Last (and least), I stopped by Sycamore Ridge. I wasn't sure if I had another round in me, but it was still relatively early and I figured I'd take an alternate route and give this course a quick driv... Continue »

Last (and least), I stopped by Sycamore Ridge. I wasn't sure if I had another round in me, but it was still relatively early and I figured I'd take an alternate route and give this course a quick drive by look. The place was clearly empty when I got there (104 degrees!) and though it didn't look to be in good shape, I figured I'd knock it off my list with a very quick 18. It was $22 with cart for super twilight. Teed off a little before 5, played through one twosome on the course and sprinted around to be done by 6:30. When I checked in I asked the guy if there was water on the course and he nodded yes, but there wasn't a speck of drinking water out which is rough on such a hot day. Luckily, I bought some in the bar before teeing off just to be safe.

The course was in awful shape. As it sits now, I would say it's the worst course I've ever played. Lot of dirt, thin and hardpan areas in fairways and rough. The back nine grass did seem a bit better than the front, but still not too great. The tee boxes (blues) were pretty bare and crunchy. The greens were pretty beat up. The bunkers were terrible. I was glad to see they were watering the course while I was there, but it sucked trying to play around the sprinklers. Many putts and chips I had to run in and rush a shot to avoid getting sprayed. Some putts I had to roll through puddles on the greens!

The layout is okay. Pretty flat and nothing too interesting, in my opinion. Not my style. Funny thing is the one positive I took from the experience is that I was so disappointed and distracted by the conditions that I shot a really good score. Playing fast and keeping my own rhythm definitely help me, too.