As part of my research for this space I pursue certain goals. For example, in order to better cover certain tournaments it’s important to be familiar with the golf courses where they are played. To that end I have set a goal to play all of the state’s top courses. I am also working to play all of the courses in the circulation area of this paper and each year I manage to cross one or two off that list. Recently, I managed to play a course that fills two goals.

Not only is the Portland Country Club one of the state’s oldest courses, it’s a Donald Ross. Playing as many of that master’s layouts as possible is another goal. When a friend who is a member called in the morning and asked me to meet him the club for a 2:40 p.m. tee time, I immediately accepted. I had walked the course during the Maine Open, but to get a real feel for any layout, you have to play it.

Because it’s a private club with a waiting list for membership, the only way to play it is with a member or by entering a tournament. If you look at the line up of tournaments each year, a number of them are held at some of the best private clubs. That’s one good way to get a look at these tracks.

The course is deceptive in that the first hole is a downhill 293 yard, par 4 with a wide fairway and no real trouble on either side. A long iron tee shot will put the ball in position for a wedge or short iron to the green. Those who hit driver often have a chip shot second and when Jack Nicklaus played there he put a three wood within gimme range of the flag.

The scorecard adds to the deception showing a length of 6,070 yards and a slope of 121 from the white tees. Typical of older courses even the back tees don’t stretch it that much (6,406). The ladies get a good break at 5,527.

For the most part the course consists of medium range par 4s around 360 yards, but there are some notable exceptions. No. 6 is a monster par 5 at 585 from the whites and 609 from the back. Only one in our group reached in regulation and he hit three wood shots. No. 11 is another tough hole, a 420-yard par 4 with an uphill tee shot. With the exception of No. 4 (122 yards), the par 3s are all solid tests at 174, 162 and 185 yards.

There are several holes with terrain features that make them play tougher with up hill tee shots and ledge outcroppings. The Ross touch around the greens adds to the challenge with bunkers, undulations and a false front or two that make it difficult to judge the distance.

Overall, Portland CC was a delight to play and adding to the experience is the ocean. Those who selected that piece of land in Falmouth, picked one the prettiest places one could build a golf course.

Another outing was last Saturday when we traveled up to Natanis for the celebration of the new 18 and the dedication of the new Tomahawk course in memory of pro Bob Browne, who died a week and half before the celebration. There were clinics on the morning, a barbeque lunch and golf. And it was all at no charge. Before the shotgun start were a dedication and ribbon cutting with Bob’s brothers Jim and Dick taking part along with architect Dan Maples. Earlier there had been a memorial service at their church.

It was obvious that this was not only a close family, but one with a lot of friends who cared deeply for them. As Dick Browne read from a list put together by Bob in preparation for the event before his death, it seemed as if the whole community was mentioned – the school teams, the leagues, fire department, local businesses and those who built the course. These players made up the teams.

We were pair with two, Steve Haskell and Eric Lacroix. Haskell with his logging company equipment told how he had moved stumps and excavated the fairways. Lacroix’s work was apparent on every hole as his Riverside Memorial had engraved the granite markers at each tee.

This week brought more Donald Ross experience. Monday I was at the Mount Washington Hotel for the annual Northeast Ski Industry Summit meeting.

My presence wasn’t really needed until evening when I got to present Bode Miller with his second straight North American Snowsports Journalists Competitor of the Year Award. I had no need to attend all the seminars so I caught up with GM Wayne Presby and asked, “Why are we in here when that sun is on that golf course out there.”

We obviously think alike because within an hour we were on the course. There are few days when the sky is that clear and Mount Washington towering above us in sharp relief was a real treat. That has to be the most spectacular backdrop for golf in the Northeast. I felt sorry for those attending meetings inside the hotel, but not enough to join them.

Finally, that Hall of Fame benefit tournament I mentioned last week has been changed from Sept. 22 to Sept. 30, so don’t head for Springbrook for another two weeks. Call them for details at 207-946-5900.

Dave Irons is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.