China Creek Golf Course, located in the small Eastern Oregon town of Arlington, OR is a great nine hole track just minutes of of Highway 84. Built for relative peanuts as far as course construction is concerned, China Creek utilizes the contours of the land on which is was built to create an enjoyable experience throughout your round. On an elevated plot of land, China Creek offers amazing views of the town of Arlington and the wind turbines seen so frequently East of the Columbia Gorge. China Creek is a grueling walk and while it can be done, a cart is definitely the preferred way to get around the course, especially on a hot summer day.
China Creek Golf Course is fairly short, measuring just over 2600 yards from the tips, but it should not be confused as an easy day at the links. The lone Par 5 is very narrow, with trouble on both sides. Miss a fairway on a Par 4 or a green on a Par 3 and you ball may be 40 yards below the hole or buried in desert brush that runs along many holes. Water comes in to play on the first hole, although it is not seen again during your round. Elevation changes can be significant from tee to green and may dictate creative club slection during your round. The greens are not especially fast at China Creek, but keep their line well. Overall, China Creek is a great way to spend nine holes in Eastern Oregon.
