Played here this weekend. Course was in great shape. Very lush and well manicured. Even with everything looking great, the greens stood out. Putts rolled smooth and true. Rough could get a little unev... Continue »

Played here this weekend. Course was in great shape. Very lush and well manicured. Even with everything looking great, the greens stood out. Putts rolled smooth and true. Rough could get a little uneven in spots with varying length, but overall still very nice. Service was top notch. Front 9 layout is pretty standard and straight forward, but the back 9 has a lot more variety and makes the course worth the greens fee. Range is kind of short and maxed out at about 200-220 yards.

Only downside was the group in front of us at the first tee. They were members of the course and made it clear they were more important than my group. I'm hoping they are the outlier and not the norm...

Second round of the day was here. We had a 1:00 tee time, which was the earliest available at the twilight $85 rate. We were there quite early, though, and the place wasn't too busy. So we ended up te... Continue »

Second round of the day was here. We had a 1:00 tee time, which was the earliest available at the twilight $85 rate. We were there quite early, though, and the place wasn't too busy. So we ended up teeing off around noon. We didn't run into anyone until the 18th hole, so we enjoyed a nice relaxed 3-hour pace on a beautiful afternoon. The course was in great shape. A number of tee boxes on the back nine had been recently aerated and were heavily sanded, but it didn't bother much. Otherwise, the fairways were excellent and the rough was nice. Some areas of rough were very thick and brutal, while others were easier to hit from with the ball sitting up well. The bunkers were gorgeous with fluffy white resort sand, though we did encounter one (the 15th I think) that was really damp and muddy looking. The greens were fantastic. Firm, but receptive on well-struck shots. Quick and smooth on putts. This is a really enjoyable course. I have to admit I was underwhelmed on the front nine. Overall good, but not awe-inspiring. Other than a couple holes, it was lacking the Pete Dye flair I normally like. Not super challenging and all pretty flat down in the valley, so we figured it was just meant to be a more resort-friendly layout in a pretty setting. Then, we made the turn and were having a blast on the roller coaster known as the back nine. Holes 10-14 are especially great. I knew the course had some elevation changes to it, but didn't realize it was this extreme. Some great elevated tee shots (and views of the whole valley) and dynamic hole designs with lots of twists and turns. Challenging and fun. The back nine definitely won both of us over. This is a good course in a great setting. Attached to the resort, the prices are very inflated. I can't say I would have enjoyed it as much if I payed the full morning rate and even $85 feels a tad steep for the afternoon rate, but I walked away very impressed with the conditions/facilities and satisfied with the layout. A lot of good holes and a handful of spectacular ones!

Wednesday 22 July Tee: 1:30 2 ball. No one ahead or behind allowed 3.5 hours round easily. First class course presentation from check-in through to prac/fac and cart attendants and directions around t... Continue »

Wednesday 22 July Tee: 1:30 2 ball. No one ahead or behind allowed 3.5 hours round easily. First class course presentation from check-in through to prac/fac and cart attendants and directions around the course. Bent grass greens were rolled that morning and were stimped at 12. Tees, fairways, rough all watered and maintained to high standard. Sand was good. Plenty of water stations, no drinks cart but you pass by several canteens along the way. Great Dye layout with all the challenges; two different nines. Front flat-back hills and tight. Yardage book recommended. Worth a look with a deal. golfnow was $90.

This course has a little of everything to offer. I really like having the driving range available to warm up prior to play. The course is excellent for sharpening your skills at long drives, the 100 y... Continue »

This course has a little of everything to offer. I really like having the driving range available to warm up prior to play. The course is excellent for sharpening your skills at long drives, the 100 yards in shots, and the difficult pin placement on undulating greens. The scenery , especially on the back nine holes affords views over looking the valley westward to the ocean. Only problem, I got into the sand bunker on 15 and couldn't find a rake! Over-all, a very delightful day!

I had a wonderful time, so much so I'm taking my wife this week.

I had a wonderful time, so much so I'm taking my wife this week.

Wife and I played on Father's Day afternoon (discount green fees via Golf707)...what a treat! Fee included practice tee balls and golf cart. Extremely helpful and friendly staff everywhere. The course... Continue »

Wife and I played on Father's Day afternoon (discount green fees via Golf707)...what a treat! Fee included practice tee balls and golf cart. Extremely helpful and friendly staff everywhere. The course is in great shape. Interesting and challenging layout (albeit not long), tight at times. Front nine on valley floor, many water hazards. Back nine more difficult, with altitude changes (some extreme) on most holes (spectacular views, cart very helpful between green & tees.) Greens on the course in great shape, but require careful reads (and skilled putts.) Wind a factor throughout the round.

Fantastic course set in Carmel Valley warm and sunny weather. Great shape with almost every hole a superior challange. Some very narrow fairways test your best shots. Uneven greens must be carefull... Continue »

Fantastic course set in Carmel Valley warm and sunny weather. Great shape with almost every hole a superior challange. Some very narrow fairways test your best shots. Uneven greens must be carefully studied remembering the direction of the ocean on some and will test you to your limits. Water holes also very challanging. Club house and pro shop staff are very courteous and helpful making your day a very injoyable one.