May 2001
By Mark Soltau Of Cbs Sportsline
Photos By Joann Dost

Dennis Durkin considers himself a sane man, but he's not afraid to take chances. Either you experience life or let it pass you by. Especially when you find a site like Bailey Creek.

The Bay Area native purchased the 550-acre parcel in 1991 and was convinced he could mold into it a first-class recreational community, complete with a championship golf course, swim and tennis facilities.         

Located adjacent to Lake Almanor, a spring-fed, 20-square mile man-made mountain lake ideal for boating, fishing and water sports, Durkin attempted to a build a unique, comfortable setting specializing in friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.

Those who have experienced Bailey Creek think he has succeeded.

Only two hours from Reno and Lake Tahoe and three hours from Sacramento, Bailey Creek is unspoiled and serene, except for occasional chirping from Osprey. The course is flanked by towering pine trees, offers sweeping views of nearby Mount Lassen and the surrounding area, and deer think they're members.

Close to resorts, marinas, museums, antique shops, restaurants, a hospital and an airport, the average summer temperature is 72 degrees, nights are crisp and clear and falling stars fill the sky. In the winter, there is cross country skiing and snowmobiling right in your backyard.

Breathtaking views from tee to green are a part of the par-5 fifth.

The new 6,900-yard, par-72 layout was designed by noted architect Homer Flint, who has been involved with more than 50 courses including Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani and Kapalua in Hawaii, Spyglass Hill, and the Phoenician in Arizona, along with Northstar, Plumas Pines and Almanor West. Flint, 83, worked for the late Robert Trent Jones Sr., in the 1950s and is a master at creating memorable and challenging holes that blend harmoniously with the environment.

"What I'm proudest about is the course looks like it belongs,'' Durkin said.

Playable from April through mid-October, every hole has at least four sets of tees, including championship markers for long hitters. The gently rolling terrain boasts spacious landing areas, Penlink putting surfaces, three lakes, a waterfall and a complete practice facility with natural grass hitting areas and putting greens. A new 7,000-square foot clubhouse opens June 1 and will house a restaurant/bar, outdoor patios and full-service pro shop.

The front nine debuted to rave reviews last spring, while the back nine opens this summer. Many think the latter is the pride of the course.

"The neat thing about the back nine is that every hole is so different,'' said director of golf Kevin Hughes. "Homer incorporated a little bit of every course he's done. I think that's our greatest asset. He spent an incredible amount of time here.''

Indeed, the most striking characteristic about the course is the way it flows. Some holes look positively inviting but can quickly bite you because of strategically placed bunkers, mounds and swales. Flint makes you work the ball both ways and demands use of every club in your bag. As with all good courses, you never get tired of playing it and can't wait to return.

The first hole is a slight dogleg right with bunkers running down the right side of the fairway. A large bunker guards the left side of the green and a lake protects the back side.

The front nine is slightly shorter and more forgiving, although the 425-yard par-4 sixth is a handful from start to finish. A slight dogleg from right-to-left, the approach is tough to judge and the green slopes from back to front. Reaching the putting surface in regulation is no guarantee of making par.

The par-3 fourth and eighth holes require short irons, although the latter sports a massive green that is protected by a pond.

The par-5 second and fifth holes can be reached in two with accurate drives, but if you get greedy, par can be a struggle, especially at No. 5, which features a skinny green that slopes sharply from right to left.

Accuracy is the key on the back nine, notably at the difficult par-4 14th. A long iron approach must avoid a pond left of the green, which is easier said than done. The par-3s are no pushovers, particularly the 16th, which measures 190 yards. Likewise for the par-5's, considerably longer than the front and classic risk-and-reward holes.

The sixth will test your driving ability in both accuracy and distance.

The eighth is Bailey Creek's signature hole and one of the Northern California's most spectacular par-3s.

Much of the credit belongs to Art Strain, Flint's stepson. A world-class shaper who works with top designers including Tom Fazio, he moved more than 500,000 cubic yards of dirt to construct this mountain masterpiece that is sure to become one of the most talked about new tracks in Northern California.

In fact, Plumas County could become a golf destination spot. In addition to Almanor West and Lake Almanor Country Club, both located within 20 minutes of Bailey Creek, a new project has been approved at Dyer Mountain, about seven miles away, that is expected to include three courses and a ski resort.

"What's remarkable about our country-if you have the vision and the guts-the sky is the limit to what you can do,'' the 58-year-old Durkin said. "When you play it safe, you never really get a taste of life. I've never done anything for the money.''

To be sure, Bailey Creek is a family affair. Durkin's wife Susy is the controller; sons Chris and David did most of the clearing, drainage and irrigation work; daughter Jennifer oversees marketing; and daughter-in-law Wendy runs the real estate office. All take great pride in the project and are confident locals and visitors alike will appreciate their attention to detail and easy-going manner.

The proof is in the product and Durkin has a dandy. From the moment you arrive, his staff makes you feel welcome and it gets better from there. Chances are, this won't be Northern California's best-kept secret for long.

Bailey Creek has already sold nearly half of its 700 lots, most about one-quarter acre in size. Prices range from $69,000 to $100,000 and property owners receive discounts. For information, call 530/259-GOLF or visit www.baileycreek.com.