Mallard Creek Is Ducky

To say I was impressed with Mallard Creek Golf Course in Lebanon, Oregon, would be an understatement. I’m not alone in this sentiment, for there are lots of other golfers who feel the same way. For example, while sitting in a Salem restaurant reviewing the scorecard from Mallard Creek, my server Phillip and a few other employees shared their appreciation of this fine golf facility 45 minutes from the Oregon capital. “We play there on a regular basis, and it’s one of the best in the area,” Phillip said.

Mallard Creek’s general manager and PGA pro Mark Tunstill says the 6,938-yard course is fun for every level of golfer. In addition to this excellent track, Mallard Creek features a 43-space RV park. “Our stay and play packages are very popular with the RV golfing crowd,” said Mark.

The resort is nestled in a grove of oak trees, with Hamilton Creek serving as a boundary. All RV sites are paved and include full hookups with 50-amp service and satellite television access. Half of the sites are pull-throughs, and all offer private phone lines. Showers and rest rooms are available, as well as a coin-operated laundry facility and small convenience store. So, when you’re not golfing, you can completely relax in this verdant oasis that’s only 20 minutes from Interstate 5.

Other comforts offered at Mallard Creek include a restaurant and lodge. The setting of the lodge and adjoining patio enhanced the enjoyment of this scenic course. The fireplace, with its river-rock hearth, gives the restaurant a cozy atmosphere. The full-service bar features spirits, local micro-brewed beer, and Williamette Valley wines.

No Rainouts
According to the head pro, an on-site practice and teaching facility features a covered range and indoor training area. “No matter how nasty the weather, golfers can work on their swing with our staff of teaching professionals,” said Mark. The facility also includes practice greens, and a bunker so golfers can practice getting out of traps filled with Salmon River white sand. Because the facility is covered, lessons by the PGA training staff need never be canceled due to inclement weather. “We have very few days when we can’t get on the course,” he added.

Mallard Creek Golf Course was designed by Mother Nature herself. It opened in 2000 and hosted the 2002 Oregon Open. Nestled at the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, the property sits in the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s wine country. This par 72 features numerous and forgiving wide fairways. However, water plays a major factor on the majority of holes, either lakes or Hamilton Creek. The most interesting and challenging hole on the course is the 549-yard, number six. This horseshoe-shaped hole has a never-ending dogleg left, which was good for me since I golf left-handed and employ an unintended fade in my arsenal.

Located midway between Salem and Eugene, Mallard Creek features two of the longest par 4s you’ll ever encounter: the 479-yard fifth hole and the 482-yard 17th hole. The ninth hole has the distinction of being the course’s longest at 581 yards. The interesting layout includes number 18, at 575-yards, running parallel to the ninth hole. Both finish at the clubhouse.

All in all, Mallard Creek is a great public course, with a never-ending amount of scenery and wildlife. According to Mark, visitors may see eagles, osprey, beavers, and even mountain lions. And since birding is a huge attraction in Oregon, many visitors are interested to note that the course is part of the Oregon Bluebird Trail.

Whether it’s birdies or eagles you’re after, you are sure to find them at Mallard Creek Golf Course & RV Resort. For more information, visit www.mallardcreekgc.com or call (541) 259-4653.

The 19th Hole (and a few chip shots)
A lot of folks tend to discount the health benefits of golf. What health benefits, you ask? Well, a recent study just confirmed what I’ve always known, that walking (golfing) is good for your health. At the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in New Orleans recently, a study summarized the benefits. The research showed that golfers who play 18 holes get a good walking workout, even those who use carts for much of the round. “The reason we are so excited about our findings is that golfing has a low injury rate and a high adherence rate,” says lead researcher Cristina Sanders, an exercise scientist who worked on the project as a graduate student at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.

Sanders had 130 male golfers, ages 18 to 87, wear pedometers while they played 18 holes on three different golf courses. Her findings included:
• Golfers who walked took an average 13,145 steps. (10,000 is the suggested daily goal.)
• Those who used a cart still walked about 6,280 steps.
• Golfers who did the entire course on foot weighed an average of 13 pounds less than those who used a cart.

“If people golf three times a week,” Sanders said, “they would obtain their heart health benefits of physical activity for the week. It’s a way to have fun and get exercise.”

Rick Stedman is an avid RVer, golfer and writer who lives in Yakima, Washington. He can be reached at rstedman@gmail.com