Fall trip to Southern Oregon

[GWD]

October 10, 2014

No fog![b] Eagle Point[/b] is a scenic, challenging, and varied course. What I played of it was quite enjoyable.

There was a great deal of maintenance going on. Many fairways were punched and the spoils littered the ground to the extent that the plugs had to be scraped away and the ball nudged into a cleared spot. The greens had been plugged recently as well but still had decent speed. Regardless of the maintenance, the experience was quite satisfactory.

Out tee time was at 7:40 AM with a local twosome. We got to the course around sunrise, at 7 AM, and there were already several groups underway.

After warming up, we went to the first tee at 7:35 and there was no twosome to play with. The following foursome said to just hit away. So I played as a single on a very crowded course.

Ahead of us was a very old and slow group of guys, all of whom walked with an aged shuffle. They must have been 90+ years old. To their credit, they played the forward tees and occasionally picked up. I hope to be around and playing when their age so this is not a criticism...just an observation.

Being a normally fast playing single, but on a packed course, the awareness of the pace of play was probably more noticeable. We turned the front in a not-too-bad 2:15. The old guys did have a hole open ahead but 10 minutes would not have made that much difference and we weren't going anywhere if we had played through. We hoped that they would stop after the front nine. A marshal had not been seen the whole trip and this day was no different.

We had a four hour drive home so decided that, if the old guys were on 10, we would just call it a day and depart. Well, they were on 10 so the decision was made to leave. Too bad because I was actually striking the ball quite well...first time on the whole trip.

[b]Eagle Point[/b] will be on the top of the list to play on our next Oregon trip. The back nine looked have more elevation changes looking from the tenth tee so may be even more interesting than the front. Can't wait to go back.

[ws6]

Sky High is 2 blocks north of Flat Tail off 1st and Jackson.

[GWD]

[u][b]Matt J[/b][/u]: Since I only played the back 9 at [b]Centennial[/b] and the front at [b]Eagle Point[/b] my opinion is only partial (or half-a$$ed).

I agree with your assessment that [b]Eagle Point[/b] is the superior golfing experience. But [b]Centennial[/b] would be just fine for a home course. However, there are other factors to consider. One or the other course may fit your game better. Proximity is also an issue as you point out. My recommendation is to join whichever course you plan to play the most and whichever you find to be the more enjoyable.

Obviously, you have played them both. Go with your first thought and you won't have to deal with having second thoughts.

You are fortunate to live in an area that has two quality courses from which to choose. Enjoyment can be had at either one.

[soregongolfer]

That's too bad. The back 9 is WAY more scenic. The front is kind of blah IMHO.

[GWD]

[quote name='soregongolfer' timestamp='1413073832' post='10272355']
That's too bad. The back 9 is WAY more scenic. The front is kind of blah IMHO.
[/quote]

Yes, it appeared that way from what we could see. That just makes me want to return even more. I'll get to play it someday.

The front wasn't too bad either. Some of the holes were quite unique.

[Matt J]

Let me know when you make it back this way as I'd love to join you to play either.

Funny you mentioned the pace of play as that may be the deciding factor between the two clubs. I played Eagle Point today and realized that I've never played that well or enjoyed the front nine there mainly due to issues with pace and playing through other groups. For some reason it almost seems that letting people through, even a single, is some kind of insult or failure... I dunno and I certainly don't understand the rationale. The course wasn't that crowded this evening and everyone would have had more fun if they'd been more respectful of each other.

[GWD]

[quote name='Matt J' timestamp='1413248792' post='10281383']
Let me know when you make it back this way as I'd love to join you to play either.

Funny you mentioned the pace of play as that may be the deciding factor between the two clubs. I played Eagle Point today and realized that I've never played that well or enjoyed the front nine there mainly due to issues with pace and playing through other groups. For some reason it almost seems that letting people through, even a single, is some kind of insult or failure... I dunno and I certainly don't understand the rationale. The course wasn't that crowded this evening and everyone would have had more fun if they'd been more respectful of each other.
[/quote]

Thank you for the generous invitation. If, and when, I make it back to Oregon I'll shoot you a PM here on WRX. Our handicaps are similar so it should be enjoyable. Perhaps some other members here can fill out the group...sounds like fun.

And additionally, if you happen to visit Northern California (Sacramento / Napa area) you can give me a heads-up and we can schedule a round at one of the better courses in the area. Yocha Dehe, Paradise Valley, or Rancho Solano come to mind if you want to Google the courses.

As you know from being a member here on WRX that slow and/or inconsiderate play is an oft discussed topic throughout the country. It is odd that a place like Oregon, with so many generally pleasant and considerate folks, would be burdened with negative experiences on course with fellow golfers.

My other thought on Eagle Point is that I noticed that most players were fairly elderly. (But I'm no spring chicken, either!) Perhaps many are retirees from different areas of the country who have flocked to Oregon for the relatively pleasant weather and the favorable tax structure. Pure conjecture on my part.

[Matt J]

That's a very generous offer GWD and one I appreciate very much.

I think your conjecture is accurate. I try very hard not to discriminate based on age as I have friends that I value all over the spectrum, but I do think it plays a roll in the culture of retirement communities. I also think some of the clubs that are "semi-private" have issues with the way their members exert a sense of ownership and interact with the general public. Anyways, back on track... glad you had a nice trip and thanks for posting the photos and comments.