I had a few errands to run after work on Tuesday, but still wanted to squeeze in some golf. I’ve been staying in Vancouver and Hartwood Golf Course is close to my friend’s house. I figured I’d be able to get around quickly since it is an executive course and then get to my errands.
I called over to the course asking about tee times, but was told they don’t take tee times and to come on out. So, that is what I did! I got there about 4:15pm and things were quiet busy. I heard someone comment that they rarely see this many people out playing.
I checked in – $15 to walk – and the man running the proshop (possibly the owner?) had me start on the 3rd hole to avoid some other groups, which was nice. I don’t think it saved me any time as I caught a fivesome, followed them around and had to cut in front of a couple groups waiting to tee off on the 1st. Even with all that I was done in a bit over an hour!
Hartwood is a mom-and-pop golf course so I’d set your expectations accordingly. It is convenient to the I-205 area of Vancouver and offers a relaxed setting to learn the game. However, there is not a bunch to highlight.
The conditions were just average (squishy turf and slow greens), the piece of property is flat and the land has been opened up, so the course lacks in the charm department. Although, if you know where to look you can see the beautiful Mount Hood off in the distance on a clear day!
The course is a par-29 (seven par-3’s and two par-4’s) with a lot of mid-length par-3’s. It tops out at 1,616 yards and depending on the pin locations you end up with a good mix of clubs into the greens. The 5th, a 123 yard par-3 into the trees, was my favorite hole because the green is tucked into a group of Douglas firs.
Hartwood is a functional layout, a good place for beginners, a nice walk and has a friendly vibe to it. If I was looking to get into the game then I’d probably play quite a bit out here. For the serious golfer though, it is a place you can skip, unless you are trying to play every course out there – like me!
Course Pictures (click any picture to scroll through the gallery):