Played 7/18, off at 6:45 in front of a shotgun tournament. Tee boxes were well covered but uneven in several places. Fairways were very nice. Rough was one to two inches, though they do leave areas of "crap" where your ball seems to always end up after a "****" shot, resulting in a smooth double or more. The creek has gone down and they have put "sand" in the bunkers. Unfortunately they went low budget and there are plenty of pebbles and small rocks. The sad part is you look about 2-300 yards away and see this beautiful sand that had washed out of the same traps complicating the rough. Greens roll well but have slowed down considerably. Have to say, that tourney had some BAD golfers. On 17 saw a guy take four to get out of the trap, back in the trap, and finally on the green. This after he came back to the tee to rehit because he couldn't find his ball. Last two holes took 45 minutes. I guess the rocks and pebbles are better than ground under repair, but be careful.

Played 3/21, first off before a tournament. Three weeks ago this was kayak-only golf. The second rainstorm severely damaged many of the sandtraps, left a palm tree on #10 fairway, debris everywhere and took out the spillway to the pond on #18. Two weeks later they had the Canadian Open qualifier. Many of the traps are still destroyed. I can't fault them for waiting until the "rainy season" is really over. They spent a lot of time and money putting new sand in the traps after the first big storm, only to have it collect in strange places out on the course or out to sea after the second storm. The tee boxes could still use some leveling and on the lower lying tees grass is working its way through the deposit of silt left after the storm. Some fairways are beautiful, but others still have a silty build up and are thin. Rough ranges from nice, thick poa to dirt and sand. They have done a pretty good job of refurbishing the greenside traps that are in play, with the exception of 8 and 18, but the sand is still wet and hard in most of them. The greens and collars are just fantastic, though. Very well defined first and second cut. They had them to 11 for the tournament and were 9-10. This superintendent is very conscientious and his crew loves him, so I'd expect constant improvement, but I would not pay full rack rate for another month or so. On the other hand if you can get a deal and pulling your ball out out of a GUR trap doesn't stick in your gullet like a bull frog in a heron's neck, it's a lot of fun playing out here.

Played 2/20 in the morning with Scott & Dave. The creek is high, so on the holes along the creek bed if the trap or rough is lower than the creek it was under water. This affects the right rough on 4, the greenside bunker on 8 and the left fairway bunker off the tee on 18 the most. There is some water in areas that you really have to hit a bad shot to find. The waste bunkers are double bogey bunkers unless you're sensible and give yourself a lie. I played here two weeks ago and what a difference. The bridge on 18 clogged with debris after that big rain and water ran south across the 18th fairway and washed out part of the retaining railroad ties on 11 as well as the trap. Several of the traps were severely damaged. They've replaced the ties and wall on 11, though it still needs a little sod, brought in new sand and repaired the bunkers. The tees need leveling, but they always did. The fairways are beautiful as are the green complexes. The greens are medium fast, beautiful, and still receptive to shots, though I have a feeling that will change with a little dry weather. These green areas and the fairways are as good as it's been here in 20 years. The Canadian Open qualifier will be played here either March or early April and they seem to be making a big effort to make a good impression, so this place will only get better for the next month or so. If something comes up on Golfnow and you need some punishment for your sins, skip the 4 Our Fathers and head over here.

Played in the GKGuru event today at GC of Ca. with Jerry64, Zgolfman and DConnally at 11:30. Grass range had good coverage with nice fluffy grass. The landscaping around the clubhouse was as good as I've seen it, giving a very nice first impression. Pro shop was friendly and efficient, had me quickly out to the driving range. Practice bunker was still a little muddy and not as nice as those on the course. Practice green was medium pace and similar to course conditions. Tees were lush and level. Fairways had good coverage of tightly mowed mostly bermuda with many well-repaired divots in the approach areas. Sand was good and hats off to the ground crew for getting them in such nice shape. The greens were in good shape, held shots well, but it was a nice sunny day and the poa was in full flower by 2:00. They were medium speed and a little spongy by the time we finished. Rough was uneven and a bit thin. They have a really nice bar and a couple craft beers but could use a couple more locals, but got to keep the regulars happy. I do enjoy this course. It has a nice variety of holes that present different challenges than the usual courses I play. The par 5s all play a little differently and even the easy par 4s can give you a number. Had a great time with our group. Couldn't seem to keep out of Bob's putting line, but I noticed he stopped making putts after I stopped tramping through his line.

Well, I don't see too many reviews on this one, so thought I'd chip in here, as not one went in on when I was out there. Played 1/26, out at 7 as a twosome with my buddy Al. Staff gave a pleasant "Good morning" took our dough and sent us on our way. Perfect. Tee boxes were level and pretty lush, with a lot of divot marks as it's got 14 par threes. On the four fairways that should matter, they were soggy with good coverage consisting of four or five varieties of grass and a smattering of weeds. But this is an executive course and it's all about the greens. I'm telling you, they've got some mighty fine greens here. Shots hold well. Greens are challenging and roll smoothly at medium fast pace. Traps are average with ok sand and very few pebbles. $15 rack rate before 8:00 on weekdays and a two-hour round make this an easy stroll before work if you need to play a round. And it's fun. Sam Snead designed this course and it's not your average flat executive. Running through Tecolote canyon, out the west side and back the east side, with a creek down the middle, losing a ball or two is not out of the question. Tip: Don't bet a regular no matter how bad they play on the front nine.

Played AB North 1/24. Off at 12:30 walking only. Went through two twosomes and finished in 2.5 hours. Tee boxes were lush and level. Fairways were still wet, but very well covered. Rough was 2-3 inches and tough. Greenside traps were recently raked and overall in excellent condition. Fairway traps had some standing water and in need of a little attention. Greens drained well, were hard and medium fast. Collar areas are cut very short and were wet, making chips difficult. Staff was friendly and efficient. No cart girl for the 15 or so that were out. When they renovated the greens, they did a first class job here, drainage throughout the green complexes, considering the amount of water we've had, was fantastic.

Played Windsor 1/18, first out walking. Saw one other foursome and a twosome playing nine on the back. POP was 2 1/4 hours. Course had flooded was closed 1/15 and was WET and muddy. Greens drained well, though, were smooth and medium speed, holding anything you hit into them. Fairways were soaked, lucky to get a hop, but no roll. Rough was only possible to play out of if you were on a hill. Sand traps were a mess, but was in plenty of them and surprisingly only had to move out of a rivulet or water twice. This layout is fun and interesting to me. Plenty of oak trees with many a factor as you plunk it around. Plenty of risk-reward shots, but those risk shots are tough. You can't just blast away here, take a look at the hole first. Drive placement is crucial, as your score will depend on a good second shot into mostly narrow greens. Water is in play on half the holes and the traps are well placed. I played the whites and with no roll it was plenty. From the blacks this baby would be tough, even with a roll. I'm not sure this place will dry out until April. I've played here before and the grounds crew does an excellent job of putting the place back in shape if they get a chance. For the $30 senior weekday rate, it's a great deal.

Played 11/13 at 10:30 as a twosome. Thanks to Tesuquegolfer and 24hourgolf - is there anyplace you haven't played - for enthusiastic endorsements. Staff was New Mexico friendly from top to bottom, extremely unpretentious for this caliber of course. Very nice range, chipping area and representative putting green. Course was understandably full in spite of the distance from Alb. and Santa Fe. This one could be a #1 in a lot of states. Just a great mountain course. Reasonable landing areas off the tee left challenging approach shots to fast greens framed by deep traps and many false fronts. Greens were deceptively large and I'm sure a second time around would reduce the pucker factor of that approach. Tees and fairways were in splendid shape, especially this late in the season. Shoulder season rate is $62 for a Sunday and a steal this time of year. Greens were smooth, fast and undulating. Traps were compacted sand and deep, making it tough to land close to a tight pin. Many elevation changes and swirling winds help to complicate this puzzle. Surprisingly, there were two walkers behind us, as there was some distance between greens and tees, but I guess it's possible. I would third fellow GKers' recommendations on this course. I'd be very disappointed if I was in this area and unable to play this one again. Breakfast burrito was excellent, and a smattering of local beers on tap was appreciated.

Carlton Oaks 7:30 tee time. 4 hr round. Tee boxes were uneven with good grass coverage, but several had old gopher tunnels that created slightly different levels, just a slight hindrance. Fairways were splendid with thick coverage. Rough was thin and in some places non existent. Fairway traps had hard packed sand/dirt with just a few rocks, getting fewer every time I play here. The waste areas are still a detriment to your overall experience, but that looks like a lot of work and I'm not sure they have the $ to take it on. The greenside bunkers were full of wet sand as all the collars and green areas have been seeded with rye and leveled, some a little more leveled than others, so they are putting some water on those areas. In the morning especially they are really wet, but in about two weeks they should be beautiful and really make the place pop. The greens are medium speed with a smooth consistent surface that will hold shots. As flat as it is - great to walk - this one is for those who enjoy a challenge, though playing the right tees can put a lot more enjoy in your challenge.

Played 10/30 11:15 tee time with Mark and Pat, scheduled for Friars/Presidio. Got sent out a little early only to wait on four in front of us. First tee on Friars was a temporary, about 100 yards in front of original tees. Large bare dirt spots in fairway despite recent resodding. Waited on every shot for first two holes, as did the group in front of us. Next group were the culprits. We skipped 3 and 4 and pace was great the rest of the round. No marshal in sight. I guess it's just the expectation of beating the crowd during the Charger game that got me a little miffed. This is not the place to beat that crowd. Friars greens and collars were decent, still showing signs of aeration and some bumps, but the fairways, rough and fairway traps well below average. The greenside bunkers were okay, but there many rocks and in one case an exposed rock face in the fairway bunkers. Tee boxes, the six we played, were level with average coverage. As we made the turn there were two foursomes on the tee for Presidio, neither of which was the foursome we had been playing behind. It was clear they were getting as many people out as they could, with little thought to routing play efficiently. When I went to the pro shop they looked around, called the first tee on Mission, and sent us out in front of the foursome that was waiting there. Mission was in much better shape, the greens seemed a little quicker and smoother, the fairways were well covered with the usual Heinz 57 mix of So Cal grass. Fairway bunkers were better, but still with some rocks. Other than just pumping as many folks as they could out, staff was pleasant and accommodating. I learned not to come here expecting a quick round on a Sunday, even as we finished, at 2:30 - only played 16 - there were foursomes waiting on the first tee of Mission.

Played 10/15 at 11:00 a.m with old friend Bud, who is hopefully taking up golf. From the "Good morning, Mr. Opdyke --" Bud, not me -- to the disappointing double at the end life was great. They had just reopened after overseeding the entire course. Tees, fairways, rough and collars were covered in lush rye. The boxes were level with very few divots. The oak lined fairways were carpet and the rough was 1-3 inches of new rye, just enough to give you an excuse. Greens looked like they hadn't fully recovered, thank God, to the level of the rest of the course. They were smooth and rolling about 9-10, but you could tell in another week or so they'd be billiard tables if the super so chose. Sand traps were fairly plentiful, but not the deep ball swallowing caverns at most modern courses. This was a very fun course to play. Most holes are not long, with a few thumpers, but trees line the fairways, and mostly oak trees -- you can just about give up on praying your ball is going through that darn oak. Dog-legs, turning left and right, were the rule more than the exception. I only recall two semi-flat holes, most are heading slightly up or down with ravines and sidehills a factor. Greens were on the smaller side with bunkers defining your approach. No. 11 is the only hole I felt at all pinched in by the housing and community that has grown in around the course. I think this club was founded in 1896, so that's a testament to whoever did the planning. Friendly bartender with a varied tap list was a fitting end.

Played 9/20 walking at twilight with Greg, Neil and Bella, accompanied by her dad, Bud. Neil is leaving for Indiana at the end of the month and even though he is an SD native he had played Torrey but a handful of times. Of course, it rained, but a SD rain, not an Indiana rain. Play on. Tees were lush and well kept. Kikuyu fairways were a tightly mowed carpet of well-fed grass. Wet Kikuyu rough definitely added more than a few strokes. Greens were a mottled blend of greens in coloring, but putted well and held well-struck shots. Traps were first class with ample fluffy white sand, slightly compacted due to the rain. Pace of play was okay. It seems few back out of their tee times because of the rain. We finished in the dark, about 7:10, for an four hour 10 minute round. I've played Torrey hundreds of times throughout the years, though not much lately. And I'm still not sure it's worth the out-of-town rates they charge. But it is a US Open track, and the smiles on my two long-time SD resident friends' faces as we trudged through the intermittent rain helped me appreciate how much fun it can be. Though the greens may be slightly discolored, personally I'm not going to wait until Candice comes back before I return for a twilight round.