Golf Course Review Teal Bend Golf Club Sacramento California
Reviewed by: michaelko, Elk Grove, CA
Golf Playing Conditions 8.40 GREAT
Played Thanksgiving day, 8am shotgun. After about 15 straight hours of rain that let up about 6am, we played in a crisp, cool sunny morning, with a slight breeze. I’ve always said the course drains really really well, and the course was 80% dry.
Some areas of rough were sloppy, but far and few between. Some standing water in about 30% of the bunkers. Greens were perfect, a little on the slow end, but faster than you would think… slow 10 maybe on the stimp. They are doing bunker construction, so about 10-15 bunkers are Ground Under Repair (GUR.)
Golf Course Review Torrey Pines Golf Course SOUTH San Diego California
Reviewed by: Clambake, La Jolla
Playing Conditions 7.04 GREAT
Course is in very good to excellent condition.
Tee boxes good. Fairways are green and lush, and they have the grass a bit longer so not a lot of roll. Rough is starting to be punishing again – it’s very lush and they’re growing it a bit longer, and our group had a number of lost balls even though we had a good idea where the ball went into the deep stuff. Greens are very good, and were soft enough to hold longer shots in but rolled quite true and quickly.
Only issue was the green side bunkers, where they’re over-watering everything around the greens and as a result all the bunkers we were in were very hard sand that was packed together. Fairway bunkers were soft and fluffy but the green side bunkers were hard and firm, just the opposite of what one would like.
If they get the grounds crew in work the sand better, the course would be in the best shape I’ve seen it outside of what the PGA players get to enjoy.
Golf Course Review Avery Ranch Golf Club Austin Texas
Reviewed by: kviser, Saugus, CA
Golf Playing Conditions 7.25 GREAT
On vacation in Austin and found an early morning tee time online, $39.00 riding at 7:03 a.m. As I drove up the last block to the course, the “ice” warning came on the dash of my rental vehicle. I could see the range to my right and it was frosted over. Course employee tells me 9:00. I stick around for breakfast in the grill and wait. At 8:30 I see golfers scrambling so I jump in line. Going off the back nine, the starter at hole 10 lets me jump a foursome right away as I’m a single. Everything is dormant here. All Bermuda grass course, including the greens.
The Review
Greens: They say they are double cut daily and the greens did roll nicely. Mostly good surfaces with only a handful of ball marks and some old cups healing in and some scalped cups. Hard to heal Bermuda grass when overnight temps drop into the 30’s.
Fairways: Nice to hit from, except the few areas that had excess water due to leaking sprinklers or just thin turf.
Rough: It was a mixture of 2” deep fluff, nicely mowed 1.5” (+/-) primary cut, and no-no areas like dirt, rocks, or mulch. I found it all.
Tee boxes: I played the whites. Those were more beat up than the others. The tips were pristine. Blues were nice, too. All were level and easy to find a good spot.
Bunkers: I visited a few bunkers. The sand was nice, light-colored, and soft. Many were wet and the front nine had deer tracks aplenty. Deep tracks. It was deer city on the front nine this morning. A recurring theme was a lot of small rocks. Maybe some new liners are needed.
My Thoughts
Overall, I liked the layout and the beautiful oak tree lined fairways. The grounds and clubhouse facilities look very upscale. The snack bar seemed reasonably priced and the food was okay. The employees were very nice and courteous. Kudos to the starter who got me out ahead of some slower foursomes. Three hour pace of play? Yes, please! I’m sure that’s only for the early birds. I’d like to play this course again when it’s green.
Reviewed by: mpisarski01, Costa Mesa
DATE OF PLAY- 11/26
TIME – 9:30
WEATHER – 55° 10-15 MPH WINDS
Playing Conditions 8.48 GREAT
I was lucky enough to join Alex326 when his partner could not join him yesterday. I arrived about 1 hour early so I could enjoy their fantastic breakfast and the eggs Benedict did not disappoint. From the moment you arrive you are treated with world class service and amenities. From the valet to the personalized locker tags, they make you feel like a VIP.
As almost every review states the practice facility is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. There is a large waterfall starting at the top of the mountain and winds its way through the practice facility and ends up going right through the clubhouse. We were pair up with a nice fella from Wisconsin and went out with our Caddie Mike about 10 minuets early.
The Review
As for course conditions they were to be expected for a 5 star facility like Cascata. Lush and level tee’s with multiple sets to choose from and we played the 6200 whites due to the wind.
Fairway’s were all perfect almost carpet like on every hole. Most of the fairways had large landing areas and have a nice 3 foot first cut around them. You do need to be mindful of some well placed bunkers ranging from 180-280 yards from the tee’s. There are a few holes with creeks running through them which Mike was spot on with best distances to hit to.
Rough was 2-4 inches thick and penal which made for some fun times. Our caddie was very helpful in finding our wayward shots. Be mindful that some of the bunker collars are the nastiest rough I have ever encountered.
Greens were running at a medium/fast pace and were firm but would hold well struck shots and even allow spin from bunkers and pitches. While the greens didn’t have a distinct one color look they all putted great and consistent. Putting can be very confusing on this course if you ignore your caddie there were a few holes that looked like a uphill putt but due to the valley and the way the mountains are set were actually down hill. Our Caddie Mike was right on the money for speed and normally within at least a ball or two on all breaks. To bad I am a poor putter because I could have done some damage on these greens. I did have a 45 foot putt drop though so that made my day.
The only thing I could nit pick about Cascata is the Bunkers. Most are firm and filled with small stones which I imaging is a tough task being in the desert and with the winds swirling all day. The good news is that Mike mentioned that they are getting new Sand next years so this course will be 10’s across the board.
Final Thought
If you are ever planning a trip out to Las Vegas please make sure to come out to Cascata because you will not be disappointed. I know rates can be steep but it is much better to spend an entire day here rather than lose the same amount on the craps tables in 1 hour.
Golf Course Review Reflection Bay Golf Club Henderson Nevada
Reviewed by: Alex326, Monterey, Ca
Playing Conditions 7.15 GREAT
After taking a rest day yesterday I was itching to get out and play today. Mpisarski01 coordinated with Kevbig to get us an early tee time at Reflection Bay. I showed up in my best Tiger Woods impersonation outfit but Kevbig came prepared and was rocking some cool golf themed socks that were a tribute to Jack Nicklaus who I believed designed the course. Well played Kevin!
The Review
The course layout is great with a number of the holes being right on the water of Lake Las Vegas. The course also has a number of elevation changes throughout the journey to add to the fun factor.
If I remember right only the 1st and 10th holes parallel each other. All others are either separated by rock inlets or the natural terrain of the hillside. Thankfully Kevbig was with us to give us the inside knowledge of the course as there are a lot of doglegs and strategic layup shots mixed in with the grip it and rip it holes.
To me the greens were rolling a tad bit on the slow side, but this might of just been because the last two courses I played on had fast and lightning fast greens. Greens at Reflection Bay rolled smooth and easily held well struck approach shots. There were a number of pitch marks in the greens but most had been repaired properly so they didn’t effect putts.
Tee boxes, fairways, and sand traps were all in nice shape (above average). Customer service was excellent with the cart gal coming around several times throughout the round.
Pro shop has a nice selection of soft goods. There is a bar/restaurant that overlooks the 18th hole and the lake.
Parting Thought
Even though I had 8 penalty strokes on the front 9 alone (0 on the back) the course was a blast to play.
WOW what a fantastic course! My buddy hurt his back and had to skip out so hit up MPisarski01 who was more than happy to join me for an awesome round.
Conditions were a solid 9 all around. This place is absolutely awesome! Kevbig summed up the initial experience perfectly in That you go through a private gate, get your car parked by the valet who also takes care of your clubs. The entrance is the best bar none. There’s a waterfall that comes off the mountain and down into, through then under the clubhouse.
After checking in, I headed to the locker room where I had a locker with my own name plate on it. It’s a good thing I was decked out in my Ryder Cup outfit to look the part. Lol. Locker room has full amenities ( TV’s, shower, razors, waters, etc). Our caddie was decent. He had his hands full keeping track of 3 of us and did a decent job. When there’s three players it’s hard for him to take care of everyone’s clubs so the single player got more of that service than we did.
Course is so fun you forget how challenging it actually is. Uphill tee shots are into the wind but downhill tee shots are with the wind and oh so FUN!
Greens were nice and fast with minimal undulations.
Definitely a top notch facility well worth playing!
Golf Course Review El Dorado Park Golf Course Long Beach California
Reviewed by: sd3bs, Temecula, CA
Golf Playing Conditions 5.95 GOOD
Played a few weeks back during the week. Thought it would be a little less busy. HA! They were about 45 minutes behind already at 8 am – not a good sign. Any course that routinely books five-somes is never going to be on time or have any quick rounds midday.
The tee boxes were all very level with fairly good coverage. All of the fairways had pretty good coverage with the exception of a couple on the back nine. The rough was not very rough and missing on several holes. The bunkers were in very good condition with semi hard packed sand. The greens were somewhat bumpy but rolled very quick and true. The greens have many hard to see breaks for the first timers here. The course is lined with trees and a few hidden water hazards with a few good doglegs. The overall conditions are good for a course that gets so much play – just would be nice to quicken the pace of play.
Recommended at least once if you enjoy six hour rounds of watching other groups play!
Upcoming GK Plays at OMNI La Costa resort & Spa — LEGENDS Course– this Saturday December 8, 2018.
Our Rams Hills outing is currently sold out. Want to play some golf with like-minded golfers? Consider joining us at La Costa Resort & Spa and play the Legends Course. Enjoy the holiday season with a round of golf when the course is at it’s peak. Click HERE to find out additional information and claim your spot to play La Costa Resort & Spa.
Latest Course Review
OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa LEGENDS
leef2020
Posted: 10/28/18 1:58p
OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad California GK Plays
Member Since: Mar 26, 2016
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Found a great $60+fee deal on GolfNow, with a 1:52 tee time on Sat., 10/27. Free range balls at your leisure. Teed off 15 minutes late, behind a group of 4 juniors (8-12 yrs) with their parents driving/coaching. Dreadfully slow for two holes, they then picked up the pace after some encouragement no doubt from the marshals. The youngsters were pretty good, just too much coaching! Wasn’t expecting we’d get all 18 in, but we did, just under last light, with POP at 4hrs 10mins.
The Review
Cart-path only on the entire course, as they are still keeping the course fairly damp post punching and over-seeding. Course was closed for a month, and was evidently just opened a week ago.
Tees were very green, lush and level, but a bit soft. Fairways were lush, green and few divots to contend with. Good lies throughout. Rough was long and a nightmare – a mix of large areas of kikuyu and something else. Penal and tough to hit from, but even harder to find balls, unless you were within 5-10 feet, as they would sit down. The three guys I played with were 300-yard bombers, and probably lost over 15 balls total, with most of them just being lost in the rough somewhere!
Sand quality was great, but players ahead seemed to think a sand-butler would come by and rake their tracks, as at least 10 bunkers were un-raked. Pretty sad, really.
Greens were pretty good, but not fantastic. Several were lightly sanded, but all showed no signs of the punching. Receptive and held shots well. Rolled smooth and medium-fast. Way too many freshly unrepaired ball marks, however.
The 3 guys I played with all were riding the Phat Cycles. They loved them and looked like a lot of fun. Too bad it was CPO. Only downside of those things is that there is no GPS on them, which for first-timers on the course, you don’t get to see water hazards, etc.
Parting Thought
Great, friendly service all around. From free valet-parking to start, check-in and final club-drop off. Nice bar/lounge with super-huge TV to watch the Dodgers blow a ‘sure-fire’ win in game 4 in the World Series. 😉
