William Claesen
2/5
When the course is in better condition, it’s very enjoyable to play for just about any skill level. A better handicap player can certainly post a low score (in the 70’s) here as the fairways are generous and the course is on the “shorter side” in terms of length (less than 6,000 yards from the back tees).
In it’s present condition, it feels like course management is “checking the box” for not much better than “basic” playability.
The course is unique in the sense that almost all of the greens are elevated which means that accuracy is at a premium.
The putting green and range areas are on the smaller side, but they meet general expectations. While I don’t expect a range area to be a “showstopper” at any course, the range area at The Creeks feels worn out and unkempt.
The clubhouse is certainly decent with a small bar and food prep area. In addition, I’ve found that the bar and food staff have always been friendly and professional.
I’d actually rate The Creeks as a 2.5 but that’s not an available ranking. In fairness, a lot of folks (including my recent playing partners) would likely think my 2.5 ranking is “generous.”
A 3 star ranking is NOT deserved at this time in comparison to other courses in the area as some of the greens aren’t in the greatest shape to put it politely. In fact, it didn’t appear that there was even an attempt to “fix” most of the greens that were in “trouble.” While I posted only one picture of green “issues” for this review, I could have posted a LOT more.
Given the state of the greens presently, I would likely start over and consider replacing each with Bermuda as several green complexes are hanging on by a thread in fairness. As this course has a ton of play and the area is prone to heat, bentgrass just doesn’t stand up unless you have a meticulous and very active agronomy care program (and based on the state of the the greens recently, The Creeks doesn’t apparently have the inclination or the personnel to make that a reality).
At $50 per person on the weekends, I’d say it’s a “fair” / “expected” price for the area IF THE GREENS, TEE BOXES AND COURSE WERE IN BETTER SHAPE.
In terms of other improvements, there are some aesthetic items that should be addressed such as…..
1.) While the bridges on the course serve their purpose, they’re flat out “ugly. “ Also, the bridge spanning the creek towards Hole #12 is likely awaiting a lawsuit some day given its height and lack of side rails. How such a bridge passed an overall safety inspection is still a “head scratcher.”
2). All cart paths should be 100% paved, period. There should be no intermittent sections of missing pavement on any course asking $50 or more for weekend play. Gravel trails are for unimproved property, not a golf course.
3.) Don’t forget the lady golfers. When my wife and I played recently, there were several holes that were missing a red tee box designation. In addition, the red tee boxes should be MUCH further down from the white tee boxes (minus perhaps on Par 3 holes).
4.). The tee boxes were “rough” and could use work. Frankly, it’s not hard to create runway tee box complexes that are actually level and have decent grass. The present state of quite a few of the tee boxes indicate that the course’s personnel either don’t know what they’re doing or don’t appear to care. When an area of a tee box is effectively hard pan, someone in course management needs to *gasp* move the tee markers to a different part of the tee box complex.
5.). Make sure the carts are cleaned. Ours still had trash from the previous day’s round and the exterior was filthy. This basic practice should be in the “Course Management 101 Playbook” that is apparently not being read.
6.). The rule of “no singles or doubles prior to Noon (or 2 PM) on the weekends” continues to be absolutely dumb. That’s especially so when there are groups of 5 and groups of 8 apparently being allowed to play before the aforementioned time (as you’ll see in the picture and as there’s no course Marshall to regulate play).
