Played Rio Secco this morning 3rd group out. My twosome was paired up with two members who played before we got to the tee box, starter said "the cour... » More

Played Rio Secco this morning 3rd group out. My twosome was paired up with two members who played before we got to the tee box, starter said "the course is all yours". Did not see them after the 2nd hole. What a treat it was today. How often do you get Rio Secco to yourself on a Saturday morning in prime season? I honestly do not know since this was my first time. This place is great. The clubhouse and range top quality. The course conditions today were outstanding overall. The tee boxes were just about perfect 9/10. The fairways were perfect 10/10, and the rough same 10/10. The sand was very wet when we started but by the end of the morning it dried up, 7/10. The greens were great, 8/10. The reason they get dinged is because some fo them were still recovering from the winter burn. Very dry in spots and some sandy, yet they rolled perfect. I realize so many people who read this have played this course, so you already know how fun this place is. For those who have not played here, I think Rio Secco is a challenge that will test anyone, the blue tees are slope rated at 138 and the whites are a 134. At a rack rate of $179 on the weekend, it is worth it, especially when you consider we finished in under 4hrs on a Saturday morning. The cart lady found us 4 times. Highly recommended.
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Played Sand Hollow this afternoon (round 3 of 4 of my B-day trip to the high desert;Mesquite, Hurricane, Las Vegas). Teed off at 12:18 as a two-some a... » More

Played Sand Hollow this afternoon (round 3 of 4 of my B-day trip to the high desert;Mesquite, Hurricane, Las Vegas). Teed off at 12:18 as a two-some and finished just before 5. Rode the Blues(6893 yds par. 72), in some brand new leather cushioned carts, with GPS. I have really wanted to make the trek out here ever since I saw the pictures. I can tell you, if you read no further of this review, understand that Sand Hollow (championship) is one of the most scenic courses and should be on your bucket list if you enjoy spending time looking at the surroundings of a golf course while you play.

As the course goes, the front nine takes you through a series of typical golf holes you might find anywhere in America. The front reminds me of a typical resort style course, well maintained, fun, and sometimes challenging. By hole 5, I was starting to wonder what all the hype was about, thinking when does it get...spectacular? Once you get to hole 11, that is when Sand Hollow takes you on the majestic roller coaster of zen-like golf you were seeking. Hole 11-16 are worth the drive, the wait, and the cost. You weave around the side of mountain and if you go left, say good-bye to your ball. These holes also play long and create a challenge for many golfers.

The course right now, is in very good condition. The Tee boxes are level and have been moved around each couple days to get some fresh grass, 8/10. The fairways are in excellent shape, 9/10. The sand traps aren't really sand, but they dug into the ground here and found red clay and called those traps. They are much different from sand, they can be wet, soft, hard, full of pebbles, and steep. Very different from anything I have every played, 8/10. Rakes were back as well. The greens had pull-able flags, were rather large, and played pretty fast. I did not think they were all that great however, as there are some spots with sand and ball marks, 7/10. They did roll very true, and created some tough reads. The practice facility, clubhouse, clubhouse grille, and staff, all deserve a 10/10, very classy people who are just so nice and helpful. The food is really good as well. I cannot wait to comeback.
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Played Copper Rock this morning, 2nd two-some out on a gorgeous day. Copper Rock had been on my bucket list for awhile, since I found out some extende... » More

Played Copper Rock this morning, 2nd two-some out on a gorgeous day. Copper Rock had been on my bucket list for awhile, since I found out some extended family would be moving to the area. I hadn't heard much about this property except that everything is new and still being built. As we drove our car into the lot, a cart guy came over checked us in and helped us learn the course, literally hadn't even taken my cleats out of my bag. I went in and paid, to a small club house with a few tables for food and some gear being sold in the corner(everything is brand new). The rack rate at this time is $120 a pop, however I am firm believer that this course is worth every penny. The place is beyond stunning from a visual standpoint. At times when you are elevated you can peer to the north east and Zion is lurking in the background, takes your breath away. The course as a contrast to those mountains is stunning, plush, and well maintained. There must have been 12 guys working different parts of the course this morning, all as nice as can be, and aware we were hitting so they could move or turn off their machines. Heated bathrooms located in three areas around the course. Drinking water out of a cooler(old school style) on almost every hole. Newer propane carts with GPS and food ordering abilities. A great practice facility that would rival some private courses.
As far as this course layout goes we played from the Blues, a par 72 6270 yards with water on a few holes and traps strategically placed. The front nine is flat and long, with some wide fairways and large greens, while the back goes to some elevation changes and some scenic shots and even larger greens.

The tee boxes are in great shape, 8/10, maybe a few needed some regrowth but very level. The fairways are the best I have played in some time, 9/10. The greens for the most part are good, there were a few with some winter burn still recovering and some edges were being worked on, 7/10. The greens on some holes are very long and narrow. The starter told us to be 1 club short as the greens are tough to stop your ball on, this piece of advice was spot on, as these greens are hard but are not lighting fast. The sand traps are awesome, rakes are back, soft and fluffy white sand, 9/10. The rough is what you want rough to be, but not impossible, 8/10.

Copper Rock is setting up to host a Symetra LPGA event in a few weeks and I am sure that had a lot to do with the conditions and the maintenance. However, I was so impressed by how nice and receiving this place made me feel. Everyone is kind and helpful. There are homes being built all over, some on the course and some just outside the property. The future is very bright for Copper Rock, and I highly recommend this course if you are out this way.
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As leg one of a four part golfing journey(Palms4/5, Copper Rock4/6, Sand Hollow4/7, Rio Secco4/10) to celebrate my 40th along with Spring Break, I log... » More

As leg one of a four part golfing journey(Palms4/5, Copper Rock4/6, Sand Hollow4/7, Rio Secco4/10) to celebrate my 40th along with Spring Break, I logged round one at the Palms Resort GC after a night at the Casa Blanca just across the way in Mesquite. As many of you know, the Palms is probably the least attractive course in the area. That being said, I enjoyed the round at the Palms, and would play again. We were the first ones out matched up with a local single who showed us the way. Check-in was easy and smooth and we were told that masks were optional anywhere on the property. Since we were the first ones there, when we got to the 1st tee before the starter did, that has never happened to me before. The course is in very good condition overall. The greens are in good shape and held the ball well, they are not fast but also are well taken care of. The tee boxes and fairways are in excellent shape as of right now, 8/10. The rough is cut short but is in good shape. The sand is the real negative to this course, because there is no sand. Mostly dirt and some rocks, a few traps had standing water. This course is a tale of two nines, the front is mostly flat with a few challenging holes. The back is much more difficult but also much more scenic, as you have elevation changes on all but one hole.
One of the oddest experiences I have ever had happened while we played here. About 6 holes in we looked up and over the back 9 to see a few fires taking place and long straight smoke rising in the air. When we got closer, we came to realize that the Palms decided to control burn some brush... that morning. Not only were we breathing in ash, it had covered one of the greens almost completely. When teeing off on the 15th hole I hit my ball just left ravine, within 10 feet where the burn was still smokey and hot. While I played through the heat, I cannot explain how close I was to possibly melting my ball.
I believe this course is overpriced as we paid the peak rate of $105 even after the deal by staying at the Casa Blanca. I do recommend the Palms, despite the fires, and the cost.
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Made it out to RR today, rode the whites on the Victoria Lakes course. POP was right around 4hrs, could have been a little faster but one group "accid... » More

Made it out to RR today, rode the whites on the Victoria Lakes course. POP was right around 4hrs, could have been a little faster but one group "accidentally" passed us and then their cart died. The course is in fair condition. The greens, which are about to be punched rolled true and smooth. Not very fast but they were very wet so that slowed them down a bit. The fairway is coming back from winter conditions, and were in good shape enough to hit whatever shot you were trying. The rough and sand have seen better days, both are non-existent. The sand was particularly hard today, and that made it so hard to get under the ball. The tee boxes are in good shape and there was no issue there. The range is nice and the mats are somewhat new. The staff is great. Note, they did make me ride with another single today to save on the carts the starter explained. First time I had done that in over a year, felt a little strange to be honest. However, I'm just thankful for life to return to some normalcy.Overall, I did enjoy this course, and will be coming back. It's challenging at times with some narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens. It's forgiving at times with few trees and lots of reachable shots. Some great views on the back nine as well. After the aeration this course should be in very good condition for the Spring and Summer.
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