Golf Course Reviews
Golf Course Reviews: California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah, Florida, Hawaii!Played here on Monday 8/8 as part of a GK/GolfMoose outing. Nothing but good things to say about this place! It was perfect from tee to green. Clubhouse was beautiful, staff was amazing, practice facilities were great (driving range/chipping green/putting green).
It's a Jack Nicklaus signature design, which are always fun to play, and it shows. Great layout with some really fun and unique holes, such as the par-3 17th, which is STRAIGHT DOWNHILL. The par-3 10th is, too, but 17 is like 40 yards' worth. Lots of bunkers, both around the greens and in the fairways, a little bit of water, and a few forced carries. Plenty of tee options to choose from, so you can challenge yourself as much or as little as you like.
It's a Jack Nicklaus signature design, which are always fun to play, and it shows. Great layout with some really fun and unique holes, such as the par-3 17th, which is STRAIGHT DOWNHILL. The par-3 10th is, too, but 17 is like 40 yards' worth. Lots of bunkers, both around the greens and in the fairways, a little bit of water, and a few forced carries. Plenty of tee options to choose from, so you can challenge yourself as much or as little as you like.
Played Brookside twice in the last 10 days - once for a tournament, and before that, for a practice round. I hate to say it, but it isn't in good shape right now. They recently punched the fairways, which doesn't help, but besides that, there are many bare spots, muddy spots, unfilled divots, and areas devoid of grass, particularly because they use these courses as parking lots for the Rose Bowl (which is nothing new, but it's worse than it usually is).
The one bright spot was the greens, which I feel were in pretty good shape. They were pretty smooth, medium speed (but still make sure to stay below the hole). They are very small, which, combined with some narrow fairways, present a challenge on what is otherwise a fairly short course (though there are a few long par 4s).
Tee boxes were ok, and bunkers were actually pretty decent. But the poor condition of the fairways--which , to be fair, was partially due to recent aerification--was disappointing.
The one bright spot was the greens, which I feel were in pretty good shape. They were pretty smooth, medium speed (but still make sure to stay below the hole). They are very small, which, combined with some narrow fairways, present a challenge on what is otherwise a fairly short course (though there are a few long par 4s).
Tee boxes were ok, and bunkers were actually pretty decent. But the poor condition of the fairways--which , to be fair, was partially due to recent aerification--was disappointing.
Played twice on 7/29 and 7/30, my first two times ever playing here. It was a pleasant experience. I'm glad I checked out their website and watched a video about how they made a bunch of changes to promote sustainability and water conservation, because it helped me set my expectations properly, and understand why it looks the way it does.
As such, the areas that are important--greens, fairways, tees, bunkers, and primary rough--are nice and green and lush, while other areas are patchy or brown or less visually impressive. Knowing that this is by design more than neglect was good to know.
Conditions of all the important areas were good, except the tee boxes, which had a lot of divot damage and/or bare spots. Not every tee was bad, but some were. The bunkers were very unique, in that many consisted of a combination of "normal bunker" and waste area, connected together side by side. So picture a bunker with normal sand and a rake, with a waste area consisting of hard sand and bushes right next to it. In other words, giant hybrid bunkers.
Layout was fine, nothing too remarkable. Mix of longer holes and shorter ones, with most being average in length. Some doglegs and trees in fairways, but overall it's all right in front of you, for the most part. Price is fair and practice facilities are decent. They have a chipping green WITH free balls provided, which you don't usually see; however, there is no practice bunker.
As such, the areas that are important--greens, fairways, tees, bunkers, and primary rough--are nice and green and lush, while other areas are patchy or brown or less visually impressive. Knowing that this is by design more than neglect was good to know.
Conditions of all the important areas were good, except the tee boxes, which had a lot of divot damage and/or bare spots. Not every tee was bad, but some were. The bunkers were very unique, in that many consisted of a combination of "normal bunker" and waste area, connected together side by side. So picture a bunker with normal sand and a rake, with a waste area consisting of hard sand and bushes right next to it. In other words, giant hybrid bunkers.
Layout was fine, nothing too remarkable. Mix of longer holes and shorter ones, with most being average in length. Some doglegs and trees in fairways, but overall it's all right in front of you, for the most part. Price is fair and practice facilities are decent. They have a chipping green WITH free balls provided, which you don't usually see; however, there is no practice bunker.
Played here as a warmup before I played the South Course. It was ok, but nothing to write home about. The greens were great for a par 3 course, rolled well with significant undulation, and it was cool that they had bunkers (which were good) and other hazards, but the tees were mats (which were large but mediocre), with lots of divots around them if you wanted to hit off the grass. The "fairways" were very patchy, with lots of dead or burned out spots, though the rough around the greens was ok. At $20, it's a bit overpriced, but if you don't mind the cost or the mats, it's a fun track to practice or warmup on.
This was a fun, neat course. It's a Rees Jones design, which was one of the selling points for me, because he's a relatively famous course architect. It's a links style, and it was quite windy, which definitely added to the challenge. Conditions were good from tee to green (including bunkers), but the star of the course was the greens. They were very slick, faster than any I've played in a while, with lots of undulation to boot (plus the aforementioned wind). But they rolled true, so they were fun to experience. The fairways were fairly wide, so the other defenses were lots of bunkers, thick rough (especially around the greens), and very tall grass, water, and other hazards if you stray too far from the fairway.
Service was great, with an awesome restaurant with a huge menu, and an expansive practice facility featuring a huge driving range (mats), multiple putting greens, a short game area with a large green & bunkers. There is also a 9 hole par 3 course here, and another regulation 9, which I believe is in the process of being rebuilt into a second regulation 18. All in all, this is a great and affordable place to check out if you are in the Oakland area.
Service was great, with an awesome restaurant with a huge menu, and an expansive practice facility featuring a huge driving range (mats), multiple putting greens, a short game area with a large green & bunkers. There is also a 9 hole par 3 course here, and another regulation 9, which I believe is in the process of being rebuilt into a second regulation 18. All in all, this is a great and affordable place to check out if you are in the Oakland area.
Great golf courses! Played the Old Course and the Ocean Course on consecutive days, on July 22nd and 23rd. Both were in amazing shape from tee to green, no weaknesses whatsoever, including tee boxes and bunkers. Service was great for the most part, with the only exceptions being 1.) The beverage cart ended kinda early on Friday, around 4pm, when we were still on the front nine (we played twilight), and 2.) They forgot or otherwise failed to set up my caddie reservation for Saturday morning, and had to scramble to find me one, which they did, but not until I was on the 3rd hole.
All of thet notwithstanding, this was an amazing place to play. Definitely worth the money, as it's a bucket list type of place. What makes it so worthwhile is the combination of the conditions, and the views. #16 thru 18 on the Ocean Course are all along the beach, making for a gorgeous finishing stretch. But #18 on the Old Course is the most beautiful golf hole I've ever seen, much less played, as it is also along the coast; but the way it has an elevated tee and the Ritz Carlton hotel behind the green makes it ridiculously scenic. We were fortunate to also have perfect weather as we played this hole, with blue skies and only an hour away from sunset.
As for the layouts, both were great, but I personally enjoyed the Ocean Course a little more. Maybe that's just cuz I played a little better (despite shooting a worse score), but I felt like the back nine of the Old Course was harder than the front, while I felt both nines of the Ocean Course were equal in difficulty. Both are great though. The Old Course is a fairly traditional semi-parkland layout, while the Ocean Course is a links-style course. Put them both on your bucket list!!
All of thet notwithstanding, this was an amazing place to play. Definitely worth the money, as it's a bucket list type of place. What makes it so worthwhile is the combination of the conditions, and the views. #16 thru 18 on the Ocean Course are all along the beach, making for a gorgeous finishing stretch. But #18 on the Old Course is the most beautiful golf hole I've ever seen, much less played, as it is also along the coast; but the way it has an elevated tee and the Ritz Carlton hotel behind the green makes it ridiculously scenic. We were fortunate to also have perfect weather as we played this hole, with blue skies and only an hour away from sunset.
As for the layouts, both were great, but I personally enjoyed the Ocean Course a little more. Maybe that's just cuz I played a little better (despite shooting a worse score), but I felt like the back nine of the Old Course was harder than the front, while I felt both nines of the Ocean Course were equal in difficulty. Both are great though. The Old Course is a fairly traditional semi-parkland layout, while the Ocean Course is a links-style course. Put them both on your bucket list!!
Great golf courses! Played the Old Course and the Ocean Course on consecutive days, on July 22nd and 23rd. Both were in amazing shape from tee to green, no weaknesses whatsoever, including tee boxes and bunkers. Service was great for the most part, with the only exceptions being 1.) The beverage cart ended kinda early on Friday, around 4pm, when we were still on the front nine (we played twilight), and 2.) They forgot or otherwise failed to set up my caddie reservation for Saturday morning, and had to scramble to find me one, which they did, but not until I was on the 3rd hole.
All of thet notwithstanding, this was an amazing place to play. Definitely worth the money, as it's a bucket list type of place. What makes it so worthwhile is the combination of the conditions, and the views. #16 thru 18 on the Ocean Course are all along the beach, making for a gorgeous finishing stretch. But #18 on the Old Course is the most beautiful golf hole I've ever seen, much less played, as it is also along the coast; but the way it has an elevated tee and the Ritz Carlton hotel behind the green makes it ridiculously scenic. We were fortunate to also have perfect weather as we played this hole, with blue skies and only an hour away from sunset.
As for the layouts, both were great, but I personally enjoyed the Ocean Course a little more. Maybe that's just cuz I played a little better (despite shooting a worse score), but I felt like the back nine of the Old Course was harder than the front, while I felt both nines of the Ocean Course were equal in difficulty. Both are great though. The Old Course is a fairly traditional semi-parkland layout, while the Ocean Course is a links-style course. Put them both on your bucket list!!
All of thet notwithstanding, this was an amazing place to play. Definitely worth the money, as it's a bucket list type of place. What makes it so worthwhile is the combination of the conditions, and the views. #16 thru 18 on the Ocean Course are all along the beach, making for a gorgeous finishing stretch. But #18 on the Old Course is the most beautiful golf hole I've ever seen, much less played, as it is also along the coast; but the way it has an elevated tee and the Ritz Carlton hotel behind the green makes it ridiculously scenic. We were fortunate to also have perfect weather as we played this hole, with blue skies and only an hour away from sunset.
As for the layouts, both were great, but I personally enjoyed the Ocean Course a little more. Maybe that's just cuz I played a little better (despite shooting a worse score), but I felt like the back nine of the Old Course was harder than the front, while I felt both nines of the Ocean Course were equal in difficulty. Both are great though. The Old Course is a fairly traditional semi-parkland layout, while the Ocean Course is a links-style course. Put them both on your bucket list!!
Played TWICE on 7/17. Before I begin, I should issue a major disclaimer that they had aerated the greens a few weeks prior--which I was made aware of--so they were not quite healed yet.
This place is awesome! First time visiting, and was very impressed. Everything is perfect, from the course to the service to the restaurant. They limit tee times here, so pace of play isn't an issue. Greens were a bit bumpy and slow due to the recent aeration, so that was a bummer, but it makes me want to come back and play it when they are at their peak. Otherwise, course conditions were just as you'd hope they would be, on par with any private, resort, or high end public course. That includes the service, which was top-notch, with super nice carts and unlimited free water, ice, and towels (which helps, cuz it gets hot), plus free tees/ball markers/bag tags, and the most frequent beverage cart service I've probably ever seen.
The layout was great, with all different types of holes, elevation changes, great views, and five sets of tees for all ability levels. Just professionalism everywhere you look. Definitely justifies the high price tag, especially if you can get a deal. Add it all up, and this is a bucket list course, not just in the Temecula area, but anywhere in Southern California.
This place is awesome! First time visiting, and was very impressed. Everything is perfect, from the course to the service to the restaurant. They limit tee times here, so pace of play isn't an issue. Greens were a bit bumpy and slow due to the recent aeration, so that was a bummer, but it makes me want to come back and play it when they are at their peak. Otherwise, course conditions were just as you'd hope they would be, on par with any private, resort, or high end public course. That includes the service, which was top-notch, with super nice carts and unlimited free water, ice, and towels (which helps, cuz it gets hot), plus free tees/ball markers/bag tags, and the most frequent beverage cart service I've probably ever seen.
The layout was great, with all different types of holes, elevation changes, great views, and five sets of tees for all ability levels. Just professionalism everywhere you look. Definitely justifies the high price tag, especially if you can get a deal. Add it all up, and this is a bucket list course, not just in the Temecula area, but anywhere in Southern California.
Played the Creek/Stonehouse combo on 7/16. Overall, conditions were mediocre. Probably a little overpriced at $100 for a weekend morning round with a cart, or maybe I just have unreasonably high expectations. Everything was fine and playable, just wasn't perfect. Divot damage on some tee boxes and fairways, grass not consistent throughout (some bare spots, etc), and greens were rather slow. The carts were really nice though, and did have GPS, so that was a plus (I suppose that justifies the slightly high price).
As a result, the course itself was nothing to write home about, as the layout was pretty basic...except for Stone House. That nine was a world of difference from the Creek (and the Oaks, from what I've read). Stone House is quite challenging, with lots of hills, elevation change, blind shots, and doglegs. I don't know the slope or course rating offhand, but I would imagine Stone House is significantly harder than the other two nines.
As a result, the course itself was nothing to write home about, as the layout was pretty basic...except for Stone House. That nine was a world of difference from the Creek (and the Oaks, from what I've read). Stone House is quite challenging, with lots of hills, elevation change, blind shots, and doglegs. I don't know the slope or course rating offhand, but I would imagine Stone House is significantly harder than the other two nines.
Played here for the first time today, as a guest of a friend. Was very pleased, as I had never even heard of it prior to being invited a week ago, and didn't know what to expect. It is a beautiful course and club, certainly worthy of private club status.
Conditions followed suit, as it was very well-kept from tee to green. Greens were the highlight, and also the teeth of the course, as the layout is otherwise not terribly difficult, and not very long. They were firm and fast, probably 10-12 on the stimp, with lots of undulation on some.
Fairways and rough were both good, though the rough was thin and/or bare in some spots. Tee boxes were good as well, minus some minor divot damage in some spots. Sand good as well, though I did have one bunker shot today where it was very thin, despite being in the middle of a greenside bunker.
All in all. a wonderful course and layout, which I will definitely be playing again, given the opportunity. Decent practice facility, too, btw, with a big chipping area + bunker, and two small-to-medium putting greens, one with undulation, and one that is flat. The driving range was mats, but it looks like they have a grass area in front of it. I hear the snack bar/restaurant is really good, too. Didn't see a beverage cart, though (it was a Thursday).
Oh! I almost forgot! They have the electric push carts available for members (and guests?) to use! I thought this was so cool, cause I've been thinking about buying one; so the thought of getting to try one for free is super appealing.
Conditions followed suit, as it was very well-kept from tee to green. Greens were the highlight, and also the teeth of the course, as the layout is otherwise not terribly difficult, and not very long. They were firm and fast, probably 10-12 on the stimp, with lots of undulation on some.
Fairways and rough were both good, though the rough was thin and/or bare in some spots. Tee boxes were good as well, minus some minor divot damage in some spots. Sand good as well, though I did have one bunker shot today where it was very thin, despite being in the middle of a greenside bunker.
All in all. a wonderful course and layout, which I will definitely be playing again, given the opportunity. Decent practice facility, too, btw, with a big chipping area + bunker, and two small-to-medium putting greens, one with undulation, and one that is flat. The driving range was mats, but it looks like they have a grass area in front of it. I hear the snack bar/restaurant is really good, too. Didn't see a beverage cart, though (it was a Thursday).
Oh! I almost forgot! They have the electric push carts available for members (and guests?) to use! I thought this was so cool, cause I've been thinking about buying one; so the thought of getting to try one for free is super appealing.
Played the north course today for the first time in about a year, and only the second time ever. I must say, I was disappointed in the conditions. I don't know if they take better care of the south, or if my memory is mistaken, but I remember the south course being in noticeably better shape, when I played it (twice) a couple months ago.
The greens were ok, but they had lots of unrepaired ball marks. The fairways were also ok, as were the rough and the tee boxes, BUT there was lots of bare spots all over the place, especially in the rough. The bunkers were ok as well, as they were playable, but the sand was firm and crusty.
I played weekend twilight, and paid $55 with a cart. At that price, it's fair, but I wouldn't want to pay the $90 weekend morning rate for these conditions, because they were very mediocre. The layout is fine, though, as it has small greens and well-placed bunkers.
The greens were ok, but they had lots of unrepaired ball marks. The fairways were also ok, as were the rough and the tee boxes, BUT there was lots of bare spots all over the place, especially in the rough. The bunkers were ok as well, as they were playable, but the sand was firm and crusty.
I played weekend twilight, and paid $55 with a cart. At that price, it's fair, but I wouldn't want to pay the $90 weekend morning rate for these conditions, because they were very mediocre. The layout is fine, though, as it has small greens and well-placed bunkers.
I like Alhambra for the same reason most people do: It's very short, and relatively easy. All the holes are right in front of you, for the most part, and as long as you can hit it straight, you'll have plenty of scoring opportunities.
Conditions are fair right now. I would say pretty good, but that really only applies to the greens. Everything else is mediocre-to-good. There are some bare spots in the fairways, which is always unsightly, and the bunkers are fine, but a little firm/compact (but not thin, so they're playable). Rough is fine for the most part, as are the tee boxes, though the grass was a little too long on the tees, such that your tee wouldn't stick above the grass or in the grass as much as you'd like.
As for the greens, they were the highlight of the course conditions (as it should be). They are very lush, and roll pretty well. There are some ball marks here and there, but on a municipal public course, what do you expect? All in all, it's a really fun course to try to go low, and the price is as affordable as any regulation course, so I will certainly be back for more.
Conditions are fair right now. I would say pretty good, but that really only applies to the greens. Everything else is mediocre-to-good. There are some bare spots in the fairways, which is always unsightly, and the bunkers are fine, but a little firm/compact (but not thin, so they're playable). Rough is fine for the most part, as are the tee boxes, though the grass was a little too long on the tees, such that your tee wouldn't stick above the grass or in the grass as much as you'd like.
As for the greens, they were the highlight of the course conditions (as it should be). They are very lush, and roll pretty well. There are some ball marks here and there, but on a municipal public course, what do you expect? All in all, it's a really fun course to try to go low, and the price is as affordable as any regulation course, so I will certainly be back for more.
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