BEND, Oregon - Bend Golf Club went back to the 1920’s to celebrate their Centennial celebrating the club’s 100^th birthday.

The course known for its giant Ponderosa pines, scenic vistas of the Cascades, and classic golf venue, Bend Golf Club has become a cornerstone in Oregon golf history.

The iconic Central Oregon club celebrated its 100^th birthday on January 29, 2025 with a Roaring 1920s-style party in the Clubhouse, featuring a photo booth, dancing, and a 17-piece big band.

The course’s original nine holes were designed by none other than U.S. Amateur Champion Chandler Egan.

In an wink to the history of the club, they put up a historical display at the Deschutes Historical Museum for the entire month of April, highlighting key moments and timelines from the Club’s 100-year history.

During their Centennial Week July 7-12, they celebrated all areas of the Club with themed events each day for members of all ages and interests:

The event week featured a glow golf tournament with 78 players, an athletic center 100-point decathlon, ladies’ day and men’s day, a family fun night, and a hickory golf event followed by the Grand Finale Celebration.

The finale featured a time capsule burial, parade of past presidents and club champions, dinner, and live music.

A unique event in Bend GC history was one known as “Peter’s Party” or the Central Oregon Pro-Am organized by Peter Jacobsen.

On August 17, 1986 Jacobsen gathered PGA Tour pros including Chi Chi Rodriguez, Fred Couples, Sam Snead, Charles Coody, and Fuzzy Zoeller who shot a 66 to win the event. 32 amateurs also participated, paying $2,500 each to play in the charity event.

Rodriguez and Jacobsen entertained the crowds on the driving range at a clinic where Rodriguez drove the ball sitting down and Jacobsen would hit trick shots.

Trash talk at the event was memorable for everyone who attended.  

Bend GC member Gerry Mattioda who was a marshal for the event recalls Peter Jacobsen saying  “All sports build character, but golf reveals character.”

Historic beginnings and celebrity sightings

Ben Hogan visited the club in 1948, he came to do an exhibition, pared with local club champion Harold Hanson.

The notoriety of the club was evident in 1956 when entertainer Jack Benny came to visit.

After becoming an 18 hole course in 1973, Bend GC was the only 18-hole golf course in Bend. While the clubhouse was rebuilt in 1996.

Even a 100 year book was created by two members who devoted countless hours creating a commemorative 100-year book written by Jim Bradbury Sr. and Steve Parel.

Chandler Egan who was a back to back U.S. Amateur Champion (1904,1905) and designed a variety of country clubs in Oregon, designed the first nine holes of Bend GC which opened in 1925. Bob Baldock and Son golf course architects designed the second nine holes that opened in 1973, to complete the 18 holes that exist today.

Brooks Scanlon Lumber Company donated 250 acres for Bend GC to be opened. They later donated 309 acres in the 1940’s, allowing the second nine holes to be built. The second nine opened in 1973.

While Dan Hixson, local architect created a long range renovation plan which included a full bunker renovation began in 2013.

From hosting the Oregon Open, Northwest Open, Oregon Amateur, PNGA Mid-Amateur, and many other championship events, they have hosted the best tournaments in the region.

The Bend Golf Club has been a great place to grow the game and enjoy it through tournaments, celebrations, and celebrities. The club continues to prioritize planning for the future of the course, upgrades of the facilities, and engaging its members through a variety of activities and programs.

It’s the 100-year Centennial of the iconic Bend Golf Club.