Got a decent twilight rate at Oak Creek on Thursday, 1/25/24, at 1:40pm. Thought we might have time to finish, then the rains started earlier this week. The course was pretty wet and it was path-only.... Continue »

Got a decent twilight rate at Oak Creek on Thursday, 1/25/24, at 1:40pm. Thought we might have time to finish, then the rains started earlier this week. The course was pretty wet and it was path-only. Discovered through lots of walking that the cart paths here are on the high-lines of the holes, so all balls run away from the path as the fairways/terrain slopes away. Also, there’s just a lot of area between the paths and the playing areas, additionally increasing the amount of walking. So in these wet conditions this course is a long, exhausting slog.

Otherwise, conditions are pretty good. We started on time as the sun finally broke out and we had pleasant weather with little wind. Fairway coverage was good – the grass was a bit shaggy as they hadn’t been able to mow for a couple days, but not too bad. With path-only players need to carry their sand bottles with them out to the ball – most don’t, and there were lots of unfilled divots out there. Rough was not much longer than the fairway and not difficult to play from. Tees were level and a little shaggy, but OK. Coming off my long layoff and loss of distance, we played the Copper tees, and many were pushed even farther forward than the card distance. Traps were generally good, and I think I was in more sand this round than any I can remember ever– still working on that direction control! The greenside trap on #11 gets a lot of use and needs more sand. Greens were in good condition – mostly firm, damp enough to hold shots, and rolled nicely at medium speed.

Used the practice facility ahead of time and remembered how nice it was. $10 for 50 balls about average these days. Range was on grass and large chipping green available, as well as multiple putting greens. Bag staff was courteous and efficient. Saw the cart girl 2 or 3 times. Probably could have finished if not for the path-only requirement – finished #16 as darkness fell.

Recommended – look for deals or play twilight.