I had not played Buenaventura in 4 years because of sub-standard playing conditions. Returned to the course yesterday after reading many positive reviews about its comeback this year and was impressed... Continue »

I had not played Buenaventura in 4 years because of sub-standard playing conditions. Returned to the course yesterday after reading many positive reviews about its comeback this year and was impressed as well.

First off the playing conditions have improved dramatically and from the conversations I’ve personally had with Kemper Sports and the City of Ventura, keeping Buenaventura in good to great shape is a big priority. The greens although on the slow side, which is typical for this time of year due to increased play and temperatures, rolled smooth and held shots like darts. The fairways were mostly lush and provided good lies. The rough was thick in many places and lush with occasional thin/dry spots. The sand traps were excellent (much first hand experience today – lol), high quality sand and well raked. The tee boxes were lush but at times a bit un-level. Overall I thought the course was in great shape.

As for the layout, a walkers dream, level, big trees for shade and tee boxes short distances from the previous greens. It’s a tight layout that demands accuracy and the ability to work the ball in both directions. Bring your low tree shots too because you are bound to use them. An overall theme on this course seems to be OB left which probably explains why I was in the right tree lines all day – lol. It’s a short course, par 70, with easy par 4’s and 5’s yet demanding par 3’s…easy if you can keep the ball in the fairway. Although it’s a short course, it will put a lot a pressure on your wedge game since all the greens are very well guarded by sand traps with occasional forced carries over water (this is NOT a course you want to have a case of the “chucks” on). Furthermore, bring a good stroke and a keen eye to read big greens. Today the greens were on the slow side but had they been running fast, its three putt city. Lastly with the layout and what many golfers now days love, pace of play is fast! We played our round as a foursome in just 4 hours.

I did not have time to check out the clubhouse and some of the improvement in the works but one thing is for certain, Buenaventura is on the right track to becoming a better and better golf experience. I will return. Fun day.