Posted on October 12, 2019October 9, 2019 by Vic Flores

Golf Course Review Spanish Bay Golf Links Pebble Beach California

Spanish Bay Golf Links

Golf Course Review Spanish Bay Golf Links Pebble Beach California

Reviewed by: Alex326, Monterey, Ca

Weather this week has been absolutely gorgeous here in the peninsula. Today was no exception. Teed off a little after 10:30 in perfect warm sunny weather. Where as last time out at Spanish Bay, I never saw the sun, today was the complete opposite. Wind did kick up for the last few holes but when you’re out on the open ocean, that’s to be expected. Course was perfect and apparently the word got out as it was packed. Even Spyglass up the hill which had recently aerated their greens was super busy. I had to wait for a spot on the range.

Back down to Spanish Bay and even with the busy course we managed to finish in 4.5 hours which is good for these courses. Condition wise, the track is in perfect shape right now. Greens are a 9.5. Perfectly smooth, divot free, and held well struck shots. They rolled at a medium fast face. Could have been a touch faster but that’s nitpicking. Greens at Spanish Bay are large but have several undulations and severe slopes. Being on the right tier is key.

Fairways were also near perfect. Easily a 9 if not a 10. Dark green and lush without a thin or brown spot to be found on the course. First cut of rough is manageable. Lush and only about 2-3” thick. After that and you’re in native no mans land.

Tee boxes were level, lush and also fairly divot free. I had my weekly quota of bunkers on Friday so I’m happy to say I avoided ALL greenside bunkers. Was in two fairway bunkers and both were fine.

With ocean views on 16 of the holes and solid conditions all around, it’s a definite must play. I took a ton of pictures and posted them on the GK App.

Posted on October 11, 2019October 10, 2019 by Vic Flores

Golf Course Review Rancho San Marcos Golf Course Santa Barbara California

Rancho San Marcos Golf Course

Golf Course Review Rancho San Marcos Golf Course Santa Barbara California

Reviewed by: S_Smith, Danville, CA

RSM went through some tough years during the drought and it’s good to see the course coming back. It’s been greener this year but still looks and plays OK.

They have always maintained the greens well and today was no exception. As noted, the course is a bit on the brown side now, which is not unusual this time of year, but it doesn’t affect play much. There are some hard-pan areas in a few fairways where you get a nice kick and run. So, some maintenance is still due. The main issue is the tee boxes. They’re in the worst shape I can remember. Many are hard, players not fixing divots, and some not even level. I’ve never seen that state of condition before. To my recollection they were always near perfect.

Based on conditions today, I wouldn’t go full-rate on this course. About the best you can do is $59 on Mon – Thurs, which is a great deal. Weekend afternoons are $75 riding with range balls and that’s about the break point. I wouldn’t go at a higher rate.

It pains me to say anything negative about this course because I love it. The design is awesome, the challenge is good, and the entire operation is first-rate. I’m confident it will get back to its former condition soon.

Rancho San Marcos Golf Course Santa Barbara California GK Coupon

Posted on October 10, 2019October 8, 2019 by Vic Flores

Golf Course Review Sterling Hills Golf Club Camarillo California

Sterling Hills Golf Club

Golf Course Review Sterling Hills Golf Club Camarillo California

Reviewed by: rgm2525, chatsworth

Played 10-3-19 with John early morning as a twosome for $31 including cart, (GK coupon, great deal) and getting around in about three hours.

Tee boxes were in good condition, nice coverage overall with some needing to be cut a little lower.

Fairways overall were in okay shape, they are still a work in progress but each time I come back here I see improvement.

Rough is good and bad some nice, some bare, and some thick.

Was not in any bunkers but they looked okay.

Greens were in good shape, mostly semi-soft with some firmer spots, rolling pretty good at medium pace.

Like seeing the improvements they are making here.

Sterling Hills Golf Club Eat & Play GK Coupon Camarillo California

Posted on October 9, 2019October 8, 2019 by Vic Flores

Golf Course Review Wolf Creek Golf Club Mesquite Nevada

Wolf Creek Golf Club

Golf Course Review Wolf Creek Golf Club Mesquite Nevada

ALERT: Overseeding
Will be overseeding 9/3 – 9/19, reopening 9/20 and likely cart path only for 2-3 weeks.
* Although Greenskeeper.org researches all alerts before posting, we ask that you please contact the golf course for confirmation.

Reviewed by: dartam3536, Port Washington ny

I have never played this course but heard from some buddies that this is a must play. So I made a tee time on a recent trip to Vegas and drove up to Mesquite. First of all the drive isn’t bad at all it’s a straight shot up 15. Driving in the parking lot didn’t look all impressive as by buddies said however I entered the huge golf shop with tons of cool stuff. Sure it was expensive but what top golf course offers a logo shirt for $50.

I then saw a video of the course on a welcome area TV and got a glimpse of a hole from the restaurant. All of a sudden I couldn’t get to the first tee fast enough.

Got to the first tee and stood 150ft over the first fairway – what a freaking view! I could comment on every hole but honestly you have to see it for yourself. Every hole was a blast to play. Elevations, canyons and did I mention unbelievable conditions. How do they keep this place so pristine? I saw some mowers permanently stationed on some tee boxes.

I’ve played some of the most iconic private clubs in NY. The uniqueness and shear enjoyment of this place is second to none. I am not one to gloat but this place is just that cool. This club is all 10s. Will be back with at least 4 friends. I am sure they will buy me dinner after I introduce them to wolf creek.

Posted on October 6, 2019October 2, 2019 by Vic Flores

Golf Course Review Eagle Vines Golf Club Napa California

Eagle Vines Golf Club

Golf Course Review Eagle Vines Golf Club Napa California

Reviewed by: Deepsea14, Granite Bay
Played 10/1 in great weather conditions in tournament format. Paired with 3 similar players who had not played course before. I had one round experience a few years back.

The Review

The course is interesting design layout with a challenging par 5 to open and par 3 2nd with water left and long at about 150 yds. Water hazards plentiful and the course winds through the vineyards of Napa and along Route 12 on the front 9. The 8th hole takes you to the clubhouse area and snack bar then the last 10 holes are played.
Greens in good shape rolling true at medium speed and not many ball marks. A few were a bit sparse but very puttable.

Tee boxes good shape and fairways too. The rough 3″+ in some areas lower in others. Bunkers inconsistent some had a lot of soft sand others a bit hard and damp. I had to adapt and hit different type shots depending on lie. One ball fried egged for another player in group.

No GPS and reference to course map helpful for some holes with doglegs. A sister course to nearby Chardonnay GC and the courses merge at one point separated by a split rail fence on the cart path. Island green 14th hole interesting with elevated tee and your ready for the undulated green after putting the 13th with it’s more severe levels. Fun course ample landing areas on most 4 and 5’s, for swing away drives.

Final Thoughts

Driving range small, irons only sign posted. No beverage cart this day. Bar has 5 tap choices and $2 tacos on Tuesday also tasty.

Recommended

Posted on October 5, 2019September 30, 2019 by Vic Flores

Golf Course Review Olivas Links Ventura California

Olivas Links

Golf Course Review Olivas Links Ventura California

Reviewed by: GDR23, Thousand Oaks
7.23

Rode on 9/23/2019 with RGM2525. After not playing for 3 weeks thought I would be rusty but ended up with a 69.(Maybe need to play less?) 26 putts and perfect playing conditions other than a slight wind had lot’s to do with that. Our POP was 3 hours 30 minutes doing some waiting for some groups ahead.

Greens were in nice shape, soft and receptive as usual. Rolling medium speed. Had number 3 pin placement that afternoon so some pins were tucked and challenging. 7.5/10

Fairways are just flat out awesome for late Sept. Semi lush to lush in almost all portions. Green and great lies. 8 to 8.5/10

Tees lush, level and in good shape. 8.5/10

Rough cut uniform, nice green shape, semi-penal. Outside of the cart paths its lost ball city. 8/10

Was not in any bunkers but they looked to be there perfect raked self with mostly white marble like sand.

Fringes mowed and in great shape.

Fun layout, very good golf conditions. Great staff and weather and very nicely priced. I can see why this course is so popular and becoming even more popular. Go play. Recommended.

Posted on October 4, 2019September 30, 2019 by Vic Flores

Golf Course Review Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club Mission Viejo

Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

Golf Course Review Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club Mission Viejo

Reviewed by: trevorbmeyer, Mission Viejo, CA

The greens were great today, they played very true. It can be irritating when greens are too fast or too slow, so it was great to have them play perfect and completely reliable. This is how it should be, I just read them.

The fairways were great, not perfect, but great. Unfortunately, the biggest boo-hoo about the fairways were the burrowing from the crows.

Also, there are some brown spots throughout the fairways, but it didn’t affect play, they looked brownish, but it was not dirt patches or anything like that, just brow & green grass mixed together.

The course played great. The course is challenging to be sure, but it was in great playing condition. Great greens. And as always, the customer service is excellent, everywhere at the club, from club drop off to O’Neill’s Restaurant (delicious food too).

Posted on October 3, 2019September 29, 2019 by Vic Flores

Golf Course Review the Ridge Castle Rock Colorado

The Ridge

Golf Course Review the Ridge Castle Rock Colorado

Reviewed by: roarksown1, Playa del Rey
Round two of my yearly Colorado trip found me and three work colleagues at the Ridge at Castle Pines North. This is quite simply one of the best municipal courses you’re going to find anywhere. It’s absolutely a private club experience but made for all to experience. I contend that the back nine at The Ridge is as scenic, fun and challenging as just about any other comparably priced course in the land.

The Review

After a solid session on the practice range (balls are provided with the greens fee), you’ll find a course that is pretty top condition from tee to green. Once again, lush fairways and rough will provide fantastic hitting surfaces throughout your round. Greens are running at a very nice 10.5 to 11 and smooth as can be on almost every hole. The bunkers are in very nice condition, and the tee boxes are mostly level and healthy with the one exception of the scenic cliff top 18th hole tee box that every golfer challenges himself on. There is a massive rut in the middle of the small perched tee box that needs to seriously be fixed.

In terms of layout, it’s pretty terrific. Elevations galore, water features, clever and difficult bunkering, some tight holes and some wide open fairways, and many different ways to attack each hole which makes for some fun and creative play from the first hole to the last.

The Final Thought

It’s just a blast to play here, and right now it’s still a very good time to come out and hit the sticks.