I played here on 08/27/12 from the Blue tees at 72.4/128/6700. I have played most of the public courses in the Portland area over the last 5 years on different trips, but within the last maybe 18 months I have seen Rock Creek listed on golfnow and since I have never played here before I thought I would give it a try. It is a classic, traditional layout that has tree lined holes, raised greens that slope back to front, and is what I would consider a very simple design. The simple design is not really surprising to me I guess because the course was built in 1962, but my preference would have been for a few more dog legs. Someone could play the first 6 holes and know what to expect for the rest of the round. The course is a community course and there were homes lining just about every hole so it was not very scenic and out of bounds was on just about every hole too. The homes were very noticeable while playing because of folks talking on the phone in the yard, kids playing, dogs barking, etc. The tees, fairways, and rough were burnt out in a lot places which influenced shot choice in some places. In addition, power lines were in play on #9 and noticeable from some other holes which is something I do not like. Finally, there was some road noise from Highway 26 and every par 4 seemed like it was 400 yards except #1. Whenever I play a new course there is a risk that I will not like it. It is not that I did not like it as much as the fact that there are better options such as Stone Creek which is a similar price (I paid $33 to walk here in the afternoon during the week) and in much better condition. However, I did find some things about Rock Creek that I did like. I loved the greens, they were by far the best part of the course because of the true, quick rolls. The greens were a little larger than what I would have expected due to the era when the course was built and they were tricky to read. A good read and a good stroke were rewarded here. In addition, I liked the fact that this was an easy walking course (a club elevation change a couple holes) and that the fairways were pretty wide considering the time when the course was built so it was not overly punishing. The 15th, a 191 downhill par 3 over water, was my favorite hole and other than that there were not any other memorable holes. This course reminded me a little of Elkhorn Golf Club in Stockton, CA just not maintained as well and with less doglegs. Now I can say that I have played here, but I probably would not be back unless I lived just down the street.
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