THE RETREAT AT SILVIES VALLEY RANCH

The high desert of eastern Oregon delivers one of the most visually arresting golf experiences in the Pacific Northwest, where massive elevation changes and native bunchgrass rough frame dramatic approach shots across sage-dotted canyons. Dan Hixson's routing takes full advantage of the property's 4,000-foot elevation, with several holes plunging downhill through draws that require precise club selection in the thin mountain air. The finishing stretch along Silvies River provides a welcome contrast to the earlier desert drama, offering relatively flat terrain where putting becomes the premium skill after navigating the course's wild opening moves.