Out Friday 1/16 @12:30 as twosome with another twosome, they playing blues and us whites. Overall conditions are pretty decent, predominantly green and minimal lingering wetness issues from the rains. The teeing grounds here are generally level and, with a few spotty exceptions, the coverage is good enough. Fairways were in good shape and I can't think of any issues when I was ... » More

Out Friday 1/16 @12:30 as twosome with another twosome, they playing blues and us whites. Overall conditions are pretty decent, predominantly green and minimal lingering wetness issues from the rains. The teeing grounds here are generally level and, with a few spotty exceptions, the coverage is good enough. Fairways were in good shape and I can't think of any issues when I was hitting from them. The rough was mostly green and the length usually not overly punitive. I was only in one bunker and while the sand was OK, it needed some grooming. I happen to be in the exact place in that bunker in a previous round and the lie was a little better than the earlier experience. Green surrounds were grown in, varied in length, but were usually good for short game — some exceptions where the grass was a touch thinner and the underlying soil was sticky damp could trip you up for a chunk. You can compensate for this if you are paying attention. The greens definitely had quickness to them. I p'd away numerous good par opportunities by letting the first putt get away from me and did not sufficiently adjust. So atypical 3-putts were my nemesis of the day. Too bad because the speed was good. I've noticed here that greens don't necessarily look great when they are actually performing pretty well, so don't let it distract you.

It was a sunny, warm afternoon, unusually devoid of any noticeable breeze throughout. A couple of choke points made for a sluggish round at about 4.75 hrs. Beautiful sunset. We pushed through and finished 18 in the gloom but we weren't the last ones in. The other twosome were pleasant and it was a good time.
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Played on Mandatory Golf Friday 1/16 to open up the 2026 season.
Called to be added a last minute addition to the group my buddy booked early in the week. Was too nice weather wise not to adjust my schedule and get out there. Many others had the same idea as the course was busy busy. Being in the foothills above the fog a factor too. 9 hole rate $19 walking / $28 shared c... » More

Played on Mandatory Golf Friday 1/16 to open up the 2026 season.
Called to be added a last minute addition to the group my buddy booked early in the week. Was too nice weather wise not to adjust my schedule and get out there. Many others had the same idea as the course was busy busy. Being in the foothills above the fog a factor too. 9 hole rate $19 walking / $28 shared cart holding prices from last year. 2 1/2 hr POP

Course is in good muni shape. Two and 1/2 holes CPO and some wetness lingering after a lot of early Jan rain. Now 7 days of mostly sunny with 7 more forecast. Conditions should be improving daily through the green. The greens good running a bit slower than normal. #2 back left gur one spot. I said to my friends who don't play much that these greens are the most tricky to putt because the nuances are not revealing to the eye. Deceptive speed so a lot to like. Score well here you can score anywhere.

Not much to add from my previous reviews. Repeating it's a kool laid back family vibe here. Local favorite of many, good value. Recommend
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Played 1-15-26 early morning for $24 walking Sr rate. Third group out playing very slow taking over 4 1/2 hours. Tee boxes were mostly level with quite a few of them having some large bare spots where you were teeing of of dirt or patching ground. Fairways were in okay shape with a mix of different grasses, some bare and thin areas, and some wet areas that haven't dried out fro... » More

Played 1-15-26 early morning for $24 walking Sr rate. Third group out playing very slow taking over 4 1/2 hours. Tee boxes were mostly level with quite a few of them having some large bare spots where you were teeing of of dirt or patching ground. Fairways were in okay shape with a mix of different grasses, some bare and thin areas, and some wet areas that haven't dried out from the rains yet. Rough was a mix of different heights ranging from thin spots to 3-4 inches and thick. Was not in any bunkers, they looked to be in okay shape, but did have a lot of unraked foot prints. Greens were not in good shape, small bare spots here and there mixed in with the most unrepaired pitch marks I think I have ever seen on almost every green. They were bumpy, rolling on the slow side, and playing semi-soft. Overall in below muni condition. With condition of course and the very slow play I would not recommend this course right now. Hopefully things will improve.
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Day Two of a Two-Day Getaway…

Moving further North, Black Gold was next on the agenda. Probably my favorite Orange County course, it’s been some 20 years since I last played here…and I’m so thrilled I returned.

It’s the type of course where a look at the scorecard may lull you into thinking it’s a pushover…Black Gold is not all that long by modern standards…yet ... » More

Day Two of a Two-Day Getaway…

Moving further North, Black Gold was next on the agenda. Probably my favorite Orange County course, it’s been some 20 years since I last played here…and I’m so thrilled I returned.

It’s the type of course where a look at the scorecard may lull you into thinking it’s a pushover…Black Gold is not all that long by modern standards…yet is a true shot-maker’s delight. Multiple elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and some wickedly diabolical, yet fair, greens will demand your best if you hope to score well here. Rarely do you find a perfectly level lie…and throw in some 20 MPH gusts for good measure; well, you get the idea.

This is such an outstanding layout: it asks you to work the ball both ways, demands restraint on certain holes while allowing an aggressive mindset on others, requires precise approach shots in order to score well, and is just an absolute blast to play. I really don’t feel there’s a weak hole to be found on the course; each one possesses its’ own unique characteristic.

Conditions were top-notch…

>Tee Boxes: Good Shape
>Fairways: Plush and Tight Lies
>Rough: Thick and Punishing
>Bunkers: Firm and Well-Maintained
>Greens: On a Different Level

I’ll devote my attention to the putting surfaces: I can’t recall playing greens where approach shots…regardless of length…stuck like darts on a dart board yet putts rolled so fast. It’s not often I’m able to back up a 7-Wood. With that being said, I found myself fixing at least 10-12 ball marks on every green…and they were fresh. Shame on you ignorant idiots!

I have no idea what the Stimp reading was but the greens were definitely quicker than the ‘12s’ I encountered at Rams Hill last month. Took just one putt on #4 to realize what I was up against but I was able to adapt fairly quickly.

The putting surfaces are generously large with many subtle slopes so as a general rule, you simply cannot afford to be putting from above the hole. And the greens seem to break a little more than your initial read may tell you so speed and start line must be spot on in if you hope to convert a few putts.

Teed off as a foursome @ 12:20 and finished in four holes flat despite a slow down over the final three holes. Was treated to a fantastic rate of $66.00 thanks to a friend who secured the tee time and I must say it was a steal. Cannot wait to return; if I lived close by, no question Black Golf would be my home course.

I do want to add that the Par-3 10th hole is still impacted by the sinkhole issue that took place in 2023. Delays in permit approvals kept things at a standstill until this past November, when the reconstruction project finally got under way. Bureaucracy…go figure.

As a result, a temporary tee box has been set up along the cart path adjacent to #18 fairway, where you approach the green from East-to-West, as viewed from the clubhouse patio. Hole plays about 100-110 yards and this is the only blemish as far as I’m concerned yet I feel management addressed the issue as best that could be expected. Ther’s also another temporary box adjacent to the 18th green that allows you to play the hole straightforward as originally intended but it was not in use today.

I was told they’re hopeful the project will be completed by July of this year; let’s hope things proceed without any further delays or issues as it is quite an extensive operation. I’ll also add that the driving range continues to be impacted by the Solar Panel Project, although much closer to completion.

Still, I would not let either of these caveats impact your decision to play Black Gold. While some courses in the Orange County region may carry a little more ‘cachet’…and much steeper price…Black Gold checks all the boxes when it comes to presenting a challenging, fair, and fun test of golf at a more than fair price.
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Day One of a Two-Day Getaway…

Played Temecula Creek (Stonehouse/Oaks) for the first time in ten years and found it to be well worth the $40.00 Walking Rate. Despite running up against a few delays between holes 7-11 and again on 14-18, I still managed to complete the round in under four hours (teed off @ 1:00PM)

Conditions were pretty solid but the golf course is... » More

Day One of a Two-Day Getaway…

Played Temecula Creek (Stonehouse/Oaks) for the first time in ten years and found it to be well worth the $40.00 Walking Rate. Despite running up against a few delays between holes 7-11 and again on 14-18, I still managed to complete the round in under four hours (teed off @ 1:00PM)

Conditions were pretty solid but the golf course is lacking a good mowing at this point. Fairways were a bit ‘glitchy’ in spots…turf level in the landing area on Stonehouse #9 was extremely uneven…and I noticed way too many divots on some fairways that need attention.

To be fair, the recent heavy rains gave the course a good soaking, thereby hindering the regular mowing schedule. Tack on the warm weather we’ve experienced since then…which has accelerated the turf growth…and it’s easy to see why things are a bit ‘scruffy’. I expect the playability issue to fall back in line as things dry out even further in the next few days.

In addition to presenting a challenge to play from, the rough makes it d%mn near impossible to locate one’s ball…even in the fringe areas around the greens. In addition to the problem it caused on my behalf, I noticed other groups dealing with the same issue, spending WAY over five minutes attempting to locate their tee shots, approaches, etc.

As far as the greens are concerned, they were in outstanding shape. Given the soft conditions, I would have expected a ton of ball marks to contend with but that simply wasn’t the case at all. Surfaces were smooth and rolled true at a medium-fast pace. I was very impressed with how well they held shots and rolled.

Had dinner on the bar patio following the round and it was quite good; a perfect way to end the day where the temperature managed to creep into the low 80s. All in all, couldn’t have done much better for such a fair rate…and having the option to walk/carry is an added bonus.

Also want to give a ‘shout out’ to Jay in the Pro Shop: the absolute epitome of the most pleasant and welcoming staff member you could ever hope to interact with. I stopped in for a brief chat following my round and was greeted by name as soon as I entered the Pro Shop. It was a perfect way to bookend a great day on the course.
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