Central Oregon Shootout kicks off golf season

Golfers hit the courses this weekend in Central Oregon for an annual tournament that for many kicks off the start of the golf season.

The weather was perfect at Aspen Lakes Golf Course in Sisters, one of the three courses where the tournament was held.

The Central Oregon Shootout is now in its 11th year, and the three-day tournament wrapped up Sunday .

There were more than 170 teams and more than 300 amateur players playing the 54 holes.

“People love coming out here,” said Josh McKinley, head professional at Aspen Lakes. “For a lot of people out in Central Oregon, and for those that come from Portland, Seattle, this is kind of their official start to their golf season, their golf year. It’s a lot of fun, a great way to start off the season, and we all enjoy it.”

Each day was a different competition for the two-person teams.

One day was a “best ball” format, where each player plays their own ball and takes the best of the two for the score.

The other area courses included Big Meadows at Black Butte Ranch and a resort course at Eagle Crest.