PRONGHORN

The Cascade Mountains backdrop alone would justify the drive to Central Oregon, but Jack Nicklaus delivered a strategic masterpiece across high desert terrain that rewards precision over power. Elevation changes of 200 feet between holes create dramatic approach shots, while the Golden Bear's signature bunkering punishes wayward drives on holes carved through juniper and sagebrush. Desert carries and forced carries over ravines make every round an exercise in course management, with fast-running fairways that can turn conservative plays into eagle opportunities.