Played Shandin Hills at 9:07am Sunday 1/5, with Uncle Jimmy for a 4 hour round. We delivered and installed a fridge for a family member by 8, and hauled a$$ to Shandin and reward ourselves. We finishe... Continue »

Played Shandin Hills at 9:07am Sunday 1/5, with Uncle Jimmy for a 4 hour round. We delivered and installed a fridge for a family member by 8, and hauled a$$ to Shandin and reward ourselves. We finished before the winds came that afternoon. Nice conditions and nice staff. We followed behind the men's club shotgun start, knowing they would leave the greens in good shape for us; we were not let down. We were informed of fast greens, thank you Zach.

Tees, in good shape for winter, 6 out of 10, for mostly level, mowed and maintained boxes.

Fairways, this is January in IE, So Cal. So, they were decent for their dormancy at this time of year. They would give, no matter the club selection and penetration you need. 6 out of 10.

Rough, the rough here had less overall depth and density than expected. Jimmy found some of the deepest, on the back nine that had his ball sit with only 25% showing. It was easy to find balls in, and hit out of it though. 6 out of 10.

Traps, oh, my Lord...these only contain about 20 percent sand in the 1/4 inch layer that gives. Not fun to have to deal with, and I found myself in about 8 of them today. Shandin Hills...be accountable and do something about the hard pack below the layer that gives! 2 out of 10 rating, only because they are not littered with as many small pebbles as competing courses.

AARG(Areas ARound Greens), within 20 yards, were mostly green with some dormant mix, cut or manicured well enough to not have any need for winter lie relief. 5 out of 10.

Greens, these were mowed really tight, and rolled consistently fast and with noticable lack of break. At least they match the practice green, but you still need discipline. There were a few greens still showing some edge repair, and what I call 'green acne' areas near some fringe. 3 out of 10

I do appreciate being able to play in low 60's temps, no frost delay, and sunglasses in January!
Cheers,