It must be something in that pure Cascade spring water, a political grand slam, a happy Olympic hangover or just harmonic convergence, but it’s true: Summer 2010 brings an embarrassment of big-competition riches to the Pacific Northwest. From Sunriver in golf-rich Central Oregon to Sahalee and TPC Snoqualmie Ridge just east of Seattle, stars from the men’s and women’s sides of the professional rosters will grace the region’s lush fairways throughout August, with a perfect finale — the Men’s U.S. Amateur at Chambers Bay, which, for any golf fan, makes for a juicy preview of the 2015 U.S. Open at one of the West’s most talked-about new courses. So no matter which of the following tournaments you’re considering, we’ve got the goods on where to play, dine and do “other stuff” between rounds — and perhaps for several days before or after the action takes place.
All that’s left to do is chuck the excuses and make your reservations, now and for years to come, no matter what events are on the agenda.

WHAT TO WATCH
U.S. SENIOR OPEN | July 27-Aug. 1 | Sahalee Country Club | Seattle, Washington

BOEING CLASSIC | Aug. 27-29 | TPC Snoqualmie Ridge | Snoqualmie, Washington

WHERE TO PLAY
Druid’s Glen — A favorite for those who know their way around, 18 memorable holes with a smashing view of Rainier. South of Bellevue, hard to find, but worth the search.
www.druidsglengolf.com

Meadowmeer — It’ll take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island to play these nine lovely, secluded holes, but it’s worth the sidetrip, if only from the first-tee view of the Olympic Mountains.
www.orgsites.com/wa/meadowmeergc

Mount Si — Wonderful find in a picturesque valley below the mountains and just beyond TPC. The way Northwest golf used to be — Funky and fun.
www.mtsigolf.com

Suncadia — Spectacular new resort over the mountain peaks but less than an hour from TPC. Palmer-designed Prospector has amazing views and diabolical greens.
www.suncadiaresort.com

Washington National — It’s the Huskies’ home course, a favorite among locals and perhaps the top-rated muni in Washington, from the design mind of John Fought.
www.washingtonnationalgolfclub.com

White Horse — This time, jump on the Edmonds ferry and you can be on the tee of this stellar 3-year-old course by Pete Dye’s niece Cynthia, routed beautifully through thick forest and over impossibly green hills.
www.whitehorsegolfclub.com

Willows Run — Full golf complex in Redmond and not far from Chateau Ste. Michelle winery and Redhook Ale brewery. Excellent par-3 course to go with two solid if slightly repetitious 18s.
www.willowsrun.com

WHERE TO EAT
The Brick Tavern — The famed TV setting for Northern Exposure. It’s up in the mountains past Snoqualmie Ridge in the western mining town of Rosyln. A 3-wood from Suncadia Golf Resort.

Dick’s Drive-In — Various locations around the Seattle area including the trendy Queen Anne neighborhood. If you’re jonesin’ for a classic gut bomb and fries, Dick’s has it down.
www.ddir.com

Pike Place Market — The ocean’s treasures in full, fresh display every day in downtown Seattle, with a slew of seafood restaurants up and down the waterfront. And the original Starbucks is right across the street.
www.pikeplacemarket.org

Salish Lodge — Pricey but very pretty restaurant above the Snoqualmie Falls and near TPC.
www.salish-lodge-spa.com

Stan’s Bar-B-Q — On Front Street in Issaquah, this place can’t be beat.
www.stansbarbq.com

WHAT TO WATCH
JELD-WEN TRADITION | Aug. 19-22 | Crosswater Club at Sunriver | Sunriver, Oregon

When this event moved to Central Oregon from the Portland suburbs a few years ago, Crosswater rose a few more notches in the golf fan’s consciousness, and the Champions Tour is the better for it. For spectators looking to mix in some play of their own, it simply doesn’t get better than the Jeld-Wen Tradition.

WHERE TO PLAY
Aspen Lakes — Oh, Sisters! Walk this unique and memorable course on a long summer evening and watch those red bunkers and snow-capped Cascades glow.
www.aspenlakes.com

Eagle Crest — Up Redmond way, a few miles from Bend, are 54 holes of golf — two full-length tracks, one wily par-63 “Challenge” — surrounded by stirring high desert and mountains, plus plenty of lodging options and myriad recreational outlets.
www.eagle-crest.com

Lost Tracks — Current PGA of America honcho Brian Whitcomb gets whimsical in the woods just south of Bend. No. 16, an island par 3 with an actual vintage rail dining car leading golfers to the green, is a true conversation piece.
www.losttracks.com

Meadows and Woodlands — Sunriver’s two popular resort courses bring Central Oregon’s signature geographical variety into full focus, with ample eyefuls of trees, wetlands and mountains.
www.sunriver-resort.com

Pronghorn — If you get the chance to sample this private club’s two amazing courses — one by Nicklaus, one by Fazio — jump at it. The high-desert setting through juniper groves is one of the West’s most unique and beautiful.
www.pronghornclub.com

Tetherow — David McLay Kidd turns a previously burned-out parcel of Bend foothills into a one-of-a-kind inland links masterpiece. And a tough one at that.
www.tetherow.com

WHERE TO EATT
Deschutes Brewery & Pub — A must-stop for Bend’s steady stream of microbrew-swilling pilgrims, in the heart of the thriving downtown district.
www.deschutesbrewery.com

Kokanee Café — It’s a 45-minute drive from Bend to the secluded resort town of Camp Sherman along the gorgeous Metolius River, but if you love locally caught fish and other fresh fare served in semi-rustic surroundings, make the time, and the trip. This place is special.
www.kokaneecafe.com

McMenamins — Easily the Northwest’s most successful and well-known chain of brew pub-eateries, serving hearty fare and a wide array of craft brews. The owners love to convert old theaters or public buildings, giving their locations from Seattle to Bend some historical heft. In Bend, it occupies the St. Francis Hotel & Theater.
www.mcmenamins.com

Old Mill District — A previous working mill on the outskirts of Bend that’s now a shopper-eater-drinker-partier’s paradise. For great seafood, check out Anthony’s.
www.theoldmill.com

STUFF TO DO

High Desert Museum — Tucked into the woods just off Highway 97 south of Bend, this family-friendly, interactive museum reveals the fascinating cultural, geological and natural history of the great high desert that stretches from Southern California to British Columbia.
www.highdesertmuseum.com

Metolius River — Emanting from a spring in the woods near Sisters, this is some of the finest fishing water on the lee side of the Cascades. The resort begs you to shut off the mobile phone, ditch the laptop and soak up the solitude.
www.metoliusriver.com

Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters — You can ski Bachelor well into summer, and then it’s time to break out the hiking boots and explore the Cascades backcountry.

WHAT TO WATCH

LPGA SAFEWAY CLASSIC | Aug. 20-22 | Pumpkin Ridge (Ghost Creek) | North Plains, Oregon

Pumpkin Ridge is near the top of Oregon’s best-known list and has hosted its share of high-profile competition over the years, from U.S. Amateurs (including Tiger’s hat trick in 1996) to U.S. Women’s Opens. Now the pro gals have settled in for a summertime soiree on the club’s highly regarded public course, with plenty of Portland area courses nearby to help fill the visiting fan’s dance card.

WHERE TO PLAY
Quail Valley — Location, location, location.
Terrific public $40 course just up the road (toward the ocean) from Pumpkin Ridge. It’s a good place to hit balls if you don’t have time to play.
www.quailvalleygolf.com

Langdon Farms — Just off Interstate 5 south of Portland is our favorite of the John Fought courses in the Northwest. An imaginative faux links design where on one hole you have to hit over an old barn. Worth the drive.
www.langdonfarms.com

The Reserve — Two courses here, one private one day and public the next. One-time site of a Champions Tour major. Fought and Bob Cupp designed courses that are both challenging and fun to play. In Aloha, south of Portland.
www.reservegolf.com

Meriwether — OK for a quick round on an executive course that doesn’t usually cost more than $20. If time is short, then a short course might do.
www.meriwethergolfclub.com

Gearhart — Perhaps you haven’t been to the Pacific Ocean? An hour or so west of Pumpkin Ridge and just north of Seaside is the old-links layout at Gearhart that has been continually updated. If you’re a member of a club, go north to Astoria Country Club, the self-styled St. Andrews of the Northwest played among legit dunes.
www.gearhartgolflinks.com

WHERE TO EAT
Helvetia Tavern — This is the place, an old Oregon tavern with burgers, fries, beer and ambiance. Just off highway 126 out the outskirts of Hillsboro.

McMenamins Sand Trap — You could do worse than pull up a stool in the top floor of the Gearhart clubhouse and have some chowder and a hummus platter, watching players tee off on the 10th hole and never clearing the fairway bunkers.
www.mcmenamins.com

WHAT TO WATCH
U.S. AMATEUR | Aug. 23-29 Chambers Bay | University Place, Washington

WHERE TO PLAY
The Home Course — A new layout that will get half of the 36-hole qualifying rounds for the Amateur. Home of the Pacific Northwest Golf Association, it’s linksy with views of the water and mountains. Don’t underestimate this poor man’s Chambers Bay.
www.ogagolfcourse.com

Gold Mountain — Forty minutes away in Bremerton, Gold Mountain played host to the men’s national public links championships. Wonderful John Harbottle design. Two courses, no homes, good practice area and restaurant. Don’t miss. Nearby McCormick Woods and Trophy Lake are good, too.
www.goldmt.com

The Classic — Owned by Mike, the father of PGA Tour standout Ryan Moore (the guy in the hat and tie who aced No. 16 at Augusta this year), this is a tough track on the outskirts of Tacoma. Memorable green complexes.
www.classicgolfclub.net

Lake Spanaway — Municipal near The Classic and crowded with golfers for a reason. Affordable and enjoyable while also challenging with long tree-lined holes, including the 471-yard No. 15, which is a beast.
www.lakespanawaygc.com

Hawks Prairie — Two courses south of Tacoma and just off Interstate 5. The aptly named Links course, with its open feel and views of Mount Rainier, is easier than The Woodlands and, for many, it’s even more enjoyable.
www.hawksprairiegolf.com

WHERE TO EAT
Chambers Bay — You know, we like the little restaurant in the makeshift clubhouse atop the hill at Chambers Bay. A view of the course, a beer called Chambers Bay Scotish Ale, and sweet potato fries.
www.chambersbaygolf.com

Hotel Murano — This upscale Tacoma hotel is the spot for sleek luxury on a stay-and-play to Chambers (see Big Finish, Page 60). And the food is playful and surprising.
www.hotelmuranotacoma.com

Stanley & Seafort’s — This is the old-time, can’t-miss steakhouse overlooking Tacoma.
www.stanleyandseaforts.com