Redtail is a Portland muni that was redesigned maybe 6 or 7 years ago. In my mind it's a Championship layout that suffers from slow play and spotty conditioning. While the rates are fairly affordabl... Continue »

Redtail is a Portland muni that was redesigned maybe 6 or 7 years ago. In my mind it's a Championship layout that suffers from slow play and spotty conditioning. While the rates are fairly affordable, they are slightly higher than the other Portland muni's. The course's proximity to Beaverton means the course gets a lot of play by a lot of novice golfers.

The greens at Redtail are pretty large and very undulating. I think this aspect is a big contributor to the pace of play. It's very challenging for the skilled player, but punishing for the novice. To combat this, the greens tend to generally be slower than other courses (and unfortunately bumpier). As a single digit handicap player, the condition of the greens is a major strike against the course. Of course if the greens were smooth and quick, the majority of golfers would have an even harder time.

The course starts off with a few easy par 4s and builds from there. The back 9 is much more demanding, especially off the tee. There are no "easy" par 4s on the back 9 as most play pretty long with well protected greens and several water hazards coming into play.

Redtail does do a very good job of promoting golf in the community. They have a number of teaching programs for kids and adults and the pro shop has a very large inventory of everything a golfer needs. Also, the course was recognized as one of the best club fitting facilities in the country. The driving range is covered and is one of the better facilities in the area, despite that it's mats only.

While Redtail has a lot to offer, the course design really serves the better golfer rather than offering playability for its mostly novice clientele. Most better players or serious golfers will avoid Redtail because of slow play and conditioning. For me, the course would be a great test of golf if the conditions were better. I play Redtail sparingly and try to avoid "peak" times. The course is very muddy in the winter time so I only play the course in the drier months.

I played 18 holes after 2PM on a Tuesday and paid $27 walking rate. Good value. The course has many challenging holes but gets alot of play because of its lower fees and close in location to busy Be... Continue »

I played 18 holes after 2PM on a Tuesday and paid $27 walking rate. Good value. The course has many challenging holes but gets alot of play because of its lower fees and close in location to busy Beaverton and Washington Square mall. The tees were pretty thin by this time of day and the greens were bumpy in many spots due to spike marks and unrepaired ball marks. It has been dry for a few weeks and watering on the fairways seems spotty. The pace of play was slow and took nearly 5 hours. The pro shop is a jewel, however, with a great inventory of all things golf and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They offer fittings, lessons, and great prices. I bought my clubs here last fall and am very happy.