I played one of my least favorite courses on the Central Coast today, and I was pleasantly surprised. First, I bought a small bucket of range balls to warm up and they all looked brand new. Second, I don't remember the course ever being in better condition, and I've been playing it for 30 years. There were few bare spots anywhere, the rough was manageable the the greens putted clean and true. Finally, at the price I paid ($18.00 since I have the SLO County volume card) it was indeed a bargain. And after several days of temperatures in the mid to high nineties in Atascadero, the high today of 78 was very pleasant. I look forward to playing match play against Chalk Mountain next week. The round I played today was practice in preparation.

Played Morro Bay in our annual Eclectic Tournament. A little drizzle to begin, then a beautiful day until the winds came up. But the course, as usual, was in excellent condition. If you have not played this course, the challenge are the greens. Up and downs are not common but three putts are. If you are above the hole on most greens, you've made a great first putt to two putt. There is no water and only three bunkers, so tee to green is not a problem, although it plays longer since the grass allows almost no roll after landing. I belong to this club as it's one of my favorite courses anywhere.

We decided to try the Links Course as we'd not played it in awhile, and historically it has had some of the best greens in the county. Well, not today. We didn't have a stimpmeter, but I would guess around a three. It took a very firm stroke to get the ball to the hole, four or five times harder than you would normally strike a putt. There were a number of workers around, so I'm sure they are trying to improve the conditions. Hopefully I'll have a better report the next time I play there.

I've played Rancho Maria dozens of times as I love the lay out. But I would not have made the three hour drive had I known the condition it would be in. The fairways had not been cut for a week, and the greens were slow and bumpy. Some bunkers had sand, some did not. I will call about course condition before I play it again.

Once again a great three days hosted by John and GK. Sandpiper matches Pebble Beach for outstanding ocean views, demanding holes and a great golfing experience. I love the first four holes on the back nine. Unique, challenging and just plain fun to play. The course was in fine condition everywhere, greens, fairways, demanding rough and bunkers. I did miss the cart GPS' we enjoyed at Corica and Bodega Harbour. But I've not often seen the ocean so serene after the morning rain.

Played Corica for the first time ever Sunday afternoon. Pace of play was very slow, over five hours, and it got rather windy later in the day. I liked the layout of the course, with some interesting holes. The greens do not hold, and what ball marks I saw were tiny dents. But my playing partners were great, making the slow play almost bearable. I would love to play the course again on a less crowded, calm day.

Thoroughly enjoyed The Links at Bodega Harbour. The course was a bit windy, but the views were fantastic and the staff was most pleasant. Miss the fairway by much and if you are lucky enough to find your ball, swing a wedge as hard as you can and you might reach the fairway. The course was in very good condition, except a few of the bunkers grow grass in the sand. Great way to spend the day.

I played Paso Robles Golf Course today, and after playing this course for over 40 years I don't think it's ever been in better condition. Fairways are plush and smooth, greens are fast but fair and bunkers have sand, unusual due to winds in our area. For $28.00 it is the best golf bargain for a hundred miles. The difference of the quality of this course between today and five years ago is night and day.