Eagle Point - Oregon - USA

Anyone heading to Oregon will be drawn by the mega magnet called Bandon Dunes. No doubt, the mega-golf facility is the 800-pound gorilla and clearly merits the attention it receives.

But I urge those making such a trek and who happen to traverse near Medford to check out the layout from RTJ, Jr. Eagle Point is rich mixture of varying holes and there's enough topography to keep maters interesting.

The different tees provide a worthy challenge while still permitting playability to be front and center for those with higher handicaps. Among the most notable of holes is the long par-4 6th and the par-5 9th. The closing trio with the long par-5 16th, mid-length par-4 17th and the challenging stout par-4 18th are all richly designed.

RTJ, Jr. deserves plaudits for a routing that maximizes all the crucial elements of the site.

So much of golf is dependent upon a constant drumbeat of attention and Eagle Point clearly is engulfed by the huge shadow that Bandon Dunes casts. That's unfortunate.

Nonetheless, those visiting the SW corner of Oregon should make a visit to see firsthand. Your time will most certainly not be wasted.

M. James Ward