Golf Course Reviews
Golf Course Reviews: California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah, Florida, Hawaii!Back to review a favorite course in the Valley (even more in terms of value) that I've played thus far in my short-lived Southern California career.
This course can both be insanely fun and frustrating at the exact same time. Most of the holes that involve water are an incredible challenge. Onto the review-
4/11 12:30pm Tee Time on a Sunday for $89 per person booked well in advance cannot be beat. Dynamic pricing means if you can plan well ahead it should be a 20-30% discount!
Less than a 4 hour round while playing a competitive game with close friends. Friendly starter, helpful marshalls, saw the beverage cart multiple times, insane and flawless conditions everywhere there is grass. Some waste bunkers are not in the best shape, but that adds to the difficulty. Some greens on the front nine have small fungus issues (lots of recent reviews on other sites have complaints, but it's really not a big issue with how they roll and is a small portion of a couple greens). Everything is hard and fast on the dance floor, so bring your A-game!
This course is insane at sunset. Can't wait to be back.
This course can both be insanely fun and frustrating at the exact same time. Most of the holes that involve water are an incredible challenge. Onto the review-
4/11 12:30pm Tee Time on a Sunday for $89 per person booked well in advance cannot be beat. Dynamic pricing means if you can plan well ahead it should be a 20-30% discount!
Less than a 4 hour round while playing a competitive game with close friends. Friendly starter, helpful marshalls, saw the beverage cart multiple times, insane and flawless conditions everywhere there is grass. Some waste bunkers are not in the best shape, but that adds to the difficulty. Some greens on the front nine have small fungus issues (lots of recent reviews on other sites have complaints, but it's really not a big issue with how they roll and is a small portion of a couple greens). Everything is hard and fast on the dance floor, so bring your A-game!
This course is insane at sunset. Can't wait to be back.
Thankful to play firecliff for the first time at 6:50am 4/10 for $130. Amazing clubhouse, great range, service, staff, etc. The crew I was with had never been to Palm Springs and this was the perfect introduction. They run a tight ship and make sure everything is running smooth!
Everything was as great as you could imagine. It was insanely challenging and I never knew I could hit it into so many bunkers. Fantastic shape, only a couple of the tee boxes needed some repair with extensive divots.
Only issue: we never saw the beverage cart throughout the entire round which was disappointing, so it was likely just a logistics mishap. All in all, need to go back!
Everything was as great as you could imagine. It was insanely challenging and I never knew I could hit it into so many bunkers. Fantastic shape, only a couple of the tee boxes needed some repair with extensive divots.
Only issue: we never saw the beverage cart throughout the entire round which was disappointing, so it was likely just a logistics mishap. All in all, need to go back!
10:36am Tee Time on Friday 4/2/21 for $115 ended in a 5+ hour round
Thought it wouldn't be slammed in the AM, but it's a small course with a lot of reachable Par 5's and short Par 4's with the masses waiting for their chance to stick it close. I'll start off by saying that this course was highly recommended to me after playing SilverRock/La Quinta Mountain course in Palm Springs. If you are straight off the tee, this course is ready to be completely dominated. The approach shots had a wide range of forgiveness around the greens compared to Palm Springs mountain courses. While it has so much potential, I think it has a ways to go.
I certainly understand the charm of the Back 9. The signature hole is epic. I was told they re-configured the holes and I'm a huge fan of the layout. The conditions on the other hand were suspect for $100+ and the first couple of holes showed the worst of it. Sand in the steep sloping bunkers was non-existent, tee boxes had a lot of dead grass/damage, tight lies all around in the short grass left the fairways mostly bone dry (to be expected in winter bermuda), but the biggest surprise of all was that the greens were extremely soft to the point that you felt your shoe squish the ground. The ball would snake towards the hole and each cup had severe damage around the lip.
If this course was $40-$60, everyone should run out to play. I get the sense that the quality has slipped and now it needs some TLC. Overall, might return with a crew, but would rather go elsewhere for the coin.
Thought it wouldn't be slammed in the AM, but it's a small course with a lot of reachable Par 5's and short Par 4's with the masses waiting for their chance to stick it close. I'll start off by saying that this course was highly recommended to me after playing SilverRock/La Quinta Mountain course in Palm Springs. If you are straight off the tee, this course is ready to be completely dominated. The approach shots had a wide range of forgiveness around the greens compared to Palm Springs mountain courses. While it has so much potential, I think it has a ways to go.
I certainly understand the charm of the Back 9. The signature hole is epic. I was told they re-configured the holes and I'm a huge fan of the layout. The conditions on the other hand were suspect for $100+ and the first couple of holes showed the worst of it. Sand in the steep sloping bunkers was non-existent, tee boxes had a lot of dead grass/damage, tight lies all around in the short grass left the fairways mostly bone dry (to be expected in winter bermuda), but the biggest surprise of all was that the greens were extremely soft to the point that you felt your shoe squish the ground. The ball would snake towards the hole and each cup had severe damage around the lip.
If this course was $40-$60, everyone should run out to play. I get the sense that the quality has slipped and now it needs some TLC. Overall, might return with a crew, but would rather go elsewhere for the coin.
*Review is from 7/5/20*
I'm slightly biased with the more than above-average rating because I enjoy courses that are out in the open without homes lining every single fairway. You will see a few homes, but they are not stacked on top of the fairway and you need a big miss to bring them into play.
The views on this course are fantastic. In terms of quality, sure there are better courses in the area. In terms of value, this is one of the best you can find. Pace of play is a common issue due to a very lax marshall system, but the summer nights in Colorado make it feel like you don't want to leave. I would play this course for the back 9 alone.
15th hole is an absolute beauty looking at the mountains facing West. One of my favorites.
This course only struggles with quality control around the sand traps and greens. Some lips are non-existent on traps. The greens themselves are in above-average shape, but the fringe/rough can have some issues. It is a fair test for golfers without any unfair situations or extremely tight approach shots. Good skill will be rewarded handedly.
I'm slightly biased with the more than above-average rating because I enjoy courses that are out in the open without homes lining every single fairway. You will see a few homes, but they are not stacked on top of the fairway and you need a big miss to bring them into play.
The views on this course are fantastic. In terms of quality, sure there are better courses in the area. In terms of value, this is one of the best you can find. Pace of play is a common issue due to a very lax marshall system, but the summer nights in Colorado make it feel like you don't want to leave. I would play this course for the back 9 alone.
15th hole is an absolute beauty looking at the mountains facing West. One of my favorites.
This course only struggles with quality control around the sand traps and greens. Some lips are non-existent on traps. The greens themselves are in above-average shape, but the fringe/rough can have some issues. It is a fair test for golfers without any unfair situations or extremely tight approach shots. Good skill will be rewarded handedly.
-Review from last summer 9/15/20-
DISCLAIMER: This course is not only one of my favorites in Denver, but for the price I strongly believe it cannot be beat.
This course sits on a great piece of land north of the City with amazing scenery and quiet atmosphere. There are zero homes on the course and you will rarely see anyone outside of the course perimeter. Pete Dye design with a lot of fun elevated fairways. First couple holes are birdie holes and you have to capitalize on them before the back 9 adds some complexity. Range has natural grass and a massive putting green is nearby the 1st tee. Half of the holes have water and 15 is one of my favorite golf holes. The links style design is very common for relatively new courses in the area (Murphy Creek/SaddleRock/Buffalo Run), but water on the course separates this course from the rest.
Teeboxes, fairways, rough, traps, greens are all in great shape. I truly do not believe you can overstate how great this golf course is for being $60-$70 with a cart.
The only knock is that they could have another set of tees further back due to the altitude, but it still will give you a run for your money if you are not careful with your driver.
DISCLAIMER: This course is not only one of my favorites in Denver, but for the price I strongly believe it cannot be beat.
This course sits on a great piece of land north of the City with amazing scenery and quiet atmosphere. There are zero homes on the course and you will rarely see anyone outside of the course perimeter. Pete Dye design with a lot of fun elevated fairways. First couple holes are birdie holes and you have to capitalize on them before the back 9 adds some complexity. Range has natural grass and a massive putting green is nearby the 1st tee. Half of the holes have water and 15 is one of my favorite golf holes. The links style design is very common for relatively new courses in the area (Murphy Creek/SaddleRock/Buffalo Run), but water on the course separates this course from the rest.
Teeboxes, fairways, rough, traps, greens are all in great shape. I truly do not believe you can overstate how great this golf course is for being $60-$70 with a cart.
The only knock is that they could have another set of tees further back due to the altitude, but it still will give you a run for your money if you are not careful with your driver.
Played Indian Canyons South on 3/7/21 at 7am for $115.
After seeing a couple of reviews on other sites regarding the behavior of the staff/starter, I was ready for some action. Little did I know that everyone was helpful/friendly 100% of the time on the course. Arrived at 6:25 to hit a few balls (not included in fee), greeted by the starter on the range at 6:40 to let us know the box is ours at our discretion. Many people might feel "rushed" when the starter does his job, but I like it when they do everything within their power to make sure pace of play is the #1 priority.
Onto the course!
What a phenomenal course in terms of VALUE for an early weekend tee-time. I did not expect it to be Indian Wells and while it wasn't, it still had it's charm. I was impressed with the value and pace of play, two key pieces of the puzzle for me. The first couple holes are fantastic in terms of layout/scorability. Never in my life have I seen so many palm trees placed on a course as a defensive strategy, and it works. The course could certainly be more challenging and felt "tight" at times in between fairways. You can spray it around off the tee on certain holes if you simply avoid the water. I wish the length was slightly longer to stretch things out, but they have mostly maximized the space.
Major complaints are simply the greens on Par 3s. More pitch marks that I could count and I feel as though that can be addressed. Tee boxes also are not level from the back tees on all holes and can be very small.
If you are looking for a fun/affordable course with above average conditions, this is it. Great views and fair price.
I forgot to mention multiple pins cut on noticeable slopes. Slightly frustrating for sure.
After seeing a couple of reviews on other sites regarding the behavior of the staff/starter, I was ready for some action. Little did I know that everyone was helpful/friendly 100% of the time on the course. Arrived at 6:25 to hit a few balls (not included in fee), greeted by the starter on the range at 6:40 to let us know the box is ours at our discretion. Many people might feel "rushed" when the starter does his job, but I like it when they do everything within their power to make sure pace of play is the #1 priority.
Onto the course!
What a phenomenal course in terms of VALUE for an early weekend tee-time. I did not expect it to be Indian Wells and while it wasn't, it still had it's charm. I was impressed with the value and pace of play, two key pieces of the puzzle for me. The first couple holes are fantastic in terms of layout/scorability. Never in my life have I seen so many palm trees placed on a course as a defensive strategy, and it works. The course could certainly be more challenging and felt "tight" at times in between fairways. You can spray it around off the tee on certain holes if you simply avoid the water. I wish the length was slightly longer to stretch things out, but they have mostly maximized the space.
Major complaints are simply the greens on Par 3s. More pitch marks that I could count and I feel as though that can be addressed. Tee boxes also are not level from the back tees on all holes and can be very small.
If you are looking for a fun/affordable course with above average conditions, this is it. Great views and fair price.
I forgot to mention multiple pins cut on noticeable slopes. Slightly frustrating for sure.
Played 3/6/21 at 1:40pm for $129 with Gary from Santa Ana CC. Slow group caused 4.5 hour round, but it was not extremely bad. Only had to wait on Par 3's and reachable Par 5's. Excellent value in terms of cost with a prestigious vibe starting at the front gate to the course.
This course has service, quality, affordability and scenery down to a science. Excellent service from start to finish the entire time. The driving range is phenomenal with views directly into the mountains and better than average grass.
I had heard about PGA West Mountain/La Quinta Mountain from a playing partner at SilverRock. He said this course is exactly what I was looking for. The only knock on the course is that it is not a very difficult track in terms of distance. Back tees are well inside of 7000. You do not need your driver very much on the front 9 and the majority of the trouble is certainly on the approach shots. Very tight greens with limited room for error. Excellent elevation changes on the back 9. Most tee-shots are inviting and you can miss by a wide margin. Mostly all elevated greens create a difficult environment for someone who has never seen the course, but the pin placements were fair.
The length of the rough was considerably longer than at SilverRock. Some of the greenside grass bunkers had not seen a lawn mower in a long, long time. It was thick and heavy grass which was surprising to find given my short experience on "carpet" rye grass.
10-13 are only a bummer due to the homes lining the fairwaves, but they still have views.
14, 15, 16, 17 might be my favorite stretch of golf holes that I've ever played. 18 is a very easy Par 5 that I wish had more of a challenge. Overall, I still can't decide if I prefer this course or SilverRock.
This course has service, quality, affordability and scenery down to a science. Excellent service from start to finish the entire time. The driving range is phenomenal with views directly into the mountains and better than average grass.
I had heard about PGA West Mountain/La Quinta Mountain from a playing partner at SilverRock. He said this course is exactly what I was looking for. The only knock on the course is that it is not a very difficult track in terms of distance. Back tees are well inside of 7000. You do not need your driver very much on the front 9 and the majority of the trouble is certainly on the approach shots. Very tight greens with limited room for error. Excellent elevation changes on the back 9. Most tee-shots are inviting and you can miss by a wide margin. Mostly all elevated greens create a difficult environment for someone who has never seen the course, but the pin placements were fair.
The length of the rough was considerably longer than at SilverRock. Some of the greenside grass bunkers had not seen a lawn mower in a long, long time. It was thick and heavy grass which was surprising to find given my short experience on "carpet" rye grass.
10-13 are only a bummer due to the homes lining the fairwaves, but they still have views.
14, 15, 16, 17 might be my favorite stretch of golf holes that I've ever played. 18 is a very easy Par 5 that I wish had more of a challenge. Overall, I still can't decide if I prefer this course or SilverRock.
Played SilverRock 2/13/21 at 1pm for $105 with Dennis and his wife in just under 4 hours. Long time lurker, first time poster. Shoutout to Dennis for introducing me to this website and being an excellent playing partner. He exemplified the type of individual you want to play with: fast, courteous, helpful, friendly.
Onto the review, a brief disclaimer: it was my first time ever playing golf in Palm Springs and I prefer open/challenging courses without homes/disneyland vibe. This was exactly that. The concept of winter rye grass has certainly changed my life, and for the better. The fairways and rough were in such great shape that I never had one bad lie. The greens were also in phenomenal shape with limited pitch marks and excellent/fair roll. At the time, the rough was cut extremely low. Tee boxes are the only minor issue in terms of quality, but perhaps because I was playing from the more common member Gold vs Silver (back tees). The beauty of the course is the proximity to the mountains and I do not mind the temporary pro-shop/bathrooms one bit. I actually enjoy that our $ is being spent on course maintenance/upkeep, especially for $105. I am there to play golf, not to wash my hands with an egyptian towel.
Certainly will be back. Rivals PGA West Mountain and is slightly less expensive for anyone seeking value.
Onto the review, a brief disclaimer: it was my first time ever playing golf in Palm Springs and I prefer open/challenging courses without homes/disneyland vibe. This was exactly that. The concept of winter rye grass has certainly changed my life, and for the better. The fairways and rough were in such great shape that I never had one bad lie. The greens were also in phenomenal shape with limited pitch marks and excellent/fair roll. At the time, the rough was cut extremely low. Tee boxes are the only minor issue in terms of quality, but perhaps because I was playing from the more common member Gold vs Silver (back tees). The beauty of the course is the proximity to the mountains and I do not mind the temporary pro-shop/bathrooms one bit. I actually enjoy that our $ is being spent on course maintenance/upkeep, especially for $105. I am there to play golf, not to wash my hands with an egyptian towel.
Certainly will be back. Rivals PGA West Mountain and is slightly less expensive for anyone seeking value.
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