The main reason for my trip was for the NCGA outing at TPC Stonebrae, which was held on Monday afternoon. It was a full crowd of 120 players on a very tough course with very tough conditions (blustery... Continue »

The main reason for my trip was for the NCGA outing at TPC Stonebrae, which was held on Monday afternoon. It was a full crowd of 120 players on a very tough course with very tough conditions (blustery, windy and cold), so it was no surprise the pace was brutally slow around 5.5 hours. That was the only major negative about the experience, though. The course was in fantastic condition, playing fairly firm and fast as intended. Tee boxes, fairways and primary cut of rough were all beautifully maintained and I never had a bad lie. Then there are a lot of deeper native areas and gnarly deep/tangled fescue lining the bunkers that you want to avoid at all costs. If you are heading toward a bunker, pray you end up in the sand because the rough lining will absolutely eat you alive! The greens were firm and moderately fast. The bunkers were full of soft (maybe too soft for me) sand that was nicely maintained. This is one heck of a course designed by David McLay Kidd (Bandon Dunes) and it is not one everyone will enjoy because it is so over the top and demanding. Reminded me a little of Arcadia Bluffs in Michigan as a links-inspired course on steroids. The front nine here eases you in somewhat before the challenge and quirkiness start to ramp up. By the back nine, it just gets super insane. My group got thrown right into the fire starting on hole 10, so it was an adventure right away. The layout is hard to describe and may be too unique/difficult for some people to enjoy. I actually think it's not as challenging as it seems, so I am sure members benefit from getting to play here a lot and learning what to do (and more importantly, what not to do) on some of the more intimidating holes. There are numerous blind shots and it will be uncomfortable for any first-time player. The setting is spectacular atop a hillside overlooking the East Bay. Even on a gloomy day we could see the city. There is some construction going on around the early front nine, so it's a bit less scenic. The back nine is totally unencumbered by houses or anything, so it's pretty special. If you ever get a chance to play here, take advantage because it is a truly unique and entertaining experience (even if the course beats you up a bit the first time through). I wouldn't mind a rematch with it someday!