General Course Description
In the town of Milton-Freewater, located in the far northeast part of the state, is the 18-hole municipal executive course, Milton-Freewater Golf Course. The course contains 12 par 3s (up to 207 yards, but most short) and six par 4s (up to 299 yards). Milton-Freewater Golf Course is a tale of two very different nines. The first nine (in age and to play) is a flat, park-like course filled with trees, some traps, and some water features. Ascending the cart path to the 10th hole (and the city’s water tower), you learn that the back nine is very different, with elevation changes (sometimes severe) being the primary focus, although there are some very nice trees as well (and some nice views). Milton-Freewater Golf Course is well cared for with mixed but well-mowed fairways (with some brown and some soggy spots) and greens that hold well and are generally consistent. Civic-minded memorials dot the entire course. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Forward tees do provide benefit of shorter distances and better angles. The back nine make it a trudge — it’s walkable, but you’ll sweat.
Course History
First nine at the base of the hill opened in 1974. The second nine, on top of the hill, was opened in 1985 and built by volunteers.
Why It Is There
The city wanted a course and built one. It became popular enough that golfers expanded it to 18.
I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played
Yardage on the tee box is from the center of the tee to the center of the green. Note the OB markers, particularly over the greens. On the back nine, on all holes except 13, best to favor right center on your tee shot.
Did You Know
The 17th hole is a very steep downhill par 3 where, depending on the wind, you could successfully hit the green by hitting the ball like a 60-yard shot or a 120-yard shot. A visitor played 17 from the neighboring tee box of the par-4, 222-yard, 10th hole. He came into the clubhouse complaining of the incorrect yardage that caused him to fly golf balls into the neighboring houses (no reports of injury or damage).
Good For Them
Host the BMC Memorial Golf Clinic for juniors, four days, one hour a day. Host PE classes for the local school district. Host the Lee Parr Memorial Tournament to support local high school athletics, and the PEG Cross Country Scramble to support the Pat Gillette Memorial Scholarship Fund supporting local students.
Why Play This Course
An interesting well-cared-for course that is unique in the area and has a very friendly staff. It is a nice course for young, old, and those learning the game.
General
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- Type: 18-hole executive public course
- Price: $$ (but not by much)
- Phone/webpage: (541) 938-7284/www.mfcity.com/…/milton-freewater-municipal-golf-course.com
- Address: 301 Catherine Ave., Milton-Freewater, Oregon 97862
- Owner: City of Milton-Freewater
- Designer: George McRae and Founders
- Pros: George Gillette
- Practice Facilities: Chipping green with bunker, practice green
- Pro Shop: Nicely stocked with clothing and equipment
- Food: The Upper 9 Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse and port-a-potties on course
- Yardage Markers: On the par 4s, there are 100-yard poles and in-ground 50 yard markers; no pin-position information (but the greens are generally small)
- Clothing: Proper golf attire requested, but t-shirts and jeans are OK
- Walkable: Flat first nine, but very hilly back; you can walk but there is some effort
- Spikes: Soft only
- Shoe Cleaning: Brush
- Rentals: All
- Open all year (but may be closed some weeks during winter)
Yards | Par | Rating | Slope | |
White | 3346 | 60 | 58.3/59.6 | 90/92 |
Red | 3214 | 60 | 58.1/59.4 | 89/91 |
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