When it comes to golf and natural beauty, there is no place in the Eugene/Springfield area than can match the picturesque views of Diamond Woods Golf Course.
Located in Monroe, roughly 30 minutes northwest of downtown Eugene, Diamond Woods is one of the rare courses in the state that offers everything an experienced golfer could want.
“Diamond Woods is the only course near Eugene that really challenges each golfer to bring their best game when they tee off,” said Vince Corsaletti, an avid golfer. “It’s hard to plan out how you’re going to manage each hole because there are so many elements that can affect you and change things.”
Opened in 1997, Diamond Woods spans over 7,000 yards from the first tee shot to the 18th green. Throughout those 18 holes, golfers have to navigate elevation changes, trees and water hazards to just have a chance at a good score.
The course was designed by Greg Doyle. One thing he ensured is that each golfer never sees the same shot twice.
For example, one par-3 hole might drop 100 feet in elevation while the next par 3 will force the golfer to shoot above the tee box to make it to the green. Another hole might make you tee off with a low iron instead of a driver even though it’s a par-4. Regardless of the hole or the shot, every golfer will have to manage the risk-reward factor of each shot taken.
“The hardest thing about this course is knowing when to go for the hole or do the smart thing and lay up,” Corsaletti said. “You’re never out of a round because one good shot could change things, but the same thing goes with one bad shot.”
Each golfer starts their round on the front with a wide open tee shot from the first hole, all but assuring that they’ll have a chance to reach the green in two shots. The rest of the front nine is similar in that it plays very openly, making it a course that forgives wayward shots.
The front nine holes of Diamond Woods are perfect for golfers to loosen up before really needing to hit their stride. The back nine couldn’t be more different from the opening half.
They are forced to open up with an iron on a par-4 because of a huge dogleg left, but that still leaves a very long second shot to have a chance at birdie.
The final eight holes don’t get any easier as there is very little room to navigate through high grass and weeds. Golfers are not only tested on their precision with a club in their hand, but also with their knowledge of the course and how much they’re willing to risk for a great shot.
In the end, for a challenging day on the golf course and views that make even a bad score worth it, there is no better course to play than Diamond Woods.
Follow Ryan Kostecka on Twitter: @Ryan_Kostecka