The Courses of Clear Creek - Deer Run/Armadillo Hills Course

So I decided to try Clear Creek once more before heading back to California. Now knowing the layout and having a better understanding of the course conditions, I found the course easier to play on. I ended up scoring 9 stokes better than the first time and feel I could have done even better if not for some poorer putting on this round. Oddly enough, the 11th hole par 3 was my nemesis hole.

If I ever return and play the course again, I’ll remember better to use a hybrid on the first 3 holes. #6 plays at least 2 clubs longer against the wind. Better to play #8’s second shot to the right of the green. #10 and 12 another hybrid holes off the tee. #14 split fairways. #18 low hybrid to aiming marker. Fast greens compared to most California greens.

I love golfing on this course.
It's always (been) uncrowded and it's a very challenging course.

It's a bit of a drive, but worth it.
The greens need some attention.

If you haven't golfed here, I recommend trying it.
All the greens are sloped which makes it so hard.

I’ll start with the Proshop employee … very nice guy, who knew what Battalion my Son was in when I didn’t even know. He mention that there might be slow play as there was a tournament going on. As I approached the first tee (15 mins before my start) group after group of these tournament players would drive up to the box. I wasn’t gonna get in between their tournament so I went back to the Proshop and asked if I could start on the back nine.

Once I got under way, I found that the course condition were okay, but the greens surprised me with how fast they were. Much faster than at the other local course. I ended up getting stuck behind a foursome but noticed that there was no one head of them so I jumped from the 13th tee box and played the 15th par 3 and then jumped back to finish 13 and 14 before passing them up at the 15th tee box. From there until I came around to the 1st tee, it was quick sailing.

Being that it was my first time playing here, I had no one to suggest ball placement so I learned by fire. The 1st hole really doesn’t require a wood or even hybrid off the tee. #2 presented tree issues as I found 3 of them before getting to the green. Hole placements presented some issues as they might be on the edge of a slope on the green. Think I 3 putted 4 times 🥺.

In conclusion, I found the course conditions okay, greens fast, pace of play okay. I’m here for another 3 weeks and will return with a better understanding of the course conditions and layout. Hopefully won’t be windy that day as well.

Course is coming back from the winter very nicely. After playing in temple and Killeen this course will definitely challenge you.

I enjoy golfing this track (Armadillo Hills and Deer Run - they closed Panther Claw a couple of years ago) - but they must improve their greens.
All the greens have slopes, which is challenging, but there's very little grass on the greens so it's like putting on glass.
EXCELLENT pace of play; Not crowded; snack bar/cantina sucks

This course used to be in poor health but over the last year it has been revitalized. The greens are firm but are in good condition as opposed to previous years where there were bare spots. Overall this course is one of the better ones around for your money.

You have to get a background check 5 days prior and it’s so not worth the BS. The rules were out of control due to it being a military base.

Played here a handful of times this year and had good experiences, but this visit was unfortunately the worst.
I was on the #2 tee box when the marshal/superintendent said they are kicking everyone off the course due to lightning. But when I asked about a refund or rain check, he said they don’t do that. I only played one hole…
Also, the group ahead of me was a fivesome which made it very slow. And the older gentleman on the cart staff was yelling at customers for taking the wrong cart. No need for that. This isn’t basic training.
On a positive note, both ladies that work the pro shop are absolutely great. Friendly, professional, and always smiling.

Course is very interesting. A few blind shots but a nice layout. Be sure to go to the Visitor Center first to get a pass into the base. Definitely not a walking course.

This is a fun course to play and typically isn’t too busy. You need to get a day pass at the base’s visitor center to get on base where the course is located but that takes an extra 5 minutes max.

I'll start by saying that although I really enjoy playing at Clear Creek, it has become less enjoyable with the closure of Panther Claw. I'm not sure if the Panther Claw 9 holes are under renovation or if they are closing it down permanently, but now the pace of play has increased by quite a bit with only 18 holes available to spread everyone out on.

Great course, scenic and challenging BUT add extra travel time as this course is on a military base. You must go through main gate security.
You will also need a Pass before entering, which can be otained from Visitors Center.