Two words come to mind here, Consistency and Challenge.

Played on Sunday am. Nice wx conditions. Pace of play 4.5 hours.

The putting surfaces are, as usual, in great shape. In fact we were all able to spin or skid lob wedges around the hole without fear of balls not holding. The flagsticks on this day were postion #1 (mostly tucked or right up front), making for difficult approach shots. Fairways and bunkers were in great shape as usual. This course is consistently well maintained, and a real challenge to play. Yeah, it's surrounded by home sights, but it's certainly a rare day that you'll find something to nit-pick about this place.

Everyone in our 4-ball remarked how good the course conditions were today. Fairways were as lush as I ever seen them and the greens were smooth and holding (even on a very, very windy day). The only green in question is #17. Besides being the most loved or hated hole on the course, the condiitioning of this green is a mess. The front half of the green is fine, but the condition of the back tier is a mess (and has been for a while). Nothing but bare, sandy patches on an already silly putting surface. Why then would the crew cut the hole on the only crappy portion of the green - the back tier. Come on.

Drove 210 miles round trip recently to see for myself what everyone was talking 'bout; glad I did. Played the Champions layout on a Tuesday, just me and the tumbleweeds. Good times.

Just flat out love this course. First hole is one of the most welcoming designs in the area, while #7, 8 and 9 makes you wish you'd birdied #3, 4 and 6. Back nine meanders a bit, but #14, 15 and 16 is a pretty nice stretch of holes.

Being a former S.B. resident, now living in the SF Valley, I occasionally make a central coast golf run to either Sandpiper (too expsensive-too bad), RSM (a real fave, but also too expensive) or Ojai Valley Inn (get on their mailing list for weekday discounts).

But this time, I decided to go the extra 30 miles north to see an old friend-La Purisima. I hadn't been back in 12 years, because the course so punished me, that I vowed never to come back until I was better prepared (read-wind)!

On this particular sunny Tuesday morning, there was only a light breeze blowing on an empty course. Maybe it's sticker shock - $50 to walk or $68 w/cart on a Tuesday morning may be a bargain in the SF valley, but to drive 130 miles, it's a bit much, but still a bargain when compared to neighboring courses.

Anyway, the course is in fine condition. Tee boxes are near perfect. Only a few of the back boxes a little chopped up. Bunkers are a liittle on the "cakey" side. The course super informed me that he's gradually replacing this local sand, with a finer sand from the Monterey area. Fairways are spongy and well defined with 2-3 inches of rough. Greens are soft and fast! Over-all, plush conditions. Old school golf at it's best.

Next trip to wine country, play La Purisima and see what what kinda game you really have (or don't)!

The biggest hazard to avoid at Moorpark CC is Grimes Canyon Road...watch out for the 18 wheelers screaming down the road! Otherwise, a very good test of golf. Holes aren't handicapped yet, but the friendly staff gave me their feedback: Front 1=7, 2=17, 3=13, 4=15, 5=1, 6=3, 7=9, 8=11, 9=5. Back 10=14, 11=12, 12=8, 13=6, 14=18, 15=10, 16=2, 17=4, 18=16. Play it and judge for yourself. But play it soon, you'll love it for $55!