Today I celebrated a special personal milestone of 1,000 different courses played. And, I was able to play a very special course thanks to a friend of a tenuous connection of a member, etc. It couldn'... Continue »

Today I celebrated a special personal milestone of 1,000 different courses played. And, I was able to play a very special course thanks to a friend of a tenuous connection of a member, etc. It couldn't have worked out better to play such a top-notch private club that is not easily accessed. Played with a member who has been with the club since 1974, so he gave us the official "tour" of the Lake Course from past to present. We walked and this hilly course is a good workout with a few steep climbs, finishing in a little over 4 hours as a foursome. It was pretty busy out there, but we were never really pushed much. Of course, we stopped at the turn shack for the famous burger dogs (not as exciting as advertised, if you ask me, but still kind of a tradition at Olympic). Top-shelf facilities, locker room, friendly staff and all the perks you want at such a club. Conditions were basically immaculate all the way around. There were a few minor soft spots in fairways, some chunky areas of rough around some of the bunkers and that's about all I could find as a couple teeny tiny flaws on an otherwise perfectly manicured track as they get ready for the upcoming Pacific Coast Amateur. One of the nicest courses I've played. The Lake Course is a beast, even from the forward white tees. Plays so much longer than the listed yardage as there are only three par-5s. The softer turf and hilly terrain really make this course play pretty long. Other than a few places, it was not too tight off the tee, though the fairway cuts are pretty tight and there are some tough side slopes to contend with. There are no water hazards and there is literally only one fairway bunker on the course. Most greens are elevated and very well protected by big bunkers. Greens have some good undulation with everything sloping toward the lake, rolling super pure at medium-quick speeds. These things could get really treacherous if they get them running firm and fast. I can only imagine what it was like in the US Open. Sounds like most members prefer playing the Ocean Course more often because it's much less demanding, but Lake is the showcase course here. Someday I hope to have the rare opportunity to come back and play both the Ocean and the par-3 Cliffs Course, which both also look incredible. If you ever have a chance to play Olympic, do not think for a second. Even if the course beats you up, it's an experience you won't soon forget.