…and we went wee, wee, wee, all the way home. Or at least part of the way as we made our way from Wesley Chapel, NC to our old home of Bend, OR. Always Time for 9 was on another epic cross-country trip that spanned a total of 9,000 miles. Ah, the life of a nomadic golfing couple. Nampa, Idaho was a perfect resting spot, and the par 32 executive Wee Course at Ridgecrest Golf Club was our choice for a quick 9.
I always love these short courses because we can usually walk right on; play a quick round; be on your way after about two hours; and this was no exception. The “back” tees (white) measure 2091 yards; the blue tees – 1842 yards; and the junior tees – 1103 yards. As you can see this course is very high-handicap and beginner friendly.
Hole #1 is a par 4 of 302 yards with trouble to the right. There is plenty of open space to the left, but the slicers of the ball could find trouble at the straight hole. Just be aware there is a Footgolf layout on this nine, so make sure you are hunting the correct flag. Maybe I spoke too soon (about an easy layout) as there is trouble lurking to the right on the par 4 second hole. This was my favorite hole because it was slightly downhill with native grasses to the right and possible tree trouble to the left.
Holes #3 and #4 are par 3s of 116 and 196 yards respectively. After you complete the third hole, you cross a road to find the not so wee fourth hole which has native grass trouble to the right. This is a fairly easy course to walk, but you can take a motorized cart. The cart wheel tracks in the grass helped guide me to Hole #5 which directionally can be a little confusing. Hole #5 and Hole #7 are both par 3s and their tee boxes sit side-by-side, only separated by a nice cold water station which was greatly appreciated on this day.
Hole #6 may be the most difficult par 4 because it is the only one that is not straight. It also requires a good tee shot that avoids the high grasses to the right and the dense trees to the left. The threesome in front of me allowed me to play through because they were looking for lost balls in the weeds. As I passed by, they had already found 20 balls (none were mine).
After leaving the seventh green, it is time once again to cross the road and start to head to the clubhouse. Hole #8 is a straight, 287 yards par 4 with roads on each side of the fairway. Timing your tee shot is highly recommended to avoid the occasional car. Hole #9 is a little “funky” with its blind tee shot and the approach shot to the green that has electric wires spanning the front of the green. My approach yardage allowed me to make a decision of either going low (under) or up and over. I split the difference and accidentally went through them and ended up three feet from the cup. An old playing partner called those shots and UBER (ugly but excellent result)!
Rating – Birdie (41 out of 60): After playing, I’m going to slightly retract my earlier statement. The course may cause issues for the high-handicap golfer, but my advise is to keep everything to the left. The course was in good shape, the price was right, the people were friendly, and it took only 90 minutes to complete my round. If you are looking for a more complete golf game, there is also an 18-hole course at this facility.
3730 Ridgecrest Dr. Nampa, ID 83687; 208-468-5888; www.Ridgecrestgolf.com
