played course in January 2009.

in look, feel, and playing characteristics, similar to a Scottsdale course. Did not feel like a southern California course until the last few holes.

medium-size greens not overly firm or fast, but enjoyable. The swirling wind increased during the last 8 holes, and made shot selection and execution challenging.

(very good service, from parking lot pickup to end of round.)

played North course in January 2009.

Greens true and quick, and like the South course, devilishly difficult to read.

I preferred the North course over the South; the par 4s on the North seemed more interesting and not as short.

played South course in January 2009.

Greens hard to read, firm but receptive, and very quick.
The first 4 holes seem a little cramped (maybe due to bad tee shots).

Overall, course in immaculate condition and a lot of fun.

First-time players are required to have a forecaddie, who was invaluable, particularly in reading break on greens.

played Jan 16/09. Greens were immaculate, quick and true; fairways a little worn and brown, but played firm.

Enjoyed the round.

played Spanish Bay in the spring of 2005, after playing Pebble and Spyglass.

Spanish Bay did not measure up to the other two courses (not too surprising I guess), but also I didn't think it flowed from one hole to the next as well as Spyglass, or Pebble.

It may be that if I hadn't played the other two courses in the same trip, Spanish would have seemed better.

I agree with two of the previous reviewers when they say that Spyglass is a better course than Pebble.

If you compare the strengths of all 18 holes of both courses, I think Spyglass is a little stronger than Pebble.

I can't necessarily explain why I think so, because on the surface Pebble is next to the cove and is really beautiful (holes 7- 10, 17 & 18), while Spyglass is mostly in the trees.

played the Ocean course in spring 2007. Conditions were firm and good.

Does not play like a true links course on most holes (cannot putt from off greens or do bump & runs).

Most holes are straight (not many doglegs creating angles into greens).

To me, felt a little cramped.

(Suggestion: rather than pay full rate, go to Pasatiempo and pay a little more for a better course. Or drive to Pebble and pay a lot more for a more memorable experience.)

I mostly agree with Callykid /Corona's review (July 2008), except I think Spyglass is perhaps as good as Pasatiempo, and Pacific Dunes is better. (Played Pasatiempo in 2007.)

Other than that, like Callykid, I think Pasatiempo is better than Pebble and Riviera, if you measure the quality of all 18 holes.

As Callykid said about Doak's renovoation, the before/after photos are very striking.

played Pacific Grove in 2007.

Previously had played Spyglass, Pebble Beach, and Spanish Bay. You really cannot compare PG with the other, higher-priced Monterey courses, due to the vast difference in rates.

As most people have already said, holes 11 - 17 are very good, not just for their views, but also the quality of their design. (The first ten holes are fine as a warmup.)

It's too bad you can't just play the back nine twice.

played Trump LA in 2006. (Had not played Ocean Trails before Trump renovated course.)

Course plays on a hillside, with many relatively narrow 'terraced' fairways. Unusual features like Trump-made waterfalls behind 1st hole and 17th holes. (Why build fake waterfalls to compete with the Pacific Ocean?)

Also, there are 'championship' tees on some holes, which look like squat cubes of land dumped next to the beach. Visually, they detract from the look of the course.

On 18th hole, designer put in a row of strip bunkers on left side of fairway. To me, it looked overdone and unnecessary.

In an October 2007 Golf.com article Trump said that people have told him that his course is 'better than Pebble Beach'. I have played PB; it is much better than Trump LA. (He also stated that Trump LA is better than Bandon Dunes; it is not.)

Despite these criticisms, I still had fun playing the course, but doubt it is worth $375 (on weekends).

played Rustic in spring 2006 (but just joined OCGreen today). Unique and intriguing course, reminiscent of links courses (around the greens). Greens' designs allowed many chipping / pitching options.

[in 2006 also played Sherwood, Trump LA, Riviera and other courses, and think that Rustic was better than the other courses except Riviera.]