Oregon's newest public golf course will present a challenge - albeit an enjoyable one - to every caliber of golfer. That was the goal of course designers Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy, who will formally christen their newest creation at a June 8 Grand Opening celebration. Area golfers are already discovering that Stone Creek Golf Club is a fun challenge for all levels of play, as the 18-hole championship course has hosted men's and women's club tournaments and two Three Rivers High School tournaments. "Our design philosophy is to create fun, playable courses that reward good shots," Jacobsen commented. "Stone Creek will appeal to golfers of all abilities; and the picturesque setting with tall fir trees, rolling terrain, natural wetlands and views of Mt. Hood will only enhance the playing experience." The course is set on a 165-acre parcel off Hwy. 213 in Oregon City. Built at an estimated cost of $7.5 million, it features two distinct nines - the front half situated in a meadow-like setting and the back nine winding through towering Douglas fir trees and bordering wetlands. In addition to its namesake Stone Creek, the course has three lakes, four wetlands areas and 41 bunkers. There are four sets of tees, playing from 5,191 to the "Jacobsen" tees at 6,873 yards. A full-service pro shop and deli are located in the clubhouse, which has a spacious outdoor deck overlooking the 18th green. Next to the clubhouse is a large tented area for private parties, tournament function, weddings and other catered events. An expansive 6 1/2-acre driving range with all grass tees and target greens serves as a convenient on-site practice area. "I know the community is really going to enjoy our facility," said General Manager and PGA Professional Gordon Tolbert. "We're a public course with lots of amenities, and we're committed to taking excellent care of our customers." Tolbert pointed out that 35 of the 75 new golf carts have weather-resistant covers on the back, and that two beverage carts will be canvassing the course during peak play. Another unique aspect of Stone Creek Golf Club is the excellent drainage. Significant resources were expended to ensure the driest course conditions for year-round play. According to Golf Course Superintendent David Phipps, "At most courses in the Northwest during the winter months, the ball doesn't roll much, but here you'll see the ball actually bouncing down the fairway in January." Two of the most scenic holes are par-3s. the 180-yd. No. 6 played over a lake from the Jacobsen tees, and the 141-yd. No. 14, which necessitates a drive over wetlands and consideration of a stack of boulders protecting the green. One of Peter Jacobsen's favorite holes is the par-4 ninth, a 397-yard challenge from the back tees with two fairways to choose from - an upper elevated landing area with a clear view of the green; or a lower approach through a narrow opening between bunkers. After a round of golf, patrons can relax at the clubhouse with outdoor seating on a large deck overlooking the 18th green. Cindy Medford, food and beverage director, has brought her extensive experience in the food business (former owner/operator of Cindy's Deli in Gresham) to the golf course, and it shows in her menu offerings: 10 choices of sandwiches, soups and salads daily, 3 beers on tap, and lots of snacks and cold drinks for that enjoyable 19th hole experience. With its large tented area for special events, Stone Creek Golf Club is a prime spot for hosting tournaments, weddings, corporate outings and other large groups. Men's and Women's clubs are in full swing (with memberships still available), and reservations are now being taken for tournaments. For daily play, tee time reservations can be made in person 7 days in advance and 6 days in advance by phone. Greens fees for 18 holes are $35 Monday through Thursday and $39 Friday through Sunday; $20 and $23 for 9 holes. Carts rent for $13 per person. Driving range buckets of balls are $3 for small, $6 for medium and $9 for large. The May 18 opening was the culmination of more than six years of planning, design and construction. The land, which had been used as a turkey farm, changed hands several times in the early '90s before Clackamas County purchased it in 1996 for $2.4 million. The county later provided $1.5 million for the golf course project from its park trust fund (primarily money from timber sales). According to Dan Zinzer, Clackamas County Parks Manager, the county initially considered contracting with a group of local investors to raise funds to build and operate a golf course on the land, but eventually elected to partner with the group (Clackamas Golf, LLC) and share ownership. The county has an option to buy out the investors and anticipates doing so after two years, Zinzer said. Clackamas Golf, LLC and Clackamas County jointly hired Golf Solutions to build Stone Creek and Total Golf Management Services to maintain and operate the course. For more information about Stone Creek Golf Club, call 503-518-GOLF (4653).