I got out of work a little early on Tuesday so I headed out to Soboba. I played this course 3-4 times while the course was being renovated and the casino was being built. I have not been able to get... Continue »

I got out of work a little early on Tuesday so I headed out to Soboba. I played this course 3-4 times while the course was being renovated and the casino was being built. I have not been able to get out there to check it out since the course full opened back up with the new back 9.

Check-in was a breeze. I booked the time online and paid when I get to the course. There was someone at the entrance of the pro shop that takes your temperature before you are able to enter. The lady at the pro shop counter was very friendly and welcoming.

The course was WIDE open. I did not have a single person in front of me the entire 18 holes. Behind me was a group of college kids that were walking so I basically had the course to myself. I don't know if this is normal for a weekday afternoon out there but I was not going to complain.

Layout - The new layout is awesome. I have played the front 9 quite a few times and nothing has really changed with these holes. The revamp of the back 9 was outstanding. Holes 13, 14, 15, & 16 are all new (to me) and very well done. The short par 4 13th is one of the best holes I have played. There are a ton of ways you can play that hole. It was really well thought out. These new holes really are spectacular, with the water all around and the brand new hotel/casino in the background. I tried to take some pictures but it really doesn't tell the story. Impressive.

Greens, Fairway, Rough - All were in great shape. The greens were smooth as can be an fast. The greens have a lot more slope in them that it looks like. Fairway and rough was in great shape with great coverage (especially for the dead of winter). The par 3 tee boxes were a little chewed up but that (obviously) is to be expected.

Traps - Some of the best traps I have ever seen. I was only in a couple but it looked like every trap was in the same condition. The sand was fluffy and consistent which makes it really easy to hit shots out of. Since it was so fluffy, you do have to watch out for the "fried egg" though. The sand will eat your ball up if it comes from a very high trajectory.

My only complaint with the course is the mud hens or whatever the heck those birds are called. There are literally a hundred of them on every hole that has water (which is quite a few). It was so bad on the 14th hole that I actually picked up my ball and didn't even putt out because there was so much poop on the green. Also, I did see that if you want a cart to yourself, you will have to pay an extra $25. Just wanted to throw that out there if you are one that likes to ride in a cart by yourself during these COVID times.

Enough about the negative. Well done Soboba on the golf course. The conditions were excellent. The new layout is excellent. The customer service is excellent. The price is a little steep at $75 for a weekday afternoon round but we all kind of expected prices like this when the casino was opened and the new renovation was complete. Because of the price and the distance from me, I won't say that this will be a regular on my list but it was a great experience and I am glad I made the drive out. I will be back.