The course is struggling in a down economy, but despite the challenges, the condition of the course is consistently excellent. The course is composed of unique holes (no two the same), which I always like. Pace of play is currently excellent as there just isn't that much use. As a senior with a weekday green fee of $23, you just can't beat the value. Course is very walkable and very enjoyable.

I live at another course in the area and have chosen Monarch Dunes as my "home course" because it is, without doubt, the best course between Paso Robles and Santa Barbara (an area that has multiple excellent courses). The staff at the course is excellent - and that extends, especially, to the maintenance crew. The course is always kept in immaculate condition. Don't let the yardage fool you. It is relatively shorter than many other courses, but if defended beautifully by deceiving, treacherous greens. The greens roll absolutely true, but are undulating. It's not a links course; rather a links "style" course that affords the opportunity to play a ground game to all greens except the par-3 8th.

Played twice: once a week after opening and once in mid-May. Now that carts are allowed to cross fairways, pace of play will pick up. Staff is remarkable, prices are a little high for the area but a real bargain when compared to Southern or Northern California. It's all about the greens - firm (hard) but fair; very speedy; roll true but breaks are incredibly subtle many times. Keep the ball below the hole or pay dearly on the score card. Some blind shots make the course almost unfair until you've played it a couple of times and can remember where to aim.