Played Tuesday, 12/1 as a single, waited about 30 minutes due to a frost delay (yes, the desert can get really cold!). Fair warning, this will be a longish review, but the "update at 11" version is a... Continue »

Played Tuesday, 12/1 as a single, waited about 30 minutes due to a frost delay (yes, the desert can get really cold!). Fair warning, this will be a longish review, but the "update at 11" version is as follows: The course is in outstanding shape, has a fantastic design and the hospitality was excellent! Now for details . . .

For those who were here prior to the summer closing there have been number of changes. First thing you'll notice is the entrance/parking area, very nicely done, level entrance to the club with no steps.

Second thing you'll notice is there are a LOT more trees (400+ planted according to Mike Setchell) and even more brush/native growth. The native brush helps frame the course and adds to the visual appeal (though it won't help you find stray shots!).

The course is coming up on its busy season and everything is in excellent shape. Fairways have good coverage with only a few thin or patchy areas which should clear up given another 2-4 weeks of growth and mowing. The lies are excellent and the ground underneath is firm enough to allow great contact but still with enough "give" to feel good (not hard where you feel like you've hit a rock when you take a divot).

Rough is fairly consistent and long enough to affect club choice but not so long to limit your options to pitching out to the fairway. Sand in bunkers was excellent, a little damp but very playable and consistent (also VERY well maintained, did not see a single footprint all day).

The greens - where do I start? In 18 holes I found 2 partially repaired ball marks and 0 (yes, zero!) that were completely unrepaired. They listed the speed at 10 which was probably pretty accurate - unless you were going downhill, then it felt like about a 12! The very back finger on 18 has a small area that still needed to grow out/fill in, but other than that they all had good coverage. Many are quite large and/or deep (#2 has got to be 45-50 yards between the front and back) so pay close attention to the pin placement number. Unfortunately, I checked it when I got there and they changed it before I went out and I didn't discover this until #2 - had a blind shot and played for a front pin when it was in the back! Since there was no one behind me, when I finished I went back out to the same spot and played for a back pin - hit a hard 7-iron instead of a PW and was pin-high off the left side.

The biggest thing about these greens is if you miss a putt you have nothing to blame but your stroke or your read. They rolled as true as any greens I've played. End result is it made ANY putt inside 12-15 feet "makeable", but you could easily miss a 5 footer if you played it wrong (and yes, I did both).

The big debate about this course is the price vs. the travel. As a more budget minded golfer, I probably wouldn't come back out at the rack rate (my wife has this thing about eating and feeding the kids, what's up with that?!?). However, for the GK coupon rate it definitely has my interest as a "once in a while splurge " course - at that price I'd rate it equal to or better than anything I've played in Southern California. If you have a spouse who plays (or can get a buddy to join you) the "stay and play" packages are pretty reasonable and worth checking out.

Hospitality was great - Mike came out of his office and greeted me by name and he and the staff were very good about keeping me up to date regarding the frost delay. Range is smallish but very nice, ProV1 range balls, excellent grass hitting areas and nice target areas. Practice green speed was virtually identical to those on course - something that is far too infrequent at most courses but definitely appreciated.

POP was dictated by the seven ladies I followed - a 3-some and a 4-some. Had I been out first (or gone out an hour or two later) I could have easily finished in about 3-3:15, even with it being my first time and not knowing the layout (be careful coming up to #5, you can end up in the wrong place pretty easily!). As it was I finished in just over 4:15, which is reasonable and only seemed slow because I was by myself.

Highly recommend playing here at least once, and if possible more.

I have not played here since 1998, so this course not resemble that course! The overall condition of the course was as nice as any I have played in some time. The greens were nearly perfect, just ... Continue »

I have not played here since 1998, so this course not resemble that course! The overall condition of the course was as nice as any I have played in some time. The greens were nearly perfect, just not as quick as I would have preferred.

The only complaint I had with the course were the greenside bunkers, which were very "crusty" Otherwise the course was a joy to play, exept for the 107 degree temperature. However it took under three hours to play which helped a lot.

I didn't realize the course is closing for 4 months beginning next week, so I consider myself lucky I decided to get out here before the closing. While not a big fan of desert courses, I found the course fun to play and much easier than I expected.

Played 6-28-15 Got out one last time before they close for renovations on 6/6/15 Course was in really good shape. Greens were receptive & perfect, but were on the slow side. Fairways were perfect wit... Continue »

Played 6-28-15 Got out one last time before they close for renovations on 6/6/15 Course was in really good shape. Greens were receptive & perfect, but were on the slow side. Fairways were perfect with a few brown areas mixed in. They are such a treat to hit from. Third time playing here and it is just a fun course to play. Many risk reward type holes that you actually get rewarded for making good shots! Fairly forgiving off the T as well. Sad to have it close for 4 months, but with the 110 d. weather they aren't getting much play any way. There were maybe 5 groups on the entire course. Luckily, the overcast skies kept the temp. in check for us. But at the reduced rates of $75 all day, you can start early and get done before it gets too hot. We started at 8 and were off before 11:30 am and under 100 f. They said they are investing close to a million bucks in additional renovations. Can't wait for them to open in Nov !!!!!

In keeping with a personal "tradition" of playing somewhere special to commemorate my birthday, I chose to venture out to Borrego Springs on Friday and brave the sweltering 114 degree temperature. It... Continue »

In keeping with a personal "tradition" of playing somewhere special to commemorate my birthday, I chose to venture out to Borrego Springs on Friday and brave the sweltering 114 degree temperature. It was a mild 105 degrees when I teed off at 10:15 but things heated up in a hurry; the wind was howling yet it was a welcome relief, despite the havoc it might have had on the golf ball. There was a threesome ahead of me (played through on #9) and I believe that was it as far as course traffic was concerned at that time of day. Despite the openness out there and seeing no reason to rush through the round and not appreciate the solitude of playing alone, I moved at a relaxed pace in order to conserve energy. Even with a cart I managed to walk 4 miles during the round so the endless supply of water and ice was an absolute necessity. There was even a course attendant who came out at one point to make sure I was well-stocked prior to reaching the refill stations on Holes 9 and 12. There's only one word to summarize turf conditions: flawless. Although the facility will be closing for the summer on July 6, the golf course is in amazing shape, especially for this time of year. As a matter of fact, I didn't see any difference from when I played here in November of last year. Tee boxes are healthy, level, and void of divots. Fairways are wall-to-wall plush and the ball sits up as perfectly as possible. Rough maintained on the short side and not punishing at all; ball still sat up so it was easy to get the club on the ball. Sand traps meticulously raked and very playable with plenty of give. The greens are, quite simply, the best I've seen anywhere in the past 10+ years. Akin to putting on a high quality pool table, the surfaces are velvet-smooth and roll as true as can be; plenty of opportunity to make some putts here, which was aided by the modest 9.5 Stimp that was posted along with the day's pin position. Greens tended to be on the firm side...which added to the challenge of selecting the correct approach club...and that was further complicated by the wind conditions. Course knowledge worked in my favor as I was able to utilize the slopes around the greens in order to work the ball towards the pin. It was definitely a day to test one's shot-making skills and, fortunately, my game was up to snuff. I simply cannot say enough about the facility and the top-notch fashion in which the new ownership/management group has revitalized this outstanding layout. In talking to Head Pro Rick Sprouse, who I know from his days at Cottonwood, they have been very pleased with how things have been received since reopening in November 2014. The course and restaurant will be closing for the summer on July 6 in order to complete renovations to the dining facilities, among other projects, but will reopen on November 5. And it's my understanding they plan to keep the course open year-round going forward. Although Rams Hill is off the beaten path...it's a "spirited" 90 minute drive for me...it's still closer than Palm Desert and doesn't take a back seat to any of the courses the Coachella Valley has to offer. Seems as if everyone who has reviewed the layout is in agreement that it's well worth the trek despite the absence of any nightlife and extensive dining opportunities in Borrego Springs. Package deals are available so a two-or-three day golf getaway should not be overlooked. I couldn't have been more pleased with the playing conditions yesterday but that seems to be the norm. I'm also encouraged to hear the results have been quite positive thus far from an operational standpoint. I'm already looking forward to a return trip in November...it can't get here soon enough.

Played there on 6/6/15 after playing there for the first time one month before. This is truly a great course, located in the middle of nowhere! It is definitively worth the trip. the course was decent... Continue »

Played there on 6/6/15 after playing there for the first time one month before. This is truly a great course, located in the middle of nowhere! It is definitively worth the trip. the course was decently busy for the summer, and we played in a bit less than 4 1/2 hours. Tees, Fairways, Bunkers and Greens were in excellent shape and lush. Greens are big, and you think you can two putt them.. well it will be hard. We even had a 10 handicapper 4-putt one green!
Staff was very nice... go there!

Played today as a twosome sandwiched in between a whole bunch of foursomes so the pace was a little slow. Took almost 5 hours to play but the was probably due to the wind playing a significant factor... Continue »

Played today as a twosome sandwiched in between a whole bunch of foursomes so the pace was a little slow. Took almost 5 hours to play but the was probably due to the wind playing a significant factor today. We adjusted shots by 40 yds today, it was brutal out there. The wind affected everything even had to factor it in when putting.

Fairways were perfect, love it when you can make a nice crisp divot. Rough was perfect too. Not very long rough but it is grabby if you don't hit it right.

Greens are still very firm and really quick. The sign said 10.2 but I think it was fast but it's hard to tell with the wind today. I think it will be good to get them aerated in the next week or so.

Even though the conditions we treacherous it was still something we will never forget. I can say that on the 2nd par 5 on the front I went driver, 4 wood, 4 wood and was short while on the first par 5 on the back 9 I went driver 9 iron. Love this course and will definitely be back.

Played 4/22/15....It's all true. Read all prior reviews. Amazing

Played 4/22/15....It's all true. Read all prior reviews. Amazing

It’s been a week since playing Rams Hill with fellow GK’ers and I’m still thinking of the fun I had. Thanks to everyone who came out. It was a great way to start our 2015 outing season. As far as the... Continue »

It’s been a week since playing Rams Hill with fellow GK’ers and I’m still thinking of the fun I had. Thanks to everyone who came out. It was a great way to start our 2015 outing season. As far as the course, immaculate, as expected. Greens fast and very firm. Fairways, Rough and Tees – lush and well groomed. Bunkers, and I found many, well groomed with excellent quality sand. Regarding the layout, I love it. Challenging yet fair. Beautiful desert scenery and some very thought provoking holes. I’ve only played it twice and I can describe every hole. Clubhouse, mid-size, nice restaurant, nice proshop and comfortable patio. It was perfectly suited for our small outing. I drove further than anyone at the outing to be there, close to 4 hours from Westlake Village. But I left very satisfied and willing to make the drive again one of these days. I think I’m going to play it again over the Summer. I want to see how it plays under bermuda turf conditions too. If you like rye grass conditions, get out and play it this month for sure before it starts transition in May to bermunda grass. May is also when the course will aerate the greens. The course will still be beautiful in May but April will be prime. Highly Recommended.

Played Rams Hill in the GK Plays event.
I heard a lot about the course as well as the drive?

Well it looks like a good portion of what is being said out there is very much so true. It is a long ... Continue »

Played Rams Hill in the GK Plays event.
I heard a lot about the course as well as the drive?

Well it looks like a good portion of what is being said out there is very much so true. It is a long drive for those of us on the west side of the world. But totally worth it, especially if you are going for a couple of days to play some good golf.

Yes Rams Hills is some very good golf. So where do you start with what could be considered great golf? Well let's start from tee to green. Tee boxes where in very good shape, level and plush. There were a couple of the gold tee markers missing (almost all of them? Maybe a re-paint) but the tee boxes where very easy to find.
Fairways were manicured and in great shape, and the sand bunkers were soft. I was in several of them as well as the fairway bunkers. The greens are a major defense for the course. On that day there were running a 12+ in speed. But if you can figure out which way is uphill you can be aggressive on a lot of putts for birdie.
Views were amazing, even though it is out in the middle of the desert.

It was a totally great experience and will have no problem returning to the golf course for more of this same type of fun. If you are close to the area, or looking to go to a great course in that area. I would go to Rams Hill. Four and a half stars out of five stars.

Food needs some work. But the sliders were. Rey tasty.

Have fun