Went off as a foursome at 2:00 today and POP was about 4:15. I think we only waited on 2-3 holes. I had heard a lot about this place and I haven't qui... » More

Went off as a foursome at 2:00 today and POP was about 4:15. I think we only waited on 2-3 holes. I had heard a lot about this place and I haven't quite collected all thoughts on it yet. I probably need to play it again. We played from the tips and I only hit three drivers. That was strange. I can get it out there but I'm not a bomber. 3 wood was long enough and in play all day. The look of this place seems like it's really tight but there's actually quite a bit of room off the tee. It's really a second shot golf course. The wind was up for most of the day so the holes into the wind were daunting. You'll really need to be able to hit stingers and long iron punches here if it's blowing hard. On the holes with the wind the ball goes forever. I almost made hole in one on #10 with a 5 iron (231yd) and I usually hit 5 about 190. Wind was pretty nuts. Tee boxes were lush although slightly long. Fairways and greens were immaculate. Greens had a few ball-marks but I fixed most of them. Speeds were probably about 10 but not lightning- very puttable. I think my favorite thing about the place was the par 5's. Every one was reachable with a good tee shot but they get tighter toward the green. You have to think your way through them. The Par 3's are wild. From the tips three out of four are 220+. If you play this course, PLEASE play the appropriate tee box or you'll be hitting provisionals all day. Final note is that it's gorgeous. Great views and the staff was very nice.
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Played Santa Anita for the first time today after living in LA for 10 years. WOW, I feel like a moron. I should have been playing 8-10 rounds a year t... » More

Played Santa Anita for the first time today after living in LA for 10 years. WOW, I feel like a moron. I should have been playing 8-10 rounds a year there. The only cons were the fivesomes which create the usual Pace of Play issues but everything else was a big pro. It's in phenomenal shape - especially the bunkers. They're manicured like at a private club. Greens all rolled true. I've played Harding, DeBell and Robinson Ranch in the last two months and they're beat to crap. Santa Anita was lush, firm and in nearly perfect condition. Every tee box was level. The practice range was mats only today but it looks like they're grass about half the time. I can't say enough about the design. Probably only second Rancho Park in the LA area as far as public tracks go. There are no hills and yet there are no flat lies. Every hole has marvelous undulation. The two finishing holes are brilliant. I live in Burbank and can't imagine why I'd ever play Griffith Park again. For less money I'll play SAGC every time.
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