Fall trip to Southern Oregon

[GWD]

Ok guys, the "Two Trips to Southern Oregon" thread is filled so much that I thought I'd start fresh with the Fall trip planned for Oct. 6 - 12. The interior should be cooler and the ocean courses more fog-free than during summer (true or false??).

 

Incidently, my wife absolutely loved the Spring (June) trip. She already wants to know when our next trip is going to be! Of course, she thinks I'm brilliant for coming up with so many good golfing ideas and brewery choices. Yes, credit was given because it is all thanks the input from you Oregon guys. She doesn't know about this upcoming trip yet.

 

Here is what the Fall plan is for now:

 

Day 1: Drive to Corvallis (512 mi, 7:30), Brewery: Flat Tail

Day 2: Play Trystring, stay in Corvallis, Brewery: Block 15

Day 3: Play Diamond Woods, stay in Florence (85 mi, 1:30), no brewery! :swoon:

Day 4: Play Sandpines, stay in Bandon (85 mi, 1:30), no brewery! :cry:

Day 5: Play Bandon Crossing, stay in Medford (185 mi, 3:00), Brewery: Bricktowne

Day 6: Play Eagle Point, stay in Medford, Brewery: Wild River

Day 7: Medford to home (305 mi, 4:30)

 

So....where is this plan going wrong?? Any and all suggestions are welcomed. :help:

[edryer3]

Maybe Running Y, Centennial Golf Club, Salishan, Instead of Crossing I would try and get on one of the Bandon Dunes courses (thats just me), maybe salmon run in brookings.

[GWD]

Thanks for the advice. This trip is to play courses that haven't been played before. I've played [b]Running Y[/b] and it is in the interior where the Spring trip was done. This next trip is more of a central and coast excursion.

[b]Salmon Run[/b] has been played a couple of times while [b]Salishan[/b] was a regular summer trip for us for many years. [b]Centennial[/b] was mentioned in the other thread but we have only one day in Medford. [b]Eagle Point[/b] has been highly recommended over [b]Centennial[/b]. Maybe next trip.

[b]Bandon Dunes[/b] just doesn't appeal to me. Can't walk it for medical reasons and age, don't prefer caddies, am not an accomplished golfer, and tend to avoid crowds. I'm hoping that [b]Brandon Crossing[/b] can give a taste of the area without the falderal.

[edryer3]

I do like playing courses I've never played as well. If anything after crossing if u wanted a taste, just go to Bandon and play the Par 3 Preserve. It's a lot if fun with some crazy breaks on the greens!!

[BigHunk]

I would at least try and contact rogue valley CC and see if you can get an invite...let them know you are on a golf journey and would like to play.It is in Medford...I played it a couple times last year and it was a really nice track.Far better than centennial or eagle point.

All they can say is no...

[soregongolfer]

It looks like a good trip. I'm not a Diamond Woods fan though. I've played it twice. Great layout, but the conditions were bad the two times I played it. Unfortunately there really isn't anything in the area to replace it with except for Emerald Valley and you've played Emerald Valley.

Of course, Lebanon is close to Corvallis and Mallard Creek Golf Club isn't too shabby.....

[GWD]

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely look into those courses.

[soregongolfer]

GWD, do you remember if Running Y sells pin flags in the pro shop? I'm tempted to go down there, but I can't seem to get a buddy to go. But if I can get a pin flag out of it, I may go by myself. I like to collect flags and hang them in my man cave.

[GWD]

[quote name='soregongolfer' timestamp='1407036071' post='9843743']
GWD, do you remember if Running Y sells pin flags in the pro shop? I'm tempted to go down there, but I can't seem to get a buddy to go. But if I can get a pin flag out of it, I may go by myself. I like to collect flags and hang them in my man cave.
[/quote]

Sorry, I don't recall if they sell pin flags. Their Pro Shop is well-equipped, however.

I bet a quick call to the Pro Shop will get an answer. They may even make a special exception and sell you one that would otherwise not be available to the general public. The staff was very friendly and accommodating when I was there.

[teckneeklyperfect]

Instead of Trysting Tree I would try Spring Hill in Albany next door

[GWD]

[quote name='teckneeklyperfect' timestamp='1407179114' post='9855523']
Instead of Trysting Tree I would try Spring Hill in Albany next door
[/quote]

Thanks for the suggestion. Spring Hill is only 10 miles away in Albany so it is definitely an option.

I checked their website and went on the course tour. It reminds me of Emerald Valley in Creswell. Is that accurate?

If I may be so bold, what is favorable about Spring Hill over Trystring Tree?

[teckneeklyperfect]

[quote name='GWD' timestamp='1407189804' post='9857045']
[quote name='teckneeklyperfect' timestamp='1407179114' post='9855523']
Instead of Trysting Tree I would try Spring Hill in Albany next door
[/quote]

Thanks for the suggestion. Spring Hill is only 10 miles away in Albany so it is definitely an option.

I checked their website and went on the course tour. It reminds me of Emerald Valley in Creswell. Is that accurate?

If I may be so bold, what is favorable about Spring Hill over Trystring Tree?
[/quote]

Ok, all i. m.o ofcourse. TT is a good track and OSU's home course. I would play either one tomorrow. That said, it is kinda out in a a pasture. Not pretty by any stretch , again imo. It does offer all the challenge you would want. The long 5s near the river are , for me, murder. And hey! I am a Beaver fan, my bag and shoes are Orange, black and White even, LOL, hold all apologies please

Spring Hill, while not as nice as it used to be ( but then again it used to be PV) , SH has gone from a staff of professional arborculturists to just one but is still much more nicely manicured and vibrant than TT . I think it would offer you a better and fancier experience for a trip such as yours, but SH offers a great value too .

I think you would find TT to be more challenging and difficult. I think you would find SH more enjoyable and pleasant , and challenging enough.

I would recommend Santiam GC in Stayton too,(near Salem)( one of my favorites) but it again, LIke TT is kinda like a mundane , plain, golfcourse like we all have at home and if I had out of town visitors would not be my first choice for them, not that if they were here for an extended time we would not end up there for at least one day. Yes, it is similar in gentle rolling terrain, trees, ect. albeit again, more nicely cared for than EV too, IMO. EV is nice too, I have played it a few times. Have fun

[GWD]

[quote name='teckneeklyperfect' timestamp='1407221036' post='9860291']
[quote name='GWD' timestamp='1407189804' post='9857045']
[quote name='teckneeklyperfect' timestamp='1407179114' post='9855523']
Instead of Trysting Tree I would try Spring Hill in Albany next door
[/quote]

Thanks for the suggestion. Spring Hill is only 10 miles away in Albany so it is definitely an option.

I checked their website and went on the course tour. It reminds me of Emerald Valley in Creswell. Is that accurate?

If I may be so bold, what is favorable about Spring Hill over Trystring Tree?
[/quote]

Ok, all i. m.o ofcourse. TT is a good track and OSU's home course. I would play either one tomorrow. That said, it is kinda out in a a pasture. Not pretty by any stretch , again imo. It does offer all the challenge you would want. The long 5s near the river are , for me, murder. And hey! I am a Beaver fan, my bag and shoes are Orange, black and White even, LOL, hold all apologies please

Spring Hill, while not as nice as it used to be ( but then again it used to be PV) , SH has gone from a staff of professional arborculturists to just one but is still much more nicely manicured and vibrant than TT . I think it would offer you a better and fancier experience for a trip such as yours, but SH offers a great value too .

I think you would find TT to be more challenging and difficult. I think you would find SH more enjoyable and pleasant , and challenging enough.

I would recommend Santiam GC in Stayton too,(near Salem)( one of my favorites) but it again, LIke TT is kinda like a mundane , plain, golfcourse like we all have at home and if I had out of town visitors would not be my first choice for them, not that if they were here for an extended time we would not end up there for at least one day. Yes, it is similar in gentle rolling terrain, trees, ect. albeit again, more nicely cared for than EV too, IMO. EV is nice too, I have played it a few times. Have fun
[/quote]

Wow, thanks for taking the time to clarify so clearly!

Trystring was a first choice since it is 1/4 mile from our hotel. The online course tour and ratings were not impressive and I figured the OSU team used it for the challenge and convenience. Really, I'm not up to a major "challenge" anymore - just enjoyment on this trip.

So, on your advice, Spring Hill will be substituted for Trystring.

Santium looks a little out of the way for this adventure. Maybe next time.

From Corvallis we are travelling to Sandpines in Florence and Diamond Woods is right along our path. But Diamond Woods gets very mixed reviews both here on WRX and the Internet. Just guess I'll take a chance on it since no other viable alternative is convenient. Golf is enjoyable just about everywhere for my wife (as an observer) and me.

[GWD]

Update for the few.

Well, the trip will begin Sunday, 10/5. The whole adventure was up in the air until an eye operation cleared my vision just last week! ([url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/1086343-im-baaaaaaack/"]http://www.golfwrx.c...-im-baaaaaaack/[/url]) I may not play well but, after all, it is a vacation and not a tournament.

With aeration, special events, and full courses, coordinating this trip was interesting.

The final itinerary:

>Sun., drive to Medford (300 mi.), dine: [i]Wild River Brewery[/i]

>Mon., play [b]Centennial[/b], drive to Bandon (179 mi.), dine: TBD...no breweries in the area. Any suggestions?

>Tues., play [b]Bandon Crossings[/b], drive to Florence (80 mi.), dine...? no breweries again, getting thirsty.

>Wed., play [b]Sandpines[/b], drive to Corvallis (90 mi.), dine: [i]Flat Tail Brewery[/i] or [i]Block 15[/i]....Ahhhhh.

>Thurs., play [b]Spring Hill[/b], drive to Medford (210 mi.), dine: [i]Bricktowne Brewery[/i]

>Fri., play [b]Eagle Point[/b], remain in Medford, dine: [i]Wild River or Bricktowne Brewery[/i] again (any other options?)

>Sat., drive home (300 mi.)

The flames are coming for skipping the Bandon complex. I'm just not a big fan of links style courses. Heresy here on GolfWRX, I know.

A big thanks to all who contributed to this thread and the original thread from some time ago. ([url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/943849-two-trips-to-southern-oregon/"]http://www.golfwrx.c...wd#entry9450273[/url])

The Oregon members on WRX have made these two trips meaningful and informed. It could not have been done without your collective advice. My wife and I thank you.

This thread will be followed on the trip with a travel laptop. If there is last minute, or mid-trip, advice feel free to add your thoughts.

[BigHunk]

Have a fun & safe trip....looking forward to some pics...

[oregongolf]

Interesting choice on Spring Hill... if given the choice between there and Trysting Tree, I would probably play there too, but it is definitely a notch below the other courses on your trip. Interesting course, especially with the 6/6/6 layout but generally it is largely forgettable aside from a couple holes.

If it were me, I would get on boxgroove (because there isn't much else in the area) or something and find a private course to play.

[GWD]

Wow! I must have missed the memo. Never heard of "boxgroove" before your post.

It does appear to be an interesting service for those who travel frequently and know about a private club that they want to play. Amazing. There must be a hitch somewhere otherwise there would not really be a "private club". Will have to do more research.

Looked a bit around the Corvallis / Eugene area and didn't find a boxgroove affiliated course

Thanks for the heads up. The site is bookmarked.

[ws6]

There is a newer brewery in downtown Corvallis, Sky High. It has a a good beer selection, and I think the food is better than Block 15 and Flat Tail. If you need a breakfast spot before you play Spring Hill, The Original Breakfast ([size=3]3225 Santiam Hwy SE, Albany) is good. [/size]


[url="http://skyhighbrewing.com/"]http://skyhighbrewing.com/[/url]


If you wanted to go a little fancier for dinner Big River (IMHO) is one of the best places in Corvallis.

[url="http://www.bigriverrest.com/"]http://www.bigriverrest.com/[/url]

[oregongolf]

[quote name='GWD' timestamp='1412428269' post='10234051']
Wow! I must have missed the memo. Never heard of "boxgroove" before your post.

It does appear to be an interesting service for those who travel frequently and know about a private club that they want to play. Amazing. There must be a hitch somewhere otherwise there would not really be a "private club". Will have to do more research.

Looked a bit around the Corvallis / Eugene area and didn't find a boxgroove affiliated course

Thanks for the heads up. The site is bookmarked.
[/quote]

I don't ever have to use it, but have a free premium membership since I'm a member at a club and attached my club details so other users can connect. There really is no hitch... it's essentially paying the unaccompanied guest fee at affiliated courses. They have p2p member affiliation to play with a member as a guest (you work something out with a member).

The really isn't much in Corvallis anyway, but you can try to connect with a member at Eugene CC or Shadow Hills CC via the website. Illahe Hills and Creekside in Salem are also better options than Spring Hill, but Illahe is closed for 4 days next week to plug the course. Can't say much about Creekside, haven't played there in awhile.

[ws6]

[quote name='GWD' timestamp='1402971598' post='9511227']

[b]Bandon Dunes[/b] just doesn't appeal to me. Can't walk it for medical reasons and age, don't prefer caddies, am not an accomplished golfer, and tend to avoid crowds. I'm hoping that [b]Brandon Crossing[/b] can give a taste of the area without the falderal.
[/quote]


There are carts at Bandon Dunes for people with approved medical reasons/doctor notes.

[GWD]

[quote name='ws6' timestamp='1412434625' post='10234445']
There is a newer brewery in downtown Corvallis, Sky High. It has a a good beer selection, and I think the food is better than Block 15 and Flat Tail. If you need a breakfast spot before you play Spring Hill, The Original Breakfast ([size=3]3225 Santiam Hwy SE, Albany) is good. [/size]


[url="http://skyhighbrewing.com/"]http://skyhighbrewing.com/[/url]


If you wanted to go a little fancier for dinner Big River (IMHO) is one of the best places in Corvallis.

[url="http://www.bigriverrest.com/"]http://www.bigriverrest.com/[/url]
[/quote]

[b]ws6[/b]: Thanks for the link to the pub. When we get to a town a bit early it is fun to tour the pubs under consideration to scout for a dinner choice. Sky High is now on my GPS and will be given a look. Appreciate the information.

Big River looks nice but fancy is not our preference. Besides, my wife was ecstatic over the pub crawling experience during the Spring Trip. I hope to duplicate it for this Fall Trip. With all the great recommendations from you Oregon members, it can't miss.

As mentioned before, links courses are not what I'm looking to experience. For example, Pinehurst's attempt to "linkafy" the course was a failure in my opinion. Links golf in Britain, as seen on TV, makes me cringe.

Our local links course, Bodega Harbor, has been played fairly often since it is a cool getaway from the hot Sacramento Valley. It is played out of convenience rather than desire.

Just a bit of wind, lots of sun, and green grass is our ideal. Yes, I'm a softie.

[GWD]

Well, hitting the road in about an hour (7 AM departure). Unfortunately, [b]Spring Hill[/b] is off the list to be replaced by [b]Trysting[/b].

I called all the scheduled courses last afternoon and the times I needed (wanted) at [b]Spring Hill[/b] had been filled by members. A long drive after the round that day makes me prefer an earlier time rather than around noon.

[b]Trysting[/b] had many, many early times on Thursday. It is as if not many folks play there.

[ws6]

Trysting Tree punched the greens about two weeks ago, and they were well on their way back to normal today. I think they will be ok on Thursday.

Golf isn't nearly as popular in Oregon compared to other places I have lived. I have never had a problem getting on anywhere (public) in this state.

[Clintness]

If you're going to Crossings to get the Bandon feel without going to Bandon Dunes, you're going to completely miss out. Bandon Crossings has little to no comparison to Bandon Dunes courses. However, Crossings is a very good course so definitely play it. It'd just kill me to go play golf in Bandon and not play the Resort, since the whole resort has so much to offer than just the different courses. Sounds like a fun trip though, you'll have a blast!

[GWD]

Made it to Medford today. Went to visit [b]Centennial[/b] and [b]Eagle Point[/b]. From the clubhouse they both look fairly ordinary. [b]Centennial[/b] is aerating the front 9 tommorow so only the back will be played. [b]Eagle Point [/b]will be Friday. A medium bucket was hit at [b]Eagle Point[/b]...off of grass.

Checked out [i]Wild River Brewery[/i] and [i]Bricktowne Brewery[/i]. Both had very good brew. [i]Wild River[/i] suited our pedestrian dining tastes a bit better so that was the dinner choice. Nut Brown beer was the accompanyment.

[Matt J]

Dang. Bricktowne's burger is my favorite in southern Oregon.

Both Eagle Point and Centennial are nice courses. I don't know what you expected to see from the clubhouse though. Both the clubhouses meet my needs.

From your other posts it is clear you have a lot of rounds of golf under your belt, log in and tell us what you thought of Centennial and Eagle Point. I've been on the fence of which to join since I moved to Medford. Centennial is much closer to my house while EP is a superior course and facility IMO.

[GWD]

October 6, 2014

Partially played [b]Centennial[/b] early today. First off as a single at 8 AM, the first tee time available. The front nine was being aerated and was closed. Only the back nine holes were played. When we came around to play the back a second time the course was packed and their tee times were 45 minutes behind. An impending long drive to Bandon convinced us to hit the road. The nine holes took 1:30 with plenty of time searching the rough included.

The practice range is quite a distance from the first tee so I decided to go “commando” without warming up. It showed.

The course was very wet, well-maintained, and emerald green. The fairways were firm and generously wide. The greens were fast but fair...no roller coaster putts. The greens were a bit hard but did hold.

Both the greens and fairways are well trapped. Traps are nicely sanded and fluffy...a pleasure to play out of both greenside and in the fairway.

The rough was extremely penalizing. It was at least four inches deep and unless the ball flight was carefully spotted the ball almost had to be stepped on to be found. There was no transition fringe on the fairway so it was a “in the fairway or in serious trouble” situation...especially with the heavy wet lies. Driving a cart in the rough left serious tire marks.

The general impression was that the course design was unremarkable and ordinary but appropriate for the terrain. That is not a negative, there just wasn't a “WOW!” factor that would temp one make a special effort to return. It was a enjoyable to play once on a trip. If I lived locally it would receive attention.

I'm still recovering from eye surgery (convenient excuse) so the round was not very clean. Had a disappointing 46 with 18 putts...one lost ball in the rough. Just two fairways hit and only one green.

Drove to Bandon after the half round. No breweries in Bandon so Foley's Irish Pub was tried. I had Bangers & Mash while my wife had Fish & Chips. She remarked that the meal was one of the best fish and chips she has ever had. This from someone who has had fish and chips up and down the West Coast, New England, and in Alaska. Harp beer on draft went with the meal.

[GWD]

October 7, 2014

Played [b]Bandon Crossing[/b] second off as a single with a single ahead who quickly disappeared in the fog. Late in the round I saw a couple of maintenance guys talking on the front of a par 3. They saw me, quit talking, and cleared the green. So I hit and landed on the green.

To my dismay, as the green was approached there was a guy putting! One of the maintenance guys was the single talking to a friend that was a maintenance worker. Apologies ensued but the guy didn't seem to have a problem with the mistake.

The clubhouse/pro shop is bare-bones at best. The practice facilities are fine.

The day was foggy enough that the greens on par 4's and 5's could not be completely seen. However, the result of drives were visible. (Especially the topped stinkers.) The turf was soaking wet but not to the point of severely affecting play.

Foolishly, I again played without warming up. My play could not have been worse. Enough of that, so back to the course.

The course is quite interesting, varied, and requires a variety of shots. Local knowledge is needed since there are several blind second shots. Some of the ball-eating hazards cannot be seen but the nice folks in the pro shop were happy to point out the problem areas.

There are many opportunities to stray from the course and lose balls in the trees and bushes. However, the fairways are wide enough to be forgiving. Several holes have elevation changes that create a challenge when choosing a correct club.

The greens and fairways were firm. The rough was cut to about 2” so it was only a minimal penalty. The traps have very nice and fluffy sand. Control out of the sand was quite manageable.

It is a course that deserves to be played again. Every round could be a different experience depending how each hole is approached. Par 3's generally have limited alternate play opportunities but because of the uniqueness of this course and elevation changes they would continue to be challenging with different pin placements.

A dinner spot was chosen in desperation since our desired restaurant was closed and the backup was booked until late. We ended up at the casino buffet in Florence. Oh well, back to pubs tomorrow.

We drove to Florence and researched [b]Sandpines[/b] in the afternoon. A tee time was scheduled for 9 AM with a local two-some since the pro shop guy said that singles can't be booked. He was nice to help us out.

Several holes can be seen from the clubhouse. While the course property is surrounded by trees there does not seem to be any on the course. It is set up as a links course with brushy mounds sprinkled along the fairways. We will see tomorrow morning. It appears that it will be another foggy day.

[GWD]

October 8, 2014

[b]Sandpines[/b] was played early as a single, 8 AM, but not early enough to beat a couple of foursomes and a walking threesome. The result was a four hour round.

The day was overcast and cool with no wind and a light fog. It made for wet conditions. There was virtually no rough. Off the fairway shots are penalized by large mounds and uneven lies.

The course is mostly links-style with a bit of forest sprinkled in here and there. At times there are long hikes from green to tee for walkers.

The greens were well-maintained but painfully slow. Several putts were left just a hair short. Just couldn't adjust for some reason. Traps were also in good condition and played nicely. Some traps are quite deep and have steep edges that could use a set of stairs like those in Scotland.

There was a problem in the fairways and the rough with some sort of fungus or disease that caused bare spots. The spots varied from a couple of feet in diameter to several yards. The center of the fairway was the least affected. One time, my ball rolled to rest in a bare area up against the border. It was like playing out of a deep divot since the grass border was lush. Quite strange. (An example can be seen on the left side of the tee in the first photo below.)

A few warm-up shots were hit on the range and I thought the severe swing problems might be avoided. The first three holes were parred and the 18th hole birded. In between was filled with bogies, doubles, with a par here and there. I had to hit way too many woods to par fours...should have played the forward tees. Totaled 90 with 5 penalty strokes.

It is an interesting and challenging course worth playing often. I'll likely return on a future trip back to the Oregon coast when my game perks up. Knowing the course should save a stroke or two as well.

Drove to Corvallis and took a peek at [b]Trysting[/b] in the afternoon. Looks wide open, flat, and long. We will see tomorrow.

Dinner was at Flat Tail brewery. Wheat beer was had with our halibut fish and chips. The place is worth a visit.

Block 5 brewery looked fine but seemed small, crowded, and too “downtown” for us country folks. Flat Tail is along the river and had a more wide open feeling.

Sky High brewery could not be found although we searched via GPS. Must have been a glitch somewhere in the system...or the guy who programmed it. Maybe it will be tried next trip.

[GWD]

October 9, 2014

Despite the occasional dire warning, [b]Trysting[/b] was interesting and certainly a challenging course although constructed on flat land. The rough was minimal, there were very few trees to cause problems, and there were several unique holes. It was played in a leisurely 3:05 as a single with just a bit of waiting. I'd play it again if in the area.

The greens were just a bit inconsistent and bumpy due to aeration a couple of weeks ago. Rough was very short and seemed to be left in a natural state. A few tees were being rebuilt and others were just coming in but in use nevertheless. Some fairway areas were punched and sanded as well. Those factors did not disrupt the play to any extent. It just seemed like we happened to visit during the fall maintenance period.

What did disrupt play was a heavy fog that prevented seeing the hole and the driving direction off the tee. Hitting the drive perpendicular to the tee markers was done as a general guide. The little course map on the scorecard had to be relied on.

After reaching the drive it was necessary to guess where the hole was from there. Driving ahead to find the green was necessary. After the flag was spotted and nobody was on the green then the approach shot could be hit. Fortunately, the fog lifted after the 8[sup]th[/sup] hole. The wet conditions continued the remainder of the round.

To help, the next tee is marked with a large white trash can with a large black hole number stenciled on it. Must be for the Oregon State Beavers players since the Univ. of Oregon Ducks students can read a map. Further evidence was that the scorecard was provided with a crayon rather than a pencil. (Oh boy, here come the flames from the Beaver fans!!) The tees are close to the greens so walking the course would be a cinch. In fact, most players were walking.

My general game and swing continue to be poor. A repeatable swing is just not there right now. Not being able to practice for the prior three months is likely a factor...another excuse.

The foggy front nine was turned in 42 and the back in 43 after doubling #18...darn. Chipping and putting saved several strokes. A couple of lip-outs and two “hole hangers” could have turned the score into something more respectable. Also, the lack of penalty strokes helped the total.

Only one trap was played and it was very small. The stance had to be taken outside of the trap. The sand was fluffy and easy to play.

[b]Eagle Point[/b] tomorrow at 7:40 AM. There has not been fog in Medford for the last several days...we are tiring of heavy wet conditions and limited sight lines.