Took advantage of a ‘Golf Now’ Hot Deal and headed out to Rams Hill on Thursday. The savings were noteworthy…$50.00 off the rack rate…which I found too tempting to resist. Weather forecast pointed to ... Continue »

Took advantage of a ‘Golf Now’ Hot Deal and headed out to Rams Hill on Thursday. The savings were noteworthy…$50.00 off the rack rate…which I found too tempting to resist. Weather forecast pointed to a high temperature of 92 with 17% humidity and just a breath of wind. The day before Halloween? Sign me up! Absolutely love the layout…can’t say enough good things about Fazio’s redesign vs. Ted Robinson’s original routing. I have more fun playing here than anywhere else in Southern California and couldn’t wait to see what kind of shape it was in since their maintenance process was completed back in July/August. Well, the golf course is in impeccable condition. Full coverage on the tee boxes and fairways, relatively short yet healthy rough, consistent sand to play out of, and greens that I feel are the best around. This combination is about as good as it gets. And speaking of the greens, they are beginning to soften up compared to my experience earlier this summer. Shots were stopping right by their ball mark, which meant a more aggressive approach into the pin locations could be undertaken compared to May/June. But don’t be fooled…the greens rolled at a posted ‘12’ on the Stimp…and were every bit that quick and smooth as glass. Yet, nothing outrageous…totally fair…even with the challenging contours one must navigate if on the wrong side of the hole. The new surfaces are definitely sturdier than the ones they replaced. I can’t recall seeing a course with so few ball marks…you literally had to search for them…despite being so receptive. They are indeed a pleasure to putt on. Also want to mention the fairways; they’re cut short and tight lies are the order of the day. Solid contact produced shots with the proper amount of spin, which assisted in controlling shot trajectory/distance. It is so satisfying to flush fairway woods off this turf. Customer service level continues to shine. As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, everyone is committed to guaranteeing one’s experience exceeds all expectations. So many courses talk about providing that type of vibe yet far too many of them fall short. Not so at Rams Hill. So I walked away with another positive memory, which was boosted by a solid ball-striking round (it’s about time), and being paired up with three other guys who were great company. I’m looking forward to a couple more visits planned for December but wouldn’t be surprised to find myself out there again this month. Weather will be much different…or maybe not…but I expect playing conditions to be top-notch if the course continues to be treated with this level of TLC.

1Plus1 was on the money with his 6/25 review. I played 6/27 at 7:00. Went right out, nobody in front or behind. Everybody likes to feel like they stole something(legally) once in awhile. After our... Continue »

1Plus1 was on the money with his 6/25 review. I played 6/27 at 7:00. Went right out, nobody in front or behind. Everybody likes to feel like they stole something(legally) once in awhile. After our first 18(in 2.5 hours) we were listening for sirens. Another 18 later and we were sure the cuffs were waiting for us at the clubhouse. Just couldn't resist another 14. I'll admit an is a factor for me, but quantity with this quality just doesn't happen that often. Been playing summer desert golf for a long time and this was the best conditioned course for darn near July I can remember. Plus, it is an extremely fun track. Add in the reasonably priced and delicious food and beverage and the outstanding customer service and I still can't figure how there were only ten groups on the course. As 1plus said, the course is closed 7/7-17. I'm not sure I can stay away no matter how hot it gets. Water and ice machines on the course - use 'em.

Getting a bit repetitious here but with a high temperature forecast to be a mere 95 degrees, I headed out to Rams Hill yesterday, just six days removed from my last visit…and 112 degree heat. I simply... Continue »

Getting a bit repetitious here but with a high temperature forecast to be a mere 95 degrees, I headed out to Rams Hill yesterday, just six days removed from my last visit…and 112 degree heat. I simply could not pass up the opportunity to play on such a benign mid-June day so it was a very easy call. Course is still in good shape but there are some isolated areas showing signs of slight heat stress. Nothing widespread but I did notice a couple of spots here and there…predominantly on the perimeter of the fairways…that may need some attention. With that being said, the maintenance crew was out in force when I teed off @ 11:30 and a couple of fairways were being watered as I approached. I expect things to dry out a bit as we get deeper into the summer but it appears the staff is committed to maintaining conditions at a high level. Tee boxes and fairways were great; laser-sharp level platforms to tee off from and the Par-3s are not torn up with a bunch of old divots. You’ve basically got a ‘blank canvas’ to work with and the turf is cut tight. The greens…which I consider the true highlight of the course, both in design, scope, and condition…were once again flawless. 11.0 was the posted Stimp and they were pretty quick. I’m definitely getting spoiled out here; I’m not used to seeing the ball track exactly along its line…and the consistent green speed that carries over from one hole to the next is something that cannot be overlooked either. As I’ve alluded to in my previous two reviews, the putting surfaces are quite firm but will be aerated as part of an extended maintenance period that will run from July 7-17, with the golf course remaining closed during that time frame. There is a secondary maintenance period scheduled for August 11-13 that will be less aggressive but it’s just another indication that management is ‘all in’ on making Rams Hill a ‘must play’ destination course. Unless another sub-100 degree day pops up over the next couple,of months, it may be a while before I get to play here again. December is already on the calendar, however, and I’m looking forward to seeing how different the course plays…and looks…at that time.

Made a return trip to Rams Hill (played there on Memorial Day) to take advantage of their generous FREE Birthday Round offer…and the course is in very solid shape.

Had a most enjoyable time as my d... Continue »

Made a return trip to Rams Hill (played there on Memorial Day) to take advantage of their generous FREE Birthday Round offer…and the course is in very solid shape.

Had a most enjoyable time as my daughter played alongside me. The course was empty…temperature hit 112 degrees as we finished up the round…so we were able to adopt and maintain a relaxed, leisurely pace from the opening hole.

Won’t get into much detail here…my previous review still stands on all accounts…but I thought the conditions may have been a notch higher. They’re keeping the course watered as we encountered a couple of fairways and areas short of the greens that were damp from a recent dousing. The end result? Healthy turf that provided excellent lies to hit from.

Fairways didn’t play as fast as they did on Memorial Day but we still saw some roll out. Coloring is a healthy green with no signs of any burn-outs and the rough was in good shape as well. Bunkers are well-maintained but due to the heavy sand, it’s tough to get an appreciable amount of spin on the ball as it has a tendency to ‘settle’ in the sand.

Greens still firm but playable; you must take that into account when deciding where to land your approach shot. Going long into the back fringe areas of these sloping greens will really test your resolve and short game shot-making skills so distance control is a must.

Putting-wise, as was the case a few weeks ago, they were awesome. Devoid of ball marks and smooth as glass, the posted Stimp number was 11.5. Didn’t feel overly quick but you most certainly must respect the sloping, downhill putt.

Tee boxes were a bit softer this time around, which was a welcome improvement. The aeration that’s taken place since the end of May has helped alleviate that issue.

Had new woods and wedges…and golf ball…in the bag since that last round so I was able to make a fair comparison between the ‘Old vs. New’. Happy to report the upgrades provided some measurable improvement from the tees/fairways and around the greens. That will make the upcoming credit card bill somewhat easier to digest. Maybe…maybe not.

I’d like to close by thanking Rams Hill for continuing to take a proactive approach to providing the best possible experience to their customers. From course conditions to the positive vibe exuded by their staff, they’re doing an excellent job. Already looking forward to my next round.

I played today on their birthday special. A great deal indeed. 1PLUS1 nailed it in his review of 5/27 and I cannot do any better. I concur with his post so please read it should you be going to play h... Continue »

I played today on their birthday special. A great deal indeed. 1PLUS1 nailed it in his review of 5/27 and I cannot do any better. I concur with his post so please read it should you be going to play here. I had not played here in several years as well and what they have done since is just spectacular IMO. This time I stayed overnight in PS after playing The Stadium course rather than drive 350 miles in one day for a round of golf. So a short drive from PS to Rams Hill with a chance for breakfast and warm up was ideal. Had a great weather day and a great round of golf as well. Its a great venue and even though I had a free round I would still pay to play here. And when it comes to customer service Rams Hill has it covered in all areas hands down. HIGHLY recommended.

First round here since the end-of-year GK Event in 2016…and subsequent expansive/ambitious turf project that was initiated in 2023…so I’m long overdue for an extended review. Decided to take advanta... Continue »

First round here since the end-of-year GK Event in 2016…and subsequent expansive/ambitious turf project that was initiated in 2023…so I’m long overdue for an extended review. Decided to take advantage of an attractive Memorial Day promotion…along with ideal weather conditions…so I made the trek from San Diego with equal parts anticipation and trepidation. Overall, course conditions were solid, especially when taking into account the relative ‘newness’ of it all. While there were some isolated, very small patches of sand in a couple of fairways where the turf was bare, I didn’t encounter any lies that ‘compromised’ my ability to strike the ball. Seems they’re continuing to fine-tune things so I’m more than willing to grant some slack in that regard. Took a little effort to tee the ball at my preferred driver height as the tee boxes were very firm. A few did show signs of recent aeration but I opted to employ my shorter ‘iron tees’ when necessary. Fairway coverage, other than the occasional bare spot, was good. Had consistently healthy lies the entire day but I think the turf may need a little more seasoning. Had no issues at all regarding club-head-to-turf interaction as I was easily able to create some nice divots. Rough was relatively short and somewhat wispy but with full coverage. You might find the golf ball might sitting up one time but settled down just a bit the next. Gives the option of still going for the green rather than having to hack the ball out into the fairway, which is a nice feature of this thin-bladed grass. Was in one bunker for the day and found the sand a touch heavier and not quite as firm as I’m used to. One thing you cannot do here is ‘quit’ on the shot; keeping the speed up and using plenty of bounce is the key to success. What really caught my attention was the greens: they were absolutely flawless. Still on the firm side…it took some effort to locate my ball marks…but putting was akin to rolling a ball on a pool table. While I expected to see putts roll at a quicker pace…I’d characterize the speed as medium-plus at best…I haven’t played on greens this true and consistent in quite a long time. Given the firmness of the greens, firing at the pin was a basic no-go. It wasn’t like hitting to concrete-hard surfaces…I was able to get some wedge approaches to settle down within ten feet of their ball mark while longer irons rolled out a few more feet…so I found myself playing for the front third of the green when the pin was located in the middle of the green and mid-point if it was towards the back. When pitching from the fringes, I was able to impart a good amount of spin on the ball…lies were tight…but made sure to allow a little more run out, especially when forced to navigate the slopes on the greens. In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t allude to the outgoing and personable staff: from the gate person to the bag drop/cart attendants to the snack bar and restaurant employees…they are the best. Each and every one I encountered seems to genuinely enjoy their job. The golf course stands on its’ own merit but the people here elevate the experience to another level.

Played 12-3. Rams Hill re-grassed the fairways using a summer grass that is dormant in the winter. The also re-grassed the greens (and modified a few of them). We played the course twice yesterday. We... Continue »

Played 12-3. Rams Hill re-grassed the fairways using a summer grass that is dormant in the winter. The also re-grassed the greens (and modified a few of them). We played the course twice yesterday. Weather was great. Staff was great. Pace of play was ok. Course conditions were decent. The greens firm and quick. The fairways are also firm. There are some spots with only patchy grass. Years ago, the conditioning here was pristine. Now, it looks more like a nice public course. No one is going to compare the course conditioning here to places like the Madison club or other top-tier desert courses. But the layout and scenic views at Ram’s Hill are solid. The green complexes are interesting and invite some creative shots. It’s a fun course. And perhaps in time, the conditioning will improve as the new grasses have another season to take hold.

Pleased to report that Rams Hill has regained its former luster. Times two! Played three rounds last week and had a blast. The new turf is virtually all in, and it’s the best turf I ever have played... Continue »

Pleased to report that Rams Hill has regained its former luster. Times two! Played three rounds last week and had a blast. The new turf is virtually all in, and it’s the best turf I ever have played, ball sits up nicely, took wonderful divots, rough was lush but not too penal. Bunkers in great shape. Greens still new and very firm and can glimpse the last aeration holes, but they roll true and very fast. Staff is first rate all around. Still free tacos (but tip the girl!) at 11/14 and warm cookie at the end of the round. Excellent range with scopes at each station, two terrific short game areas, one with bunkers (it’s at the far end of the main range). Layout hasn’t changed, this is a forgiving course off the tee but as you learn the course you find there are really good angles that reward a smart drive. The approaches are the challenge, especially with the firm greens, really fun when you learn the rewarding angles— several greens will kill you with a shot at the pin, there are several you actually must hit well away from the green to get the good bounce and roll down to the hole. The greens are fast and subtle, play with less break than you think standing over the ball. The par threes are fairly ordinary, 11 being the most challenging downhill with water on the left and a big right to left green. For a normal length hitter from the correct tee, one par five is truly in reach, others can get you close for a fun pitch or short iron to the pin. Good variety of par fours, couple short ones that aren’t Drive able but close. It’s playable for a 15 handicap from the correct tees—four sets of tees and three combinations on the card—and challenging for a low handicapper.

Borrego Springs can get a LOT of wind; the first day was calm, the second a three to four club wind consistently on the final 7 holes, one to three club wind on those holes the third day, but while really windy on the range, the first 11 holes are a bit insulated and were not bad at all. I was worried on day two on the range, but even the final holes played fun in the wind.

This is back to being my first choice three or four day getaway, happy to play that course over and over again, as you learn its angles it can really reward smart shots, lots of overall distances to play from, great practice areas, great food, really nice people. I don’t know what is or isn’t a “fair” price for golf anymore, but I have to say I do t feel like I paid too much, I feel like I got what I should for the price in every respect.

RH has even more “stay and play” lodgings on the property now, and I am sure they all are good; La Casa Del Zorro down the road is a rustic La Quinta-like resort I li,e a lot and with a truly exceptional restaurant, and Stanlund’s Inn & Suites a little closer to town is a great budget option. The little town is a blast, several decent restaurants, no chains or fast food options, pretty rustic. Getting there is not an easy drive, but really pretty. If you are into camping or have an RV, you have many options, including in the surrounding desert park with its incredible metal sculptures all around.

Played 10/13/24 7:30. First time playing with new Fairways and greens. Leisurely pace of just under 4 hrs with no one behind and one group ahead Everything is firm. Fairways have great coverage. Very ... Continue »

Played 10/13/24 7:30. First time playing with new Fairways and greens. Leisurely pace of just under 4 hrs with no one behind and one group ahead Everything is firm. Fairways have great coverage. Very good roll out and played fantastic. There are some very small and minor spots with thin coverage where grass hasn't filled completely filled in. Greens were very firm. They rolled smooth and true at medium fast pace. Very fast down grain and down hill. Traps and tees in great shape. New carts with GPS. Even a over head view of the greens with color coded topo showing slopes. Great warm up areas with Titleist balls and range finders at each station. Over all the course was back how it originally played. Even with a hot deal it's still very pricey but in fantastic shape. Was told by fellow player that for the rest of this month it is free replay, but did not confirm.