Squaw Creek is a very nice golf course that could be so much better if they cleared the trees and/or trimmed the branches impeding the start lines from the tee. The improved air and light quality would help with firmer conditions and several of the greens would be much healthier. If such measures were taken, this place would climb up the best course in state list.
Squaw Creek was designed by Stanley Thompson in 1922. How much Thompson is left? I think more than most realize. The 2,3,4,5,6,7,10,12,17 greens all have really good contour to them and a lot of pitch. Greens like the fourth and sixth have steep rear sections that cascade to the front and sides. The false fronts on seven and seventeen repel balls several yards back into the fairway.
(The 386/350 yard par four second has a beautiful drive over a shallow valley. The right side of the fairway is the optimal play before hitting a short iron to a back to front green…
…the view looking back to the tee box reveals the wonderful topography Squaw Creek occupies. The creek is not much of a threat on this hole but is on 1,11,12.)
(The 204/175 yard par three third is a sporty shot over a valley to a green on a slight ridge. The bunkering is tame compared to what you’d see at other Thompson courses. An extra club would be a prudent choice.)
(Thompson loved long par threes and the 205/190 yard sixth is no exception. This is a brutal putting surface too. It pitches forward and has a severe roll that scurries balls to the front left. Par is a good score.)
Squaw Creek tips out at 7,277 yards and half a mile of it comes on two holes, the 628 yard eleventh and the 666 yard seventeenth. This course can hold its own against any level of player. Maybe that’s why the LPGA called it home from 1990-1992 and came back again from 2001-2004.
(The 628/562 yard par five eleventh doglegs left off the tee and again for the second shot. The green is lower than the fairway and is semi blind for the third shot. As the picture shows, the hazard fronts the putting surface and guards the right side. Several years ago, my friend Dan reached this in two shots, a feat we still talk about today.)
(The 666/545 yard par five seventeenth plays along the boundary line on the right. The left is lined with trees. The player must hit three accurate shots all with good length. Meanwhile, the green is atop a slight ridge with a false front that will spin shots down into the fairway. Par is a very good score.)
Squaw Creek is one of four properties owned by Avalon Resort, and it is their most complete facility. Besides golf, it has tennis and pickleball courts, a pool, and bar and patio. It’s very popular and draws a conglomerate of people enjoying their day. Expect it to be a little noisy by the clubhouse. I give it a 5 (good)(worth driving an hour to play).
(Ed Ault lengthened and did bunker work in 1990. Resort guests pay $82 to play.)
(Squaw Creek finishes with a 200/145 yard par three over water. It’s beautifully landscaped and is laid out in front of the patio and people at the pool. From the appropriate tees, it’s just a mid iron shot that should find the putting surface.)
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