Course was in good shape. Fairways were thin, but there were no bare patches to speak of—maybe a little brownish, but I was always hitting off grass if not lush grass. Sand in traps (which I saw too m... Continue »

Course was in good shape. Fairways were thin, but there were no bare patches to speak of—maybe a little brownish, but I was always hitting off grass if not lush grass. Sand in traps (which I saw too much of) was above average—not at all hard or thin. Greens were in pretty good condition, on the fast side—speed was paramount, no quarter was given. Layout is mostly open and flat, very few excuses for a high round if you’re on your game. The 10th hole I found to be the most daunting: a long par 4 from the back tees where you have to hit over crap to what seems like a narrow landing area between lost ball hell on the left and traps and rough on the right. The island green on the 17th is a daunting challenge, but the 18th is probably the most unsignature-like finishing hole that I’ve ever played. Flat, open and not very challenging, you’ll be sharing the fairway with stray range balls.

The clubhouse and service were pretty decent, and there was what looked like a nice break station at the turn, which wasn’t open at 9 am. Overall, I thought for $72 walking, not a course I would visit regularly on weekends unless I lived in the area. But I think in this area, bargain golf is very limited.

Up in Solvang for the weekend, my wife and I played Sunday twilight rates yesterday. First time playing the River Course, I played the whites. While I noted a number of the tee boxes were not level, a... Continue »

Up in Solvang for the weekend, my wife and I played Sunday twilight rates yesterday. First time playing the River Course, I played the whites. While I noted a number of the tee boxes were not level, all were otherwise in good shape. In fact, the course as a whole was in very good shape and very well maintained. Generally flat with mounding between fairways and pretty straight forward, it was forgiving more often than not if you got off line. Enough rough to keep you honest. The only other critique would be that sometimes the red and whites were virtually only a few paces difference on some long holes. Seems there should be real separation there. The surround hills and general area provide great visual appeal. Customer service was good. We were a little early for twilight, but the course was quiet and the guy in the pro shop said to go out whenever we were ready. We let a group go out ahead of us so as not to be pressed and the next group behind us was about two holes back. It started out mild, sundowner winds kicked during the mid round and backed off the last couple of holes. A two-club wind at it's peak, it was a factor when it was up. The wife went in after 15 due to chill, but I finished 18 without problem. In addition to ball markers, it was nice to see free divot repair tools by the scorecards as it shows the mindset of the management. Very pleasant clubhouse restaurant with outside stone patio area.

Course in great shape except for greens (still need a week or two to recover from aeration). Rough varied from 1" to 8" by trees next to fairway. Sand excellent.

Course in great shape except for greens (still need a week or two to recover from aeration). Rough varied from 1" to 8" by trees next to fairway. Sand excellent.

Forgot to mention. The course is wide open, stray shots end up on other faiways, but there are some holes with OB, and some with lateral hazards. Most of the fairways were fairly wide, but hooks and s... Continue »

Forgot to mention. The course is wide open, stray shots end up on other faiways, but there are some holes with OB, and some with lateral hazards. Most of the fairways were fairly wide, but hooks and slices can cost you a shot. The bunkers were very fluffy sand, shots tended to give you "egg over easy" lays, unless they rolled into the bunker.

Sat 3/3 - Played our monthly tournament at River Course At Alisal. 2 1/2 drive from L.A. area, then had a 1 hr frost delay. Course was in great condition, the fairways were not totally green and lush,... Continue »

Sat 3/3 - Played our monthly tournament at River Course At Alisal. 2 1/2 drive from L.A. area, then had a 1 hr frost delay. Course was in great condition, the fairways were not totally green and lush, but they were a nice carpet, got some roll. All the tees were fairly level and not many divots. The greens were fast, did not hold the shot, even flop shots ran, long irons and woods had to be on the front of the green and allow to run onto the green. No ball marks to speak of, they were all fixed. The carts had GPS with good hints on how to play the holes. It lends itself to walking the course, but for the tournament we used the carts. I will post some photos.

Greens are still recovering from aerating. They're bumpy but getting better. Fairways better from the rains.

Greens are still recovering from aerating. They're bumpy but getting better. Fairways better from the rains.

They had just aerated and sanded the greens so the conditions of the greens was terrible. There are tons of dandelions all over the course. The overall condition could have been better in spite of t... Continue »

They had just aerated and sanded the greens so the conditions of the greens was terrible. There are tons of dandelions all over the course. The overall condition could have been better in spite of the recent rain.

Played on 3-10 in between downpours and hail. The course held up very well after a strong overnight rain. Course is in great shape for winter conditions, especially since its been so damm cold in this... Continue »

Played on 3-10 in between downpours and hail. The course held up very well after a strong overnight rain. Course is in great shape for winter conditions, especially since its been so damm cold in this area over the past month. Fairways are thin but green, which is nothing new here since the fairways are always cut low even in the summer. Greens ran true and were soft. Not very many people out there due to the weather so we got done fast. As soon as we placed the clubs in the car a nice strong hail storm showed up. This course has always been in great shape no matter what time of the year.

This is a fun course that plays fairly quick during the week. Usually in good condition, easy to get a tee time.

This is a fun course that plays fairly quick during the week. Usually in good condition, easy to get a tee time.