Fun at No. 7: A golfer tees off on the Buffalo Peak Golf Course' par 3 No. 7 hole, one of freelance golf writer Joe Madday's favorite holes at the Union course. Madday reviewed the course last fall for The Entertainer in the Tri-Cities. His column appeared in the March issue of Golf Northwest Magazine. (File photo).

Editor’s note: The following column was written last fall by freelance writer Joe Madday of Richland, Wash. The piece appeared in The Entertainer in the Tri-Cities in October 2005 and in the March issue of Golf Northwest Magazine.

By Joe Madday

For the past 12 months one of my golf buddies, Scott Sunblad, had been telling me about this golf course in Union, Oregon, "we just have to play."

Where in the heck is Union, Oregon?

In reality, Union is about a two-hour drive from the Tri-Cities. The community of Union itself is just 16 miles southeast of La Grande. So, last month we followed the cart path to Buffalo Peak.

Let me say, winter comes early to the Wallowa and Blue Mountains. They had a frost delay the day before we arrived, but with a bit of drizzle and temperatures in the mid-40s we wouldn’t be plagued with frost on our day of play.

Regardless of the weather, when you step out on the deck of the clubhouse you get a real appreciation for what this course has to offer. The landscape is sensational with views of the Grande Ronde Valley and surrounding Wallowa and Blue Mountain ranges.

Buffalo Peak Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 links-style course owned and managed by Union County.

Buffalo Peak captures the true spirit of links-style golf. The native vegetation and natural terrain transport you back to the very beginnings of the sport. From the elevated tees of the first hole to the gently sloping fairway of the 18th you will be in for an all-encompassing treat.

Some of my favorite holes are chronicled below:

Hole 1 The first hole at Buffalo Peak, a par 4, showcases the challenging, links-style nature of the course. The fairway itself is narrow and the rough slopes up to the left and down to the right giving the impression that this hole was literally carved out of the hillside. I think it was. Just as the fairway doglegs to the right, it also begins its generous slope down to a shallow green. The green itself is relatively level, but anything short of a well struck flop shot and you’ll be playing your third shot from a small grass bunker on the

backside.

Hole 6 The sixth hole, another par 4, is the first hole to challenge golfers with water hazards and challenge it does. A quick glance from the tees toward the green encounters not one, but three separate water hazards in the form of two streams and a pond. Tee shots must carry over both streams and an expanse of rough to reach the fairway. Once on the fairway, the threat of water is far from over. Shots must be carefully controlled clear up to the green. This entire hole is flanked by water on both sides.

The green seems determined not to be outdone by the rest of the hole. A treacherous sand trap to the left accompanied by a generous back-to-front slope on the putting surface keep golfers on their toes until the ball falls into the cup.

While moderate distance offers the opportunity for birdie, the sixth hole at Buffalo Peak provides enough challenge from tee to green to make a birdie score a true accomplishment. With two balls in the water, I carded a snowman and was glad to walk away with that. This hole should be named "The Buffalo’s Horn."

Hole 7 Guarded on the left by the larger pond and its stunning fountain (I tossed a ball in and made a wish), the seventh hole at Buffalo Peak is a relatively short par 3. Tee shots from all but the forward tees must carry water to reach the green. The fringe and rough to the front and left of the green slope away to water, sand or fairway.

An accurate shot off the tees is a must to achieve par, let alone the sought-after birdie. The green itself has only a moderate back-to-front slope so putting is only mildly difficult compared to other greens on the course.

Hole 11 A relatively short par 5 with a wide fairway that narrows as it gets closer to the green. The second shot can be a lay up or go for the green with risk and reward. The second or third shot will be into an elevated green that is flat with a grass bunker on the backside. A very possible birdie hole. I thought I had an eagle possibility until I realized I was on the 12th green. Pay attention to the green locations on your scorecard.

Hole 18 This average length par 4, split-level fairway acts as two separate fairways. Tee shots with too much carry can enter the low area, making it challenging to reach the green in 2. Other challenges include two large sand bunkers to the left of the green (the second of the two contributed to my double bogey), a small sand bunker to the right front of the green and rocks running along the right side of the fairway. This is truly a great finishing hole.

My thanks to Scott Marcum, PGA professional, for his hospitality during our visit. I look forward to playing the course again next year in late spring or early summer.

Remember your golf etiquette replace divots, repair ball marks, rake the bunkers and love the game.

Joe Maday is a member of The Northwest Golf Media Association. E-mail: bodogolf@televar.com.