with their first regional golf tournament, the Pacific Northwest PGA Northwest Open. Over the years, Awbrey Glen has been the site of the 2011 Oregon Open and many Oregon Golf Association and Pacific Northwest Golf Association tournaments.
As membership grew, so did the need to expand services and the club’s recreational amenities to include children and other family activities. In 1996 the Pool and Fitness Facility made a big splash to the delight of members and their kids. With growth came the development of the Awbrey Glen golf programs, including multi-day golf schools, junior golf programs and fun social events. In early 2009, members of Awbrey Glen purchased the Club from Brooks Resources. The Club is now operated as a member-owned Equity Club.
“We’re much more than just a golf course, we’re a lifestyle and a family,” says Mark Amberson. “It becomes like a home away from home. We’re very welcoming and hospitable here. It’s something we like to call “casual professionalism.”
The facility features a five-hole par three course as well as the stunning 18-hole championship course, including seven different course yardages, making this a golf facility challenging for golfers of any experience level.
“We have a very good golf course, there’s no question about it,” said Amberson. “We’re very proud of it and we’re moving forward and can’t afford to sit still. Technology is shifting, trees are growing, the game’s changing and we’re being forward thinking and starting to see a portion of that master plan coming to fruition with the restructuring of the fifth hole.”
Recently, Awbrey Glen members donated $140,000 to the refurbishment of the fifth hole per the 2010 Master Plan completed by renowned golf course architect David McLay Kidd.
“That obviously is an exciting part of our anniversary plans and we anticipate it will be finished by July 1. In addition, we’ll be having ongoing member celebrations as part of the occasion and debuting some incredible membership programs, fairway specials and giveaway incentives for new members.”
Besides the lush links, many local residents and guests don’t realize The Restaurant at Aubrey Glen has been open to the public since 1995.
“Over the years there have been modifications and light renovations to keep it up to date,” Amberson added. “Chef Darrin Hauser has been here for ten years and continues to win high praise with his changing menus of steaks, fresh seafood, wild game and fine Northwest cuisine with a local flair. It’s open year-round with lunch and dinner seasonally and breakfast on Sunday only with a staff that can accommodate any special events needs.”
The first big project within Kidd’s Master Plan is rebuilding the fifth hole.
“A new putting green was created last July, mowed out of the fairway and maintained in preparation to be a regulation putting surface this spring while the fifth hole is under construction,” explained Tim Fraley, PGA head golf professional. “This green will become hole 15A and a par four. The existing 15 green will become a 91-yard par three called 15B. The back nine will now be a par 34, thus making the course a par 70 as opposed to a par 72.”
Amberson has been with Awbrey Glen since day one as eyewitness to its two-decade expansion and evolution.
“What I enjoy most about Awbrey Glen is that people come here to escape their everyday world of offices and cellphones to recreate and socialize and I’m part of that,” he said. “The camaraderie is rewarding and I work with a wonderful staff and management team.”
Awbrey Glen, a seasoned golf resort and membership club has its sights on the future with continued membership growth and course enhancements.
“We want to be that rare place members and their families want to come to relax and socialize for the next twenty years and beyond.”
For more info on rates and membership, visit the Awbrey Glen Golf Club online at www.awbreyglen.com or call 541-385-6011.
