Horse Creek Golf Course
The Horse Creek golf course first opened for play in 2000. The course was designed by Robert Kirk.
The Horse Creek golf course was built on a reclaimed strip mine. They are currently (2010) still operating out of a temporary clubhouse.
All four sets of tee markers are shaped fittingly enough as horseshoes. From the back horseshoes of this par 72 course it measures a healthy 6883 yards. The course rating is 72.6 with a slope rating of 128. The whites measure 6141 yards.
The front nine is fairly straightforward and winds its way through trees for the first four holes. # 5 is a fun par 3 which provides a panoramic view of much of the property. It shows 214 yards on the card from the back tee, but it won't play anywhere near this yardage as it is straight downhill to large green guarded by two greenside bunkers.
The final three holes on the front nine are more open and indicative of the openness of much of the terrain. You end the front nine with a challenging par 4, which plays uphill and is sure to be one of the lowest handicap holes.
Head to the back nine and the course takes on a completely different character and look. Water hazards which are few and far between on the front nine are far more prevalent on the inward nine.
#11 is an interesting par 4 in that it has a double fairway that steps down from the left half to the right half quite distinctly. Water off to the right is in play for a tee shot missed on this side. The hole is by no means long, but it is tricky with more watery trouble around the green.
#13 is probably the highest point on the golf course and this par 5 is played along a ridge which drops off on both sides. However, it is not terribly narrow, but will punish a wayward shot severely.
#14, 15 and 16 are holes where water is very much a constant. No. 15 is a very short par 4 and it's yardage would indicate that a big hitter may be able to drive the green. However, all but the most foolhardy golfers will hit driver on this hole as the landing area by the green is all but non-existent with water short and right and a steep slope left. Hit an iron and a wedge to score well.
On #16 you have to deal with the same water off the tee, but it is not really in play. However, water also eats into the left side of the raised green.
#17 will be a challenging par with water in play down the right side on this blind tee shot. Aim left and trust your aim as there is more than adequate room on this side. Your second shot will be played to a sunken green, with water still off to the right.
#18 is one of the few holes on the back nine not to feature a water hazard. This hole calls for uphill second and third shots to a long, undulating green.