Walked the Orange tees Monday 6/7/2021 with my buddy Matt joined by two girls scouting out the course for the USGA Women's AM qualifier in July. We had some wind for the first 5 holes that turned into a beautiful overcast scoring day at this hidden gem up in Ojai. Pop was 4 hrs 55 minutes behind a packed tee sheet.

Conditions are just beautiful right now at Soule.

The fairways continue to look and play great. Good to very good lies. Mostly all green and lush rated 8/10.

Greens in very good shape rolling medium speed. Fixed my share of extra ballmarks today that I saw. Rated 8/10.

The bunkers here are beautiful. The 8.5/10 rating is on the quality of beach sand that they have here. Was only in one greenside bunker on 16 that had perfect sand but there were many areas that people were not raking so we did a good caddy job in cleaning and raking it up.

Tees were mostly all level. Some of the boxes were thin like hole 4 but overall in pretty decent shape. Rated 7/10.

Rough mainly lush, uniform and in good shape. Rated 7.5/10.

Great staff, great layout great conditions. Some cool restaurants, breweries and a laid back vibe up in Ojai. Can see why all the social media buzz is coming its way. Highly recommended and a must play.

Walked the blues in the GK event this afternoon with buddies JohnnyGK and Pedro teeing off at 240pm and finishing just under 5 hrs on a beautiful maybe 1 club at the most weather day by the coast.

Conditions are really strong right now at Olivas.

Greens were mostly smooth, rolling medium speed and we're very soft and receptive on approach shots. Rated 8/10.

Fairways were lush, green and provided good to great lies. Rated 8/10.

Tees were lush, green and mostly all level. Rated 8/10

Rough was green and lush lining the fairways. Get outside the cart paths and it could be thin, hardpan or knee high deep wispy stuff. The rough is down in most places that used to be more penal. Rated 7.5/10

Was not in any bunkers but they looked nice walking by.

Would highly recommend Olivas right now. It's in great shape.

Got out late Friday 5/21 teeing off around 5:45pm and getting in 11 holes playing the front and then playing 1 and 8 again just before darkness with my buddy Matt. Beautiful weather with a little bit of wind.

The fairways are transitioning to thicker lush grass which was beautiful to see. Very nice lies in the fairways. Looks like they have been watering them more and I am sure they will become even lusher in the next couple months. Rated 7.5/10.

We played the blue tees which were all level and in good shape. Rated 8/10

The greens on the front nine contained little tines that really didn't effect the speed of the greens. We felt they rolled fairly smooth. Rated 7.5/10. Without the tines they would be in the 8.5 range.

Was in greenside bunker on 3 that had nice sand. They have added some additional sand in some of the bunkers we walked by on the front.

Greenside rough is lush, beautifully mowed and uniform in length. Rated 8.5/10

Fairway rough is more thin than lush and contains some good areas and some poor areas. Rated 6/10.

Other than hole 6 which is a tough par 3 the front is scorable with 3 par 5s and a short par 4.

Highly recommend Rustic right now its in good shape.

Rode the whites with my student this afternoon 5/1/21 for a 18 hole playing lesson teeing off at 1:50pm. Thx to Susan and the professional and friendly RR staff as always . Our Pop was 4 hrs 30 minutes which is not to bad for a Saturday. Weather was breezy for the first hour or so and then the wind stopped and it turned into one of the nicer Oxnard days I have seen. Perfect golf weather.

To be fair the course has gone downhill condition wise since AG took over but the course is still very playable and has a fun layout.

The greens were on the slower side and were a little bumpy but not to bad. They held irons like absolute darts. Rated 6/10.

The fairways were a mix of more thin grass than lush grass. I will say holes 14 through 18 the fairway grass and tees were lusher than the first 13 holes. Rated 6/10.

The rough was thin, wispy and mostly dry. Rated 5/10.

Was in two greenside bunkers on 6 and 7 that contained a nice sand base and all bunkers had rakes which were awesome. Rated 6.5/10.

Tees were mostly level and semi lush and in decent shape. Rated 6.5/10.

Despite the course being dry an enjoyable day where both my student and I played very well. Hopefully they can get some more water on the fairways and possibly roll and maintain the greens slightly better. River Ridge like most VC courses has a soft spot in my heart as I played it a bunch growing up.

Walked the blues with my buddy Mack and his buddy Ricki today 4/12/2021 teeing off at 1pm on a very windy day for golf. Had not played here in about 7 months. We flew around the course in 3 hrs 20 minutes walking. Was this real? It felt like playing golf 25 years ago with the course to ourselves. Wind was so strong drove 9 fringe and had 70 yds in on number 7. Holes 12-14 were brutal today into the wind.

Used the nice chipping green and putting green before the round. Olivas literally has the most laid back and friendly staff around. They have a really expansive practice area.

The greens I believe were punched around 3 and a half weeks ago and they seemed to be rolling decent with minimal bumps. Fairly smooth. Give them about a week longer and I'm sure they will be back to their normal standards. Rated 7/10.

Fairways are starting to green up some and was told by my buddies that each week out here the winter dormancy leaves and the paspalum summer grass is a growing. Good lies in the fairways. Rated 7/10. I'm sure in a month or so the fairways will be in their summer 9/10 shape.

Tees were mostly all level and lush and in good shape. Ample teeing grounds so you can always find a nice spot. Rated 7/10.

Was not in any bunkers today but they looked to have ample beach sand and looked to be in nice shape.

Rough was very healthy and lush just lining the fairways, Rated 8.5/10.

Very fun layout with good conditions starting to make the turn im sure to great summer conditions. Expect some wind in the afternoon on this layout.

Rode the blacks this morning and afternoon for 36 wonderful holes with my buddy Nick joined in the morning round by Ian and James and then just as a twosome on the replay round. Both rounds were about 3 hrs 45 minutes POP. Weather was perfect for scoring with little to no winds and warming up to the mid 80s by the end of our second round.

I had not played here in about 10 years or so and was pleasantly surprised with the conditions.

The Bermuda greens were in very good shape rolling medium speed and holding irons and chips nicely. You really could not make a big ballmark on the greens yet they held beautifully. The greens have some swale and undulations to them but for the most part many straight putts out here. Rating 8.5/10.

Fairways were in great shape. Lush and green and great lies. Rated 8.5/10.

Was in 2 greenside bunkers and 1 fairway bunker for the day and the sand was in good shape and nicely raked and maintained. It was nice to see rakes on a golf course. Rated 7.5/10.

Rough was really healthy and lush and in great shape. Rated 8.5/10.

Tees were lush and only encountered a couple that were not completely level. Rated 8/10.

The defense of this course are the strategic fairway bunkers and the wash running through the middle of the course. For sure some birdie holes but a couple strong par 4s as well.

Highly recommended. Course is in great shape.

Walked the Blacks this morning 3/29/2021 3rd out joining a really nice and laid back single and twosome. Weather was perfect with no wind and it warming up nice on the back nine. POP 3 hrs 50 minutes.

Not much has changed since my review 2 weeks ago here.

The greens and tees are both nearing a 8.5 or 9 out of 10 shape.

Looks like they reseeded many tees over the last month and they are lush and green and beautiful. Level stance on mostly every tee. 9/10

The greens were again rolling firm, holding shots with spin beautifully. Very little to no ballmarks on the greens. Whenever they punch them it will be a shame as they really are in great shape. Had an interesting front pin on the par 3 4th hole today. They had the sprinklers on when we were on the tee. We all hit darts right at it. We walked up to Lake Rustic round the cup with standing water. I guess they are trying to get a lot of water on the greens maybe with warmer weather coming up. 8.5/10

Fairways contained semi-lush to thinner lies which is how this links course is meant to be played. 6/10

Was in one bunker on 15 greenside that had just enough sand to splash out of but was on the firmer side.

Greenside rough is a 9.5/10. Thick, uniform and lush.

Fairway rough just outside the edges of the fairways is in the 5 or 6/10 range with varying lies from semi-lush to thin to compact ground with no grass.

Just a picture perfect morning for golf on an awesome course. Highly recommend Rustic.

Walked the Blacks this morning 3/15/2021 teeing off as a single in light sprinkles and colder weather around 8:40am. I caught a threesome on hole 10, really cool guys from Pasadena and we finished the round together. Weather was in the 50's with a 1-2 club breeze.

Man I love Rustic.

The greens were in great shape today. Mark's comment of firmer is spot on. I could putt these greens any day anytime. Very smooth roll. If I had to guess maybe a 11 on the stimp even with some overnight rain on them. Rated 8.5/10.

Tee boxes were very lush and level and in good shape. Rated 8/10

Fairways have a yellowish color and are in between thin and semi lush and provide a decent hitting surface at present time. Rated 6.5/10

Greenside rough is green, beautiful shape and lush. Rated 9/10.

Fairway rough is rough "around" the edges. Could be grass, could be hardpan, could be dirt. Probably the only part of the course that needs work. Rated 5/10

Was in greenside bunker left of 15 that had wetter compact sand that had enough sand to easily splash out of.


Highly recommend Rustic Canyon. In the coming months the fairways are only going to get lusher and if the greens and tees stay the same like they are today golfers are in for a treat this Spring and Summer

Walked the Oak Tees this morning 3/8/2021 teeing off around 10:30am with my buddy RGM2525 and we joined a Skins game twosome who were very enjoyable to play with. Wanted to give a shout out to Soule staff for fitting us in today considering they had a Senior Mens club and Skins game today. POP was 4 hrs 15 minutes.

Greens were the highlight of the course rolling beautifully, semi-firm with little to no ballmarks. Pretty big greens complexes here and like most Gil Hanse design courses if you can putt here you can putt most places due to the undulations and size of the greens. Rated 8/10.

Fairways are more thin than lush but very playable. Rating 6.5/10

Tees mostly all level and in good shape. Rated 7/10.

Was in greenside bunker on 3 that had perfect sand and easy to splash out of. No rakes. Rated 8/10.

Rough is thinner and dry and in decent shape for this time of year. Rated 6.5/10.

Soule has a really fun layout with some super tough holes like 6,8,12 and 14 and some scoring holes like 4,5 and 18. Very enjoyable layout which never gets boring to play. Some big and tough green complexes with undulation and slope. Up and down on some shots such as 1, 8, 10. Can't wait in a couple months when this place becomes super lush. Recommended.

Walked the Oak Tees at 12 noon today 2/22/2021 joined by 2 brothers Nick and Alex who were a blast to play with. We had perfect weather 75 degrees and very little wind to speak of today. POP was 4 hrs 50 minutes behind a packed tee sheet. With weather this good and the start of the golf season and such a popular great course I can see why it was packed! Very friendly staff today in pro shop. Soule has a nice sized putting green, separate chipping green/bunker and their range is on mats.

Greens were the highlight of the course rolling beautifully, semi-firm with little to no ballmarks. Pretty big greens complexes here and like most Gil Hanse design courses if you can putt here you can putt most places due to the undulations and size of the greens. Rated 8/10.

Fairways are more thin than lush.. firm but like Mike stated in the previous review just enough padding at this time in the fairways. Come spring and summer Soule has some of the nicer fairways in the county. Rating 6.5/10

Tees mostly all level and in good shape. Rated 7/10.

Was in greenside bunkers on 3 and 16 that had perfect sand and easy to splash out of. No rakes. Rated 8/10.

Rough is thinner and dry and in decent shape for this time of year. Rated 6.5/10.

Great layout, prices, weather, staff and scenery. Highly recommend Soule.

2nd round today 2/16/2021 was at the Mission Hills North Gary Player course joined by Pedro, Ron and Peter. Really laid back fun group to play with. We had a constant 15-20mph wind with gusts up to 25mph. Beautiful temp around 75 degrees even with the blustery wind conditions. Looking back I actually played this course many years ago but don't even remember one hole.

Hit a couple shots on their massive all grass range and rolled a few putts on their putting green. My buddy and I had the burger and fries which were awesome. Was told they have one of the best breakfast burritos around(next time). Very friendly cart barn and pro-shop staff. We teed off around 12:50pm and finished at 5pm.

Man the greens were in great shape, Firm(talking no ball marks on iron shots) and with the wind if you were short sided they were firm enough for chips to roll and extra 5-10 feet by the hole. They looked as good as they putted. Highlight of the course Beautiful and rated 8.5/10.

Fairways had a great green contrast in relation to the dormant brown rough. Mostly all fairways had a tighter would say semi-lush base. Pleasure to hit off of. Rated 8/10.

Tees were lush and level and in great shape. Rated 8/10.

Was not in any bunkers so can't comment or rate them. There were plenty of them out there.

Rough was dormant and brownish color. Mostly mowed down but around the greens it gets tricky here with I thought with very grabby rough. Rating 7.5/10.

I liked the layout. Some good birdie holes, some nice water features where greens are tucked in between water and bunkers. Homes lining some of the fairways. I know cause I hit a house right of 9 and got a huge lucky bounce back into play(lol).

Would recommend this course but I do like Silverrock, Indian Wells Celebrity, Classic Club, Desert Willow Firecliff and a couple others before this course.

Played Desert Dunes for the first time this morning 2/16/21 out at 7:25am with Pedro, Johnny and Gus. Really laid back fun group. Weather was blustery with wind 15-25mph with gusts in the 35 range. No frills pro shop, they have a huge grass range, nice putting/area next to the first tee. Carts I don't believe had GPS. Friendly pro-shop staff.

Man I really loved this layout and place. Dogleg's, straight grip and rip, some tighter holes, enough sand, water features and natural desert areas to keep you honest and in talking with some locals at the cart barn I guess this layout used to host amateur qualifier tournaments. Really loved hole 10 and 11 hitting through a shoot of trees and 9/18 was a trip and had a huge shared green complex.

Greens were quick, holding with spin or higher trajectory shots. They were not super smooth and contained some minor bumps but did not roll too bad. Rated 6.5/10

Fairways were mostly green and semi-lush and in above average shape. Rated 7/10

Tees(I played the gold stones) were mostly level, semi lush and in good shape. Rated 7/10.

Was in back greenside bunker on 7 that was wet but easy to splash out of. Rating 7/10. Looks like most bunkers were on the muddy/wet side.

Rough was thin in places, lush in places and overall would say in the 6/7 shape. I was lucky enough not to lose any balls in the clovers that are just off some fairways(we spent a couple minutes on the first couple holes looking for balls that were submerged in the clovers).

Reading past reviews I think some of the ratings are to low. My rating should come out close to a 6.75/7 shape. Also would agree with most reviews I read in relation to the wind. Although I had a good round the wind was pretty strong today and should be considered if you come out here for a round.

I would highly recommend the layout here and I thought the conditions were in the 7 range.