Sunday round at Rio Hondo with a buddy ... we played from the blue tees and had an 11:16 tee time. Fortunately this course is one of the few that if you book online with a cart, they still allow you t... Continue »

Sunday round at Rio Hondo with a buddy ... we played from the blue tees and had an 11:16 tee time. Fortunately this course is one of the few that if you book online with a cart, they still allow you to adjust to walking rates if you so choose. Got in some range time, got paired with another twosome and off we went. First things first - was really dreading the possibility of a typical six-hour weekend round at RH with all of the bunching up on holes, especially the three par 3s in four holes (7, 8 and 10). Fortunately we found a nice slot in between groups and never waited on a single hole until that 7th, but even then it was just one group and not three. The longest wait was at the par 3 14th, but overall we finished the round in about four and a half hours, which is just tremendous at this place on a Sunday. Greens are still showing late signs of the spring punch and need just a bit more time before they are in their best phase. They're still a little bumpy and unpredictable right now and I would not describe the speeds as 'consistent.' Plenty of ball marks as well. Fairways were mostly okay but certainly on the thin side more times than not. There are some GUR areas as well, but you can pretty easily navigate around them. I wouldn't call them 'bad lies' in the fairways, but I've certainly played lusher. The rough was thick and nice and often preferable for some wedge shots or pitches around the greens. Bunkers were okay - could use some more sand, but most places can. Tee boxes were level and mostly alright. We did not see any cart service around the course all afternoon which was a bit surprising considering it was a weekend round and a hot day. Fortunately the snack shop is conveniently located directly between the front and back nines so you can refuel there. Rio Hondo is definitely still playable right now, and even enjoyable if you find a nice slot in between the crowds, but I've certainly played it other times in finer condition than where it's at currently. But don't be deterred - it's still a very fun, challenging experience.