Thursday, April 1, 2010

Ocean Dunes, Bear Creek, and Bayou


Ocean Dunes Golf Links is one of the most chalenging courese around and is built for windy play. Keep it low and long and you may do OK. Keep it in the fairway, pace yourself, and enjoythe feel of the place. They gave us both 9 and 18 holes.
First timers may want to use a cart as 6000 ft seems a lot longer here.
Bear Creek gave us 9 holes at thier course in Medford so next time you go down for a play in Ashland, take your clubs. I played there and had a great time. It is a short coures with some dificult shots but is great for a tune up.
Bayou Golf Club , shown above on a rainy day, is located just outside Macminville as you head out on 99. I have not yet played it but friends swear by it for a quick game or a long walk in the beautiful little river valley where it sits. Low and damp in the rainy season but very nice play in the summer.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Salmon Run, 18 Holes

Brookings is full of surprises: whether that is usually warmer than anywhere else in Oregon during the winter, fields of lilies in the early spring, and Salmon Run Golf Course. This is a challenging course with lots of water, and wonderful scenery.
Located about three miles up the south side of the Chetco River, it offers memberships, and open play at very reasonable prices.
While you are there, O'Holleran's Restaurant & LoungeAddress:


1210 Chetco Avenue
Brookings, OR 97415
(541) 469-9907
* approximate times
ohollerans.com

Friday, March 5, 2010

Spring Hill Country Club

Spring  Hill is a golf lover's paradise!  Their championship course is both challenging and enjoyable. The location and course conditions allows for year-round play.
They also have one of the area’s finest Practice Facilities. The driving range is double ended with both grass and artificial tees. The range features target greens. There is a putting green and separate chipping and bunker areas – the most extensive short game practice area around!

The green fees are $35 and the coarse looks beautiful. Here is the 1st Tee from the blues.  They have included a cart in their donation.
The course is evenly divided in to 6-par 3's - 6-par 4's - 6-par 5's.
I plan on going back soon for 18. 

Friday, February 19, 2010

Riverridge Golf Complex




 I owe my new found love of Golf  to Ric Jeffries, the owner and Pro at River Ridge. Years ago, about 1994, I was recovering from a very bad episod of VA Hospital. I weighed in at 165 lb and was barley able to walk. I had made the two block trip from my house in downtown Eugene to Mona Lisa Resturant on Olive Street, sat at the bar, and tried valiently to get through a glass of beer. Ric was sitting next to me and ask what had happened to me. After the story he handed me his card and said "If you ever want to play some golf. lesson's are on me".
In 2007 I found that card and looked him up. He remembered me( though now I weigh 250 lb) and gave me my first lessons.
Now I try to get out to his short course, Sutton Ridge at least once a week to tune up.

Fiddler's green

Allan at Fiddler's green met with me Thusday and gave 9 holes.
Their18-hole Executive course is a great place to practice your short game with yardage of 2378 and a Par 54. The flatl  course is an easy walk. Walk ons . Clubs and pull carts available for rent. While I was there I tried out a couple of 3 woods and 3 Hybrid by Adams.
The flex shaft was too much for me and I kept hitting under the ball. Got some great loft but only 150 yards. The Hybrid suited me much better: stiffer shaft and more control. I hit a consistent distance with a nice easy swing.
I have only been playing for about three years and not very many times a year but am now addicted! Fiddler's Green is an amazing store, both on line and in person. I play with clubs they sized for me and am about ready to move up, if I can convince my wife.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Bandon Crossing

Two 18-hole rounds at Bandon Crossings , one of Oregon's best courses. Here is an overview of the front nine, and the back nine from their site.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Hood River for Golf and Wine

I was up visiting Phelps Creek Winery who shares the building with the Hood River Golf & Country Club so I poked my head in and ask for 18 holes for the auction. They agreed and because the power was off, I get a nice hand written certificate to ad to the mix.
They are only doing 9 right now because of the weather but 18 hole play will resume as the season changes.
This is a shot from their web site of 15. Looks a little intimidating...
Can't wait!