Had an impromptu meeting in Lompoc on Monday and decided rather than braving the traffic back to LA that I would see if I could get on over at La Purisima for the first time ever for a quick twilight ... Continue »

Had an impromptu meeting in Lompoc on Monday and decided rather than braving the traffic back to LA that I would see if I could get on over at La Purisima for the first time ever for a quick twilight round. It all worked out, however I almost wish I hadn't blown my first time in a rush to finish before dark. I got a cart and the helpful guys in the pro shop got me out on the back nine to start as there was a high school girl's team going off on the front nine (more on that later). I zipped through the front nine in no time totally solo, then caught up to the girls at the fifth hole on the front. You would think at a young age these people move quickly, but you would be dead wrong. So I jumped over to the 7th hole to get ahead of them, only to catch another group of them moving terribly slowly at the 8th green. After finally finishing up on #9, went back to complete #5 and #6. Now a quick aside rant - the coach of these girls (I assume) asked me at some point to 'hang back' and I obliged best I could, but after bypassing the girls when I was done and re-playing the ninth hole par 3 just for fun, he actually watched them as they twice hit into me while I was raking the bunker. Way to go coach - great way to set a good example! Maybe you can also mention the courtesy of playing a bit faster and not stopping to smell the roses along the way, too. So what should have (and could easily have been) a sub-3 hour round, turned into a bit more, but no big deal in the end. I just wish I would have made my first time here more mellow and not so hurried. As for course conditions, well, my expectations were high, and many of those were met. The layout is incredibly challenging and the holes are really a joy to play. Sure, there are a few quirky ones, some wicked doglegs, PLENTY of trouble to get into, and many a narrow fairway chute to find a good place for approach. The lies are rarely flat and the scenery is pretty terrific. All that being said, I think a nice place like this could use a better cart path. It would almost be better with an ATV than a golf cart in many places, and on some holes there's simply no path at all and you're guiltily driving the cart right up next to the tee box as you have zero clue where to go (hint: there is no place to go). Fix that. Fairways were generally lush and pleasant to play from, but there were a few GUR areas and some thinner lies, but mostly it was that nice carpet one would anticipate at a high-reputation course like LP. The rough was quite penal in areas but mostly playable and cut to a reasonable length. Tee boxes were pretty well maintained. The bad? Wow, the bunkers were terrible. Really just clumped up dirt and rocks that was totally unexpected and disappointing. One would expect the nice, fluffy stuff here, but that was not the case. The greens though were exceptionally good. I love the green complexes here and the subtle, yet adventurous breaks on almost every one. The ball rolls very nicely on these greens and they hold shots better than expected with that nice fast speed they roll at. Really nice coverage and no complaints whatsoever there - the highlight of the conditions without a doubt. So yeah, all in all it was a pretty nice twilight round with a few rough edges, but it's hard to find any reason to complain when you finally get to play one our more famous/reputable courses for the very first time. Clearly one would benefit from some course knowledge here as there are plenty of 'blind' holes where you're rather clueless off the tee, so I look forward to doing this again when I can actually take my time and not be so worried about getting in before the sun goes down. Looking forward to that day immensely.

This was the first stop on my birthday golf trip to central CA. We played on the GK coupon, but didn't stick around for a replay because, well, the next stop was Monterey. I've played La Purisima 5-... Continue »

This was the first stop on my birthday golf trip to central CA. We played on the GK coupon, but didn't stick around for a replay because, well, the next stop was Monterey. I've played La Purisima 5-6 times over the past 10 years and always liked it. This time, not so much. It had rained over an inch a day before we arrived for our morning round on Sept. 12, so the rough was long and punishing, the grounds wet in spots, and many of the bunkers had standing water.

The course was in decent shape otherwise, although not as good as I remember it. In particular, the edges of the bunkers had not been trimmed in awhile, and grass was growing into them. The cart ran out of juice on the 14th hole and we had to summon a new one. Apparently the carts are old and it's not uncommon to die on the course. I realize the course is out in the middle of nowhere and probably has a tough time remaining solvent, so I chalk up the conditions to economic reality.

Course layout is generally pretty good, but there are a few quirky holes. The course played much different than a typical SoCal course because the rough was much thicker than the drought-tolerant courses I'm used to playing. I had a heck of a time hitting out of it, and used my driver sparingly because the penalty for missing the fairway was too high.

For the low handicapper this is a good challenge, but for me, well, it was just too difficult.

Got out today using the GK Coupon $47 Unlimited Golf with a cart and a small bucket of balls.
Couldn't ask for a better day of golf, light wind, sunny, on a course that is kept in emaculate shape fro... Continue »

Got out today using the GK Coupon $47 Unlimited Golf with a cart and a small bucket of balls.
Couldn't ask for a better day of golf, light wind, sunny, on a course that is kept in emaculate shape from the practice tee's to the practice greens.
They have a chipping area as well as a sand trap to practice all your shots of which you will need them all. The course is rated 129.
For the most part the course was wide open, we did catch up to a group at the 13th but quickly lost them as they moved on where we never saw them again.
Tee boxes were excellent, fairways were cut nice with a few patches here and there, the rough is indeed rough at 3 to 4 inches where your balls drops down into it nicely causing you to club up one or two clubs.
Sand traps, and I saw a bunch of them, where in excellent shape as well. Nice and fluffy with a few a little wet still from the morning springkling they gave the course.
The greens are what you come to this course for, they are professional quality running fast.
I would say at least a easy 10 possibly up to an 11 on the stimp meter. Keeping the ball below the hole is a must.
Lots of greens undulate so you got a fast put that is breaking minature golf style taking lots of skill.
I one putted 10 of the 27 holes we played with the average putt being 8 to 10 feet.
I love fast greens.
I learned to golf on this course so it holds a real special place in my heart. It is well worth the drive if you are in the area.

Very busy at La Purisima. I normally don't play here on holiday weekends even though I am a players club member and they have a July 4th weekend members tournament. That is tomorrow. It was stacked to... Continue »

Very busy at La Purisima. I normally don't play here on holiday weekends even though I am a players club member and they have a July 4th weekend members tournament. That is tomorrow. It was stacked today. In fact, so stacked I played 12 holes and called it quits. Too slow and my game got affected. Well it's probably me. I'm so used to coming out at irregular times that prime time holiday is a shock. But this courses DESERVES AND EARNS heavy traffic. An absolute gem and I'm thrilled to call it my home course. Among the best anywhere. It's just awesome, so I'll be back. Again, again and again.

Played 5/27, 5/28...a joy to play as usual, staff is one of the best, Stacey especially, be careful, her 5 year old son Alex will clean your clock on the putting green, he is just priceless, now, fo... Continue »

Played 5/27, 5/28...a joy to play as usual, staff is one of the best, Stacey especially, be careful, her 5 year old son Alex will clean your clock on the putting green, he is just priceless, now, for the golf, LaPurisima is pure golf, this course will let you know the shape of your golf game, every shot is needed to negotiate your way around...greens conditions are some of the best I have played this year, some wear, and tear on the tees and fairways, but, that is normal. play early, if possible, the wind makes this course a monster to finish on...the only negative comment is the conditions of the bunkers, wet, hard, mud-like , like General MacArthur said,"I shall return"...stay healthy ,drive safely, CGG...

Played 4-22 and 23 2017, both days teeing off around 9:30 and finishing in about 5 hours. Conditions of the course are still very good. Tees, fairways and rough are all lush with some minor bare spots... Continue »

Played 4-22 and 23 2017, both days teeing off around 9:30 and finishing in about 5 hours. Conditions of the course are still very good. Tees, fairways and rough are all lush with some minor bare spots that are filling in. Bunkers in good shape with some small rocks that can be removed under local rule. Greens were in great shape, rolling fast and smooth and holding well struck shots. Fun, challenging course in a beautiful setting.

Played La Purisima Golf Course Monday along with 5 other GK Review Gurus. Super time with those guys. Teed it up around 8:15am in the morning and finished in just over 4 hours. Started off chilly but ... Continue »

Played La Purisima Golf Course Monday along with 5 other GK Review Gurus. Super time with those guys. Teed it up around 8:15am in the morning and finished in just over 4 hours. Started off chilly but warmed up quick. Wind was projected in the forecast but it never came. Even without the wind, the course dished out some punishment on me as I did not bring a solid game. What a challenge and unique beautiful experience this course is. The surrounding landscape and peaceful seclusion captivates you from the start. This is beautiful piece of property. I posted a bunch of photos that do more to describe the course than I can in words.

As far as conditions, fantastic. Some of the best conditions I have personally experienced at La Purisima. The rain this season, and they just got even more rain Thursday 4/13, has made the fairways, rough and tee boxes lush and playing beautifully. The greens were NOT aerated this Spring and were smooth/fast/holding shots. The rough was a little spotty at times with some thin spots and variation in height but nothing to complain about. Bunkers rugged around the edges but quality, thick texture sand that was fun to hit from.

Regarding the staff, very professional, friendly and easy going. The make you feel very welcome.

The facilities have a big well stocked proshop, grass driving range, practice chipping area and outstanding practice putting green. The restaurant is known for its tri-tip sandwich and has a full menu to choose from. They appeared a bit understaffed on Monday in the restaurant causing an unexpected long delay on orders so we had to pass on time restraints from eating there. Looked like the person working the register was also doing the cooking. In the past, I’ve seen a cook and register person. Next time for sure.

Overall Highly Recommended.

On Monday, April 10th I had the opportunity to play a round of golf with Greenskeeper buddies and Johnny. Our tee time was at 8:00 AM. The weather was perfect and it was not to windy. This was my fir... Continue »

On Monday, April 10th I had the opportunity to play a round of golf with Greenskeeper buddies and Johnny. Our tee time was at 8:00 AM. The weather was perfect and it was not to windy. This was my first time playing La Purísima Golf Course and boy I was on for a challenge. The golf course is in great chape. The fair ways are in excellent conditions, the tees were in good condition as well with a few that weren't to flash and the ball was either above or below your feet. I really liked the greens they were in excellent shape and the ball was rolling beautiful. In my opinion they were to fast and hard to read. Over all I had a fabulous time and I will give 8.5 over all score to La Purísima Golf course.

Played the Blues (6670/73.1/136) with GK Guru's Gary & Pedro in brisk, breezy early morning conditions that warmed up to quite pleasant by the conclusion of the round. We played in around 4.5 H and en... Continue »

Played the Blues (6670/73.1/136) with GK Guru's Gary & Pedro in brisk, breezy early morning conditions that warmed up to quite pleasant by the conclusion of the round. We played in around 4.5 H and enjoyed the surroundings. The tees were above average with adequate coverage. Several are crowned but only the par 3's needed divot repair. Only #3 (coots) was in poor shape. The rough was lush, thick and punitive. Forget advancing clubs their regular distance out of this stuff. Much thicker than most So Cal courses, tough to chip out of or hit the longer clubs necessary to reach the green if you miss the fairway here. The sand traps were nicely maintained with thick sand. The large greens were mostly smooth, putted medium fast speed and held approach shots well. Only #2 (coots) was not in well above average condition. Biggest negative is that there is no GPS on the carts and this is one of the poorest marked courses for yardage I have ever played. The customer service was excellent from everyone encountered. No drink cart, but adequate water on the course. Fun, very demanding layout. Love that there are zero houses anywhere close and all the old oak trees around the course. I get beat up by this course every time I play here but still enjoy the experience. Recommended = Yes.