The title of this review is spot on. I am an avid golfer, originally from Vermont and now living in Florida. I have been playing for nearly 10 years and am a single digit handicap golfer.
When I first pulled into the parking lot with my casual golfer (aka once or twice a year golfer) we both looked at each other and thought about trying to find a different course. The 'type' of people that were milling around in the parking lot were not the golfing type... I was very worried.
However, when we decided to pursue it, the course turned out to be a very nice place to play! The pro-shop is not much to look at and we did not get into the 'Divot Diner'. But the course reminded me a lot of New England style courses. Narrow fairways and well maintained rough and greens. There was a good amount of elevation change on the 1st, 9th, 10, and 18th tees/greens.
The greens were firm and required a lot of bump & run style gaming, which I'm not used to now due to the Florida Bermuda greens and such.
The course was walkable, but this was my first time walking in close to 5 years. There were a few holes that separated the tee boxes and greens for a lengthy distance.
Also a few quirks. The 10th hole has two greens, yes that's right a men's and a women's green. The women's is easily viewable, but the men's is around the bend and elevated. Make sure to take this into account before teeing off.
All in all for my first Portland golf experience I was very happily impressed. My golfing buddy, even though he doesn't get out too much found the course to be a delight as well. There is not a whole lot of trouble. Remember to take an extra club for the elevated greens and you'll do just fine.
Off to a good start!