With the break in the hot weather, played De Bell on Saturday, 7/29. Burbank being a pretty hot area, is was a course to stay away from during the heat wave. A touch of humidity made it a little muggy... Continue »

With the break in the hot weather, played De Bell on Saturday, 7/29. Burbank being a pretty hot area, is was a course to stay away from during the heat wave. A touch of humidity made it a little muggy, but the lower temperatures and general overcast actually made it relatively pleasant.

Teed off as a twosome around 1:00. The pace was a little slow, especially with some backups from holes 4 thru 8. After that, generally moved along at a casual pace to the tune of a 5-hour round. What else can you expect on a Saturday afternoon? -- so I didn't think that was bad.

Course was generally in good shape. Greens were on the quicker side of medium speed, but not fast. The local fairways seem to be lush this time of year compared to the more typical hard and fast. My only complaint was the tee boxes. While on vacation recently, I played two public courses of note; one in Pennsylvania and the other in Queens, NY. The PA course had the nicest tee boxes I had ever seen anywhere. Grass like soft, short carpet, white markers10-15 yards apart, and a FLAT teeing surface. NY wasn't quite as exceptional, but the tee boxes were as good as anything I'd seen other than the PA course -- good grass coverage and FLAT.

It made me realize how generally crappy a lot of tee boxes are as to both coverage and level. Since one can use a tee, if I had to pick one or the other, it would be nice to have a level stance to tee off from. Fill in the ruts and scrape it level. It's amazing how much more stable and confident you feel taking your tee shot.

Anyway, De Bell was no worse than most places around here in that regard, I just had something better to compare it to. Otherwise the course was in good shape.

Generally a short course, De Bell tends to kick my butt. It's narrow and the penalty for being off line is frequently an OB or lost ball in a barranca. Accuracy pays off here over bombing it. Mostly, bombing is not even an option. I suspect it's the kind of course that either gets you challenged or turns you off. Being built around a hillside, it has a lot of altitude change, but without subjecting you to to many side hill lies.

I find it challenging and I know I'll keep it somewhere in my rotation. I wouldn't want a steady diet of it, but it definitely has a place on the menu.

Bring more extra balls than you are used to losing.

I really don't like short courses and this one is the exception. It could be a great course nestled in the hills above burbank and yet it is in poor shape considering it's hidden qualities. Greens w... Continue »

I really don't like short courses and this one is the exception. It could be a great course nestled in the hills above burbank and yet it is in poor shape considering it's hidden qualities. Greens were OK. At least the folks here fix their divots. They rolled a bit true but due to bumpiness from overwatering it was tough to figure out. Greens ran from Med-fast to darn slow given if they watered the greens recently. Fairways were in good shape as was the rough. Tough sticky grass to hit out of. Course makes good use of using all your clubs. (Long hitters, accuracy and position count here above all else so bag your driver and opt for shorter clubs.) Tee boxes though, cannot remember a place where it was beaten up more. Divot marks, uneven tee boxes abound. Would have, could have, should have seems to be the operating mode here. Explains why play is perhaps quick; that and the heat; played in 4 hours. Would suggest that staff mark distances with colored poles b/c slopes and hitting uphill/downhill can wreak havoc on your game if you pick wrong club.

Played DeBell last month for the first time in six months. Pace of play was a problem, as many par 3 holes were backed up beyond just waiting on the next group to tee off... The course was in pretty... Continue »

Played DeBell last month for the first time in six months. Pace of play was a problem, as many par 3 holes were backed up beyond just waiting on the next group to tee off... The course was in pretty good condition (I've played it many times and would have to say it's remarkable how well maintained it is given the rounds played on it. Best advise is to hit 3 wood and hybrid alot - it's narrow but remains fun and challenging... Still a really good value...

The course is in the best shape I have ever seen. Went out as a single and got right out (7:30). Played in under 4 hrs. Course was not wet and greens ran fast as long as you were going to Burbank. Got... Continue »

The course is in the best shape I have ever seen. Went out as a single and got right out (7:30). Played in under 4 hrs. Course was not wet and greens ran fast as long as you were going to Burbank. Got out of there before it got HOT.

The greens have recovered from the aeration. The course is VERY soggy from over-watering. I know it's hot, but the place doesn't need to be drowned. Greens are very mushy & retaining footprints.

The greens have recovered from the aeration. The course is VERY soggy from over-watering. I know it's hot, but the place doesn't need to be drowned. Greens are very mushy & retaining footprints.

This course is great for the price- but if you just bought a new driver and want to crush it- this isn't the course. The back nince gives you maybe two holes that you can hit driver on. High emphasi... Continue »

This course is great for the price- but if you just bought a new driver and want to crush it- this isn't the course. The back nince gives you maybe two holes that you can hit driver on. High emphasis on ball control here- as most holes are lined with hazards and trees- or out of bounds. For short and straight hitters- this course is for you! For you somewhat erratic, but distance hitters- you may want to consider a punch shot today on a few holes. Play all putts to break towards Burbank- some of the greens can be misleading!

Maintenance seems to have been cut back a bit here. There are many spots on the course that are hurting for attention.

Maintenance seems to have been cut back a bit here. There are many spots on the course that are hurting for attention.

Played on 3/5 course was pretty much in the same condition as my last post for this course two weeks ago, except that it was not as wet. Pace of play was a slow, but that is to be expected for a cour... Continue »

Played on 3/5 course was pretty much in the same condition as my last post for this course two weeks ago, except that it was not as wet. Pace of play was a slow, but that is to be expected for a course that is extremely short. It is a fun place to go practice placing your shots. Don't expect to pull the driver out on many holes, and if that is what you are looking for go play else where. I will be back but probably not as quickly as I was this time.

Fun little course. In winter conditions so the fairways are thin but the greens were receptive and nice. Have fun.

Fun little course. In winter conditions so the fairways are thin but the greens were receptive and nice. Have fun.