Shootout kicks off spring in Sisters

For golfers, the Central Oregon Shootout means spring has finally arrived.

Several hundred golfers have come to the area every year since 2003 to play three days of golf at Aspen Lakes, Black Butte Ranch and Eagle Crest. The tournament offers payouts each day in six divisions.

Spring isn't always so spring-like for the tournament, but this year's event enjoyed nearly perfect weather. It was sunny and warm, although a little windy on Sunday.

"We had the biggest field ever, 170 teams," said Aspen Lakes Director of Sales Rob Malone.

Most of the golf teams hail from outside Sisters Country.

"We've got a large contingency from Seattle, Portland," Malone noted. "This was the first year we've had a contingency from La Grande, and we have a large repeat group each year from Tillamook."

The influx of visitors is a shot in the arm for the local economy emerging out of the winter doldrums.

Malone estimates from spending reports that the event infuses some $300,000 into the local economy.

The courses were in good shape for the three days of play, each of which offers a different format: Chapman, Best Ball, and 2-Person Scramble. The variety of formats makes for more fun for the golfers and more chances to end up in the money.

In Chapman, both partners play a tee shot at every hole. Each player plays their partner's ball for the second shot. The team selects the ball they wish to continue with and they play it alternately until it is holed.

Best Ball: Each player on the team plays his or her own ball. The low score -"best ball" - of the group makes the team score.

Two-Person Scramble: After each shot, players select the best of the two shots both players play from that spot, until the ball is sunk.