Here's what others have had to say about Sunriver, Sage Springs Club & Spa, and Steve Vaughan's Wild West Tennis.
From almost everywhere within the 3,500 acres of Sunriver Resort
you can see the snow-capped volcanic cone of Mt. Bachelor and other peaks of Oregon's Cascade Range. Located 15 miles south of Bend, this low-key, very outdoors oriented resort/residential community comprises a vast array of recreation for the whole family, from golf and tennis to horseback riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and fly fishing. Some 30 miles of bike trails lace the property, stitching together the various recreational venues—among them more than 30 tennis courts—with a lodge, condos, houses, spa, and even its own airstrip.
Broadly speaking, Sunriver has two independent tennis operations: the 26 hard courts at Tennis Hill, which are under the aegis of the Sunriver Resort Owners Association (SROA) and the seven courts at Sage Springs Club and Spa (adjacent to the Sunriver Lodge), which are under the Sunriver Resort. If that seems confusing, it's because it is.
Tennis Hill. Although celebrating
almost 40 years of operation, Steve Vaughan's Wild West Tennis is new to Sunriver. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, he and his staff of USPTA- and USPTR-certified pros offer private lessons, daily clinics and drill sessions, specialty clinics, tournaments, and player matching services on the 26 hard courts at Tennis Hill. He also offers weekend camps on selected weekends. Phone: 541-593-5707. Court fees: None with an owner access card.
Sage Springs Club and Spa. This complex consists of four outdoor courts (accessible to those staying anywhere within the resort) and three indoor courts, whose use is restricted to those who rent through Sunriver Resort. Eric Nokes oversees this program, which runs year-round and offers a variety of adult and junior clinics, lessons, and social events. Phone: 541-593-3714. Court fees: $10/hour outdoors.
Golf Courses.The resort has three 18-hole golf courses and a golf learning center.
Crosswater: This heathland-style course borders the Deschutes and Little Deschutes rivers and is notable for the its views of Mt. Bachelor and for the elk, deer, eagles, osprey, owls, otters, and raccoons the live in the area. At 7,693 yards from the Gold Tees, it appears long but at this elevation, 4,500 feet, balls carry in the thinner air. Par 72, 5,389-7,683 yards.
The Meadows: A long, scenic course that begins at the Sunriver Lodge out across a great meadow and through stands of ponderosa pines. Its elevated, mounded greens demand accuracy. Par 71, 5,284-6,946 yards.
The Woodlands: Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., this award-winning course stands out for its deep bunkers, lakes and rock outcroppings, all of which place a premium on club selection and accuracy. Par 72, 5,446-6,880 yards.
Spa & Fitness Center. The newly opened 30,000-square-foot Sage Springs Club and Spa encompasses the three indoor tennis courts, a complete fitness center, indoor lap pool, and massage treatment rooms.
And ...Some 37 miles of paved trails for both walking
and bike riding lace the resort (though note that the use of rollerblades is prohibited in Sunriver). There are also canoes for rent on the rivers and streams; an equestrian center; two outdoor swimming pools; fishing on any of several rivers; a large grassy field for soccer, baseball, football and the like; a children's playground; a nature center; a miniature golf course, and more.
Family Circle Magazine rated the resort the best family destination in the Northwest. There are in fact two children's programs: one operated by Sunriver Resort and a second by the Sunriver Resort Owners Association (SROA). The resort offers a Fort Funnigan, which takes children ages 3 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday and some evenings. for more information, phone 541-593-4609. The SROA also stages a Kids Klub for children ages 3 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. They can also recommend local sitters. The owners association has a more extensive program during the summer that includes swimming lessons, recreational camps (for kids ages 3-5, 5-11 and 12-16). For details phone toll-free 888-284-6639.
Choices are diverse, ranging from rooms and suites in the Sunriver Lodge to private homes and condominiums. The village lodge rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and private decks while the suites there add a 900-square-foot loft, Continental kitchen, and second bathroom. The newer and more elegant River Lodges occupy four two-story buildings and have gas-log fireplaces, private decks, down comforters, coffeemakers, and a Northwest decor. The privately owned and decorated homes and condos range in size from two to five bedrooms. All have fireplaces, TV/VCRs and stereos, washer-dryers, and full kitchens. Some also have outdoor hot tubs. In addition, there are more than half a dozen property management companies offering units throughout the resort.
For sumptuous cuisine featuring ingredients from the Northwest, head for The Meadows at the Lodge, which also stands out for its towering windows and views of the meadows and Cascade Mountains. The Grille at Crosswater in the golf clubhouse (open only to members and resort guests) strives to emulate a family dining room while offering a diverse menu featuring local products. Lighter fare, sandwiches, and baked goods are available at the Merchant Trader on the lower level of the Sunriver Lodge. McDivot's Café at the Woodlands golf course dishes out burgers and deli sandwiches. Zeppa Bistro has pizza, panini, and other Italian fare. And the Owl's Nest, a brewpub with a bar of hand-split Ponderosa pine, serves classic snacks, light dining, and the full menu from the Meadows.
Aug. 6-8, 2010: Sunriver Summer Tennis Camp
13-hour program for NTRP players 3.5 and up run by Steve Vaughn's Wild West Tennis. Package includes a welcome party, on-court instruction, a team round-robin competition, a player dinner, and awards.
If you like the sound of Sunriver, also check out:
Sunriver
Rooms at the Lodge have fireplaces, private decks, and in some cases mountain views. Lodges are deluxe rooms along the Sun River. Suites have a queensize sleeper and kitchette downstairs, and two queen beds upstairs. Condos have fireplaces, two or more bedrooms, private decks. Houses as large a six bedrooms are also available. See the website for rates during the time you want to visit.
Sunriver Vacations
A total of some 500 vacation homes and condos at Sunriver are available through several rental agencies. See the website for details
Steve Vaughan's Wild West Tennis
Rates on request.
Seasons. Tennis season at Sunriver runs from May through September, with the most vigorous activity occurring between mid June and Labor Day.
Travel Instructions. The nearest major airport is Portland, 161 miles to the northwest; however, the town of Redmond, which is only 31 miles from Sunriver, has a regional airport served by Horizon Airline and West Air (United Express).
General Tourist Information. For information about attractions in central Oregon visit the Central Oregon Visitors Association website or contact them at 63085 N. Hwy. 97, Suite 104, Bend, OR 97701; phone 541-389-8799 or toll-free 800-800-8334.