Chris: CCR has been restored since 1998 and is vastly improved. Before it wasn't in my top ten for Rochester, but it is fantastic after Gil Hanse's work and only getting better (Hanse took out the old non-Ross 18th green and put in a new green that combines with the practice putting green).
The West Course is so fun, and it's not even close to the original as far as bunkering is concerned, but the terrain is perfect for golf, and the greens are first-rate Ross. Which par four are you referring to, 13?? The tee shot is very difficult from all the way back, through a notch between hills (a shelf of sorts), then dips down into valley before rising back up to a first class greensite. The green is pretty tough, about medium for the course. OB down the right, is the one you're thinking of??? Cool hole, like it better every time I play it.
The match between Monroe and OHW is close, goes like this:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
o1 o2 o3 o4 o3 o2 o1 o1 as m1 as o1 o2 o3 o4 o3 o2 o1
The West takes the slight edge, probably more dramatic difference if you compare hole by par.
Also, 13 on the East is a fantastic par five. The hill of fame is a little cheesy and overemphasized at the club, but the hole itself is unbelievable, one of the best greensites ever, the hole is prefectly routing across the most dramatic terrain on either course. The tee shot is a bit of layup, and some don't like that, but from the tips you have decision whether to drive close to the creek for a shorter second or lay back safely and face two more tough shots. The second shot presents the most decisions, as going close to the fairway bunkers is a risk reward proposition, and the farther away from the bunkers you go, the harder the third shot. The green is very cool despite some changes by RTJ. A great long par five that stands up well to technology in comparison with other holes of length, and it still present strategy for the everyday golfer.
Mike:
I like Mill Creek more than most people, but it is a lot of fun. There are three genuinely bad holes that I don't mind as much as most people. The course is wide open, with several multiple-fairway holes with legitmate strategy and options. The greens are big, wild, and loads of fun, while still contributing to the strategy back to the tee. I personally like it better than Monroe, and it comes very close to the courses at Oak Hill (minus the three bad holes, 10, 11, and 18, which most people hate).
If you are up there, definitely try to play it. It's an okay walking course with a few steep climbs, but definitely don't cart it. It'll be relatively inexpensive and in solid condition. They like to keep it firm and fast. Talk to me or John Foley for any other recommendations in Rochester, I've played almost every course except for Stafford and Irondequoit.
Key Holes: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 16, 17