This was my second round at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club’s Ghost Creek course. My friend and I played here about three years ago and while I don’t remember what tees we played then, today we played the blue tees which are 72.0/138/6451. Ghost Creek is a par-71.

Pumpkin Ridge is arguably the top golf facility in the Portland area. While I haven’t played the private Witch Hollow course yet (hopefully one day), Ghost Creek is one that shouldn’t be missed. Ghost Creek is consistently ranked as one of the top 100 courses that you can play and currently sits as the 47th best public course by Golf Magazine.

With that high ranking comes a high price tag. The green fee this time of year runs $90 to walk and $106 to ride, but the price jumps to $150/$166 in the summer months. For the rack rates I think Ghost Creek is overpriced, but deals can be found. My friend and I walked the course for $45 and for that price you’d be crazy not to play here!

Even with its so-so pricing, there are many positives about Ghost Creek, which ultimately make it one of my personal favorites. The course’s location is in a small valley between the hills west of Portland and the start of the coastal range. The facility is about a half hour from downtown and turned out to be a surprisingly good walk. It felt like a walk in a park.

Another great thing about Ghost Creek is the collection of holes. About half the holes are tree-lined while the other half are in the open, featuring a creek and water hazards. There is a nice variety of yardages and the course builds up the excitement, with a solid stretch of closing holes. Ghost Creek was designed by Bob Cupp and the holes seem to fit perfectly onto the land. There aren’t any homes nearby – think farmland.

The par-3’s on Ghost Creek and the final three holes have been the highlight of my rounds here. The par-3 3rd and 5th are framed by Douglas firs while the 14th plays downhill and has a great view of the mountains. The 14th could be the signature hole at many courses.

The 16th through the 18th is a great closing stretch where almost any number is possible on the scorecard. The 16th is a short par-3 (~130 yards) with a tiny, sloping green that is surrounded by bunkers. The 17th is a short par-4 – potentially driveable – with the creek snaking its way from the tee to the green. And, finally, the 18th is a strong, but fair closing hole.

When it comes to the conditions, Ghost Creek is probably best played in the summer after things dry out. What I’ve heard from the locals is that the course does not drain well and I found that to be the case myself. Carts were not allowed off the cart paths (somewhat influencing our decision to walk) and much of the layout was soft and wet with muddy spots. Still, for the price the early season conditions were more than acceptable. The greens rolled well and the rough was thick.

If you are flying into Portland to head down to Bandon Dunes then you’ll want to give Ghost Creek a look. Ghost Creek has that “must play” feel to it and I’ve had a blast golfing here both times. I look forward to my next round!

Course Pictures (click any picture to scroll through the gallery):