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PUMPKIN RIDGE
Ghost Creek Golf Club
PAR 4 454 YARDS
North Plains, OR
503.647.9977
www.pumpkinridge.com
Like a fine symphony production, the Ghost Creek course at Pumpkin Ridge Golf
Club reaches a memorable crescendo. Sometimes, too memorable.
Pumpkin Ridge is a splendid, sprawling golf complex in the foothills west of Portland
that has been host to a US Amateur—won by Tiger Woods—two US Women's
Opens, a US Women's Amateur, a Nike Tour championship won by David Duval,
and several Safeway Classics. The scenic setting of agricultural fields framed by
imposing evergreens was so perfect that designer Bob Cupp campaigned to build
two courses, not just one.
The 18th hole at Ghost Creek—the public access course—is so demanding that it
can affect how you play the 17th hole; a short, drivable par 4 that can offer a birdie
if you're courageous enough to go after it. Yet the difficulty of the 18th hole, a 454-
yard par 4, might give pause to golfers thinking about taking a risk on the 17th.
The 18th is clearly a catch-up hole. It demands a long, straight drive through the
opening between the two towering firs while avoiding a creek on the right side of the
fairway.Your second shot is a long one to the green—a lake awaits to swallow balls
that miss short or a little to the right.
The green has a spine running right to left to further complicate matters. Many players
try to stay a little left of center coming into the green, but can't hit too far for fear of
dumping the ball into a green-side collection area.
The 18th surround includes areas able to accomodate 10,000-plus spectators—a
wise addition as there is always something to see on this spectacular finishing hole.
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Photograph © D Squared Productions
