Oak Creek Country Club Golf Course
A Review of one of Arizona's Red Rock Courses
A review of one of Sedona, Arizona's best courses, the Robert Trent Jones (Sr.) designed, Oak Creek Country Club Golf Course
The Oak Creek Country Club Golf Course is for golfers whose primary goal is to enjoy the unique, tranquil beauty of Sedona, Arizona's red rock country (voted most beautiful place in America by USA Today). Those who are looking for a more challenging golf course will be better served by the nearby Sedona Golf Resort.
Description:
- Course yardage (from 4 tees) : Black: 6,824 Blue: 6,353 White: 5,965 Red: 5,579
- Course terrain: flat to slightly hilly
- Primary grasses: Tees: rye, bent grass, bluegrass and some bermuda Fairways: bent grass, rye, bluegrass and poa annua
- Greens: penncross bent, seaside bent and poa annua Roughs: bluegrass and fescues
- Soil conditions: sandy loam
- Sand bunkers: 67 water hazards: 3
Pros:
- Beautiful high country red rocks setting
- Perfect climate year round
- Laid back, "players" course
- Reasonable rates
- 4 sets of tees
Cons:
- None
Oak Creek Country Club Golf Course
The golf course at Oak Creek Country Club, seven miles south of Sedona, represents the best work from the mid to late '60s of golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones (Sr.). Trent's idea was to create a kinder, gentler golfing experience which is evident in his use of three ponds and fairways lined with weeping willows and cottonwood trees, not as impediments but for aesthetics. As he intended, golfers feel good when they leave the 18th green instead of frustrated and defeated.
While the holes are fairly difficult to par for the average golfer, bogeys are quite attainable. Four sets of tees accommodate a variety of skill levels. Nearly every hole on the course is impressive, but the 185 yard, 4th hole stands out for its red rock ridge that hugs the left side of a massive green guarded on the right by bunkers. The length of the hole is typical of these long par 3s. Regardless of skill level, all golfers will enjoy aiming the ball directly at the mountain of red rock from an elevated tee to an elevated green. The moderate length, par 4, 5th presents the biggest challenge for golfers who must shoot to a tiered, elevated green that is well guarded on all sides by red sand bunkers.
The new clubhouse (2004) is a welcome addition as it is designed to blend in with the impressive rocks in the background. Golfers can relax at the 19th hole that overlooks the pond separating the 1st tee from the 9th green. New concrete cart paths and updated green-side bunkers complete the renovations.
Oak creek is working with the Audubon Society towards certification. This focus on preserving natural habitats may explain the prevalence of wild quails on the tee boxes.
