Date played: 11/11/13 Tee time: 6:53 am # of players: 4 Green fee: $49 w/cart Tee box played: Blue tees My handicap: 16.8 Pace of play: 4:30 Course facilities: Hands down, one of the nicest practice... Continue »

Date played: 11/11/13 Tee time: 6:53 am # of players: 4 Green fee: $49 w/cart Tee box played: Blue tees My handicap: 16.8 Pace of play: 4:30 Course facilities: Hands down, one of the nicest practice facilities in all of Southern California. All grass hitting bays, chipping area and large practice putting green. Well defined target areas on the range, the range conditions are as nice as the course. Clubhouse is nothing special. Nachos were really good and a 6 pack of coors light 12 oz. cans are $18. Course conditions: Really nice conditions, they may have recently overseeded because the fairways were glowing. Some of the greens had some dead spots but it didn't seem to come into play for me. Greens rolled quick especially after the sun came out. Rough is in beautiful condition, a little heavy but the top of the ball was visable. Sand in the bunkers was nice and fluffy, although a little bit damp. Tee boxes are in absolutely perfect condition. Course layout: It is no wonder that Goose Creek is a favorite amongst GK'rs, it is definitely one of my favorites, but I don't get to play this track often enough. Lots of risk/reward shot selections and doglegs that really test your shot shaping skills, although a mi sh-t will generally still be playable. You do have to watch out for the OB areas, but most areas seem to be red staked so you can at least take the distance. The tall reeds and brush make this course look so unique, but newcomers beware, don't let the OB sap your confidence, there is plenty of room to keep your ball in play. There isn't really any water hazards until you reach 18, which is intimidating standing on the tee box if you are trying to cut the corner of the lake. Approach shots to the greens can be brutal if you're shot doesn't hit the right area of the green; lots of false fronts and edges that will roll your ball right off the green into a collection area. Bunkers are placed strategically around the course making this course challenging but the more you become familiar with the course the more aware you become of where to hit your shots. What I really love about this course is that every aspect of your game will be tested. Tee shots need imagination, approach shots need accuracy, chips need to land softly and putts need to have perfect speed. Unfortunately for me I'm not a strong chipper and tend to lean on bump and runs which on this course isn't the best choice, you need to be able to chip over mounds and bunkers with finesse. Bump and runs will get you into trouble because of the aforementioned collection areas around the greens. Go play this course, you will not have any regrets. I do recommend a yardage book that they sell in the pro shop; having a laser range finder was helpful but the yardage book would have been beneficial.