If this course was closer to major metropolitan areas it would quickly become a favorite and probably switch back from semi to fully private.

Overall - Very nice and quite challenging. Great locat... Continue »

If this course was closer to major metropolitan areas it would quickly become a favorite and probably switch back from semi to fully private.

Overall - Very nice and quite challenging. Great location in a valley snuggled in the foothills. Views abound and most holes have no houses. Those that have houses are mostly out of play and not visually distracting. The river runs through many holes and is in play on several. The oaks are old and massive. The sycamores, which are uncommon for most of the valley, are also old and mature and give a beautiful framing to many holes.

Pace - We played in just under four and I can not remember non-tournament rounds over five as typically the crowds are small.

Course conditions - In very good shape for February. The early spring like weather is evident and all areas are filling in nicely with only a few dormant areas left. Greens smooth and rolling 10+.

Staff - Very nice and unlike many semi-private courses they showed no difference in service to us as compared to members.

Value - Off the rack average to high for the area (relative cost, in Nor or So Cal it would be a steal) but it is easy to get deals on GN and right now they have reduced rates directly from the course, for how long? IDK

Food - Being a club it has above average food and offerings.

Facilities - Nice old clubhouse with a cozy feel and good views, that is well maintained. Large practice area.

Out of the way for many, but worth the trip.

Got a headstart on the GK Stevinson weekend with a round at River Island this afternoon. A bit out of the way, but seemed like one of the better options in the valley I haven't yet played. I got there... Continue »

Got a headstart on the GK Stevinson weekend with a round at River Island this afternoon. A bit out of the way, but seemed like one of the better options in the valley I haven't yet played. I got there around 2:30 and got right out as a single. $35 with cart for twilight. He told me I could head off right away, but he forgot to mention that there was a sixsome(!) right ahead of me. They let me through on the 3rd tee and I also passed another group on the back nine. Otherwise, followed behind a twosome and threesome most of the day for a solid 3 hour pace.

The course was in decent overall condition. The greens were probably the highlight. They were nice, except for a few that had some minor damaged spots. The tee boxes were mostly good other than the chewed-up par-3s, which is expected late in the day. Fairways and rough a little patchy in places, but mostly playable enough. Bunkers had good sand.

This is a semi-private course in that they allow public play after 10:00. Definitely much more interesting and scenic layout than most courses throughout the Central Valley. Comparable to Horse Thief in many ways. Recommended if in the area.

Went to central Cal on Buisness for a week and had time in the afternoon to play golf on Feb 8 . Was in the Porterville area the first two days and played River Island before I headed south. It was co... Continue »

Went to central Cal on Buisness for a week and had time in the afternoon to play golf on Feb 8 . Was in the Porterville area the first two days and played River Island before I headed south. It was cold and cloudy out but I enjoyed my round very much some challenging holes and very nice location within the mountains.