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Golf Course Review Golf Club of California Fallbrook California

The Golf Club of California

Golf Course Review Golf Club of California Fallbrook California

Reviewed by: dconnally, Mission Viejo, CA

Kicked off 2019 at one of my favorites in northern San Diego County.  Used a GN Hot Deal for $33 at 1130 on 1/1/19. I hadn’t played since the La Costa GK outing and was trying out some new swing thoughts.  I was joined with Carlsbad locals Ralph and Chris, and we had a relaxed, enjoyable round in about 4 hours. It was pretty windy when we got started, but the blustery NE wind dropped to almost nothing by the time we reached the back nine, and we had perfect weather coming in.

The Review

Golf Playing Conditions 5.23 GOOD
Golf Playing Conditions 5.23 GOOD

The course is in decent shape. Greens were a mixed bag. Some were OK, some had light/dark areas scattered across them, some had large turf patches evident. Most were firm with good coverage, but all were bumpy and rolled at medium speed. With the windy weather there was a lot of small and large debris on all greens, but not too many ball marks.

Fairways are dormant and tight.  You get some good roll-outs downhill, but we also had good strikes rolling back toward us on the uphill holes – frustrating! Many unfilled divots in all the fairways. We liberally used the sand provided on the carts, but the refill rack on #10 tee was populated with empty bottles. There is only scattered use of entry/exit gates for carts onto fairways, and the entry areas being used are badly worn down and bare. Rough was generally cut low and easy to play from, but also wasn’t much of a deterrent for offline shots running on into hazards or other disasters.

There was plenty of sand in all bunkers encountered. Tees were level, and par-3 tees were not too torn up, divot mix provided on some of these. The course has also placed sand bottles on some par-4 tees, but all of these were empty when we came through.

Carts are basic – no GPS, a cooler with just ice. The carts did have a ball washer/club cleaner, which is handy. The driving range is on grass, but the left side of the hitting area is sloping behind a right-handed player. There are few targets; the ball machine was not working. The clock at the range is a nice touch, but it was not adjusted from daylight savings time. No cart girl today, and the snack bar is a drive from the playing route.

Parting Thoughts

I really enjoy the variety in this layout and the opportunity to let the driver rip on many elevated holes. As usual, #s 6 and 17 are beasts – all uphill.  That NE wind on #6 I still had a hybrid to reach the green after 2 solid shots! There’s a lot of trimmed and untrimmed debris lying around waiting to be cleaned up.  The main creek beds are choked with growth and debris, which would improve the aesthetics here but really doesn’t affect play. To decrease maintenance costs, the course is doing some turf conversions, primarily in the areas around tee boxes and leading out to fairways. They’ve replaced turf with crushed rock and the look takes some getting used to, but is effective.

Still recommended.

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WINNER Soule Park Golf Course #WorthTheGreenFee 2018 – Ventura County

Soule Park Golf Course Awarded Worth the Green Fee 2018 for Ventura County

Congratulations to Soule Park Golf Course winning Worth the Green Fee 2018 Award for Ventura County.

Worth the Green Fee,” unlike the Best Playing Conditions Award, is awarded to golf courses open to the public listed on Greenskeeper.org that stand out above the rest with our site users at providing a consistent, quality golf experience at an outstanding price.

Golf is expensive.  It doesn’t have to be.  All you have to know is where to play to get your best value and that’s something Greenskeeper.org excels.  In addition to helping golfers decide where to play their next round of golf based on reviews, ratings, and maintenance alerts, we’ve recently introduced our GK Coupons service to extend golf course deals directly to our golfing community.

How Awards Winners Are Determined

Golf Course reviews and ratings submitted by our 72,000+ Greenskeeper.org community are tabulated over 12 months. Winners are determined for each area.

We divide awards into 11 sections —  Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Palm Springs Area, San Diego County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, Southern California, Central California, Northern California and Southern Nevada.

Greenskeeper.Org For the Good of the Game Award 2017 by the CGCOA
Greenskeeper.Org For the Good of the Game Award 2017 by the CGCOA

Editor’s Note:  Johnny GK and Greenskeeper.Org has been recognized by the California Golf Course Owners Association as Good for the Game of Golf in 2017.  Shows you that both golfers and golf course operators understand the benefit of working with Greenskeeper.Org.  We are the RESOURCE where avid and casual golfers come to make their decision where to play their next round.  “Know Before You Go”® with Greenskeeper.Org.  You’ll be glad you did.

Soule Park Golf Course

GDR23
Posted: 11/12/18 5:01p
Member Since: Mar 21, 2006
From: Thousand Oaks
Walked the Oak Tees this morning 11/12/2018 teeing off at 10am joined by a very nice couple. Our POP was 4 hrs 50 minutes on a holiday which wasn’t too bad. Weather was perfect around 70-75 degrees with hardly any wind. Fantastic staff here, great prices(paid $25.00) to walk and a very fun layout created by the Olympic Course architect Gil Hanse. Always a very peaceful vibe up here in Ojai with beautiful mountain backdrops.

The Review

Golf Playing Conditions 8.23 GREAT
Golf Playing Conditions 8.23 GREAT

The greens were very quick and in great shape. They were supposed to receive maintenance last week but they did not and other than 1/2 of number 1 green on the right side being punched all the greens were fast, smooth and holding irons beautifully. Staff should be commended. Fairways are still nice and full and lush, mostly all green, no problem areas and for this late in the golf season that’s awesome. The tees were mostly all lush, some need leveling, but for the most part great shape. The rough was in decent shape, some lush parts and some semi-lush spots. I was in 2 green-side bunkers and they had super soft beach sand that you really need to thump the ball to get out. All bunkers looked well maintained and raked.

Parting Thought

You can really tell that the new management is really putting a lot of effort into the course. On number 12 just right of the green under the trees they have re-sodded a big area that used to be dirt, looks fantastic. Would highly recommend Soule Park.

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WINNER Ojai Valley Inn Golf Course #BestPlayingConditions 2018 – Ventura County

Ojai Valley Inn Golf Course Best Playing Conditions 2018 - Ventura County

Congratulations to Ojai Valley Inn Golf Course Winner of 2018 Best Playing Conditions for Ventura County.

Congratulations to all the great golf courses out there that won Best Playing Conditions for their Region.  Haven’t thought of playing there?  Consider this a wake up call and give their golf course a try.

Ojai Valley Inn Golf Course 2018 Winner Best Playing Conditions for Ventura County

Greenskeeper.Org presents the winner for 2018 Best Playing Conditions in Ventura to Ojai Valley Inn Golf Course.

We’ve waited all year for the results, and the results are in.  Greenskeeper.org proudly presents it’s Best Playing Conditions Awards for 2018.

Not to be confused with our other award “Worth the Green Fee,” “Best Playing Conditions” is awarded to golf courses open to the public listed on Greenskeeper.org that stand out above the rest with our site users.  These golf courses distinguish themselves by providing consistent, exceptional playing conditions.

The job of the superintendent is the life blood of the golf course industry and most important contributing factor to enjoying a golf experience.  A golf course is a living, breathing organism whose health is constantly in flux.  It takes enormous dedication, resources and expertise by a superintendent and their staff to provide excellent turf conditions.

Greenskeeper.org’s registered trademark and creed, “Know Before You Go”®, centers on communicating these current playing conditions. The rating system used on Greenskeeper.org is in part created by superintendents.  Greenskeeper.org views it’s Best Playing Conditions Awards as it’s highest honors.

Want to treat yourself to some choice conditions?  Want and experience you can remember?  Consider playing at one of these great golf courses in your area.

Click HERE for our previous article:  “Best Playing Conditions for 2017.”

Ojai Valley Inn Golf Course

Burcham5
Posted: 01/03/19 9:31p
Member Since: Aug 25, 2018
From: Valencia

Golf Playing Conditions 8.08 GREAT
Golf Playing Conditions 8.08 GREAT

Took the hour drive to Ojai.

Today’s conditions definitely made up for yesterday at Knollwood. Today was absolutely perfect. Yesterday we almost died from hypothermia, today high 60’s with no wind.  Pace of Play (POP) a little over 4 hours only because we caught the foursome of millennials that started 4 holes ahead of us. On a side note, if you are a beginner the blue tees aren’t for you and there are others on the planet, not just you.

Back to the review, course was fantastic. Staff is top notch, best I’ve had in awhile. Course was in great shape, tee boxes level, fairways lush, sand great and greens were perfect. I would highly recommend this course and I will definitely be back. The Ventura, Santa Barbara area is really underrated as far as golf is concerned. It really is worth a golf trip if you aren’t local. Rustic Canyon, Moorpark CC, Olivas Links, Glenn Annie and Ojai are spectacular courses that won’t break the bank.

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Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Golf Course Hole 17 Tee Ojai, CA
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Golf Course Hole 17 Tee Ojai, CA

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Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Golf Course Hole 6 Ojai, CA
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Golf Course Hole 6 Ojai, CA

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Golf Course Review Oak Creek Golf Club Irvine California

Oak Creek Golf Club

Golf Course Review Oak Creek Golf Club Irvine California

Reviewed by: blakej824, Seal Beach, CA

Golf Playing Conditions 6.17 GOOD
Golf Playing Conditions 6.17 GOOD

Started my New Year with an AM round here. POP 4.5 hours, mostly due to the 25-30 mph wind that was making quick play impossible. It was a 3-4 club wind all day until around 17 when it finally started to die. Played with a nice couple who we’re on their 5th day in a row of golf (lucky husband). Staff all around was great as usual here.

Tee Boxes: 7/10. Even and plenty of coverage. Some divot repair needed on par 3s as always
Fairways: 6/10. Good lies all day with ok roll out. Brown and yellow mostly, but not thin.
Rough: 5/10. Hit or miss. In places it was thin with just dirt, and in others it was a club thick.
Bunkers: 5/10. Good sand, just way too much of it. I found it fine but other complained.
Greens: 8/10. They were pretty d%mn pure and the wind blew them out so good luck keeping downhill putts anywhere near the hole.

All and all, definitely worth the $69 I payed. Maybe even around $100. If you’ve never played it I would recommend. Great practice facility too (although you’ll have to sell a kidney for range balls).

Posted on

WINNER Santa Anita Golf Course #WorthTheGreenFee 2018 – Los Angeles County

Santa Anita Golf Course Worth the Green Fee 2018 - Los Angeles County

Santa Anita Golf Course Awarded Worth the Green Fee 2018 for LA County

Congratulations to Santa Anita Golf Course winning Worth the Green Fee 2018 Award for Los Angeles County.

Worth the Green Fee,” unlike the Best Playing Conditions Award, is awarded to golf courses open to the public listed on Greenskeeper.org that stand out above the rest with our site users at providing a consistent, quality golf experience at an outstanding price.

Golf is expensive.  It doesn’t have to be.  All you have to know is where to play to get your best value and that’s something Greenskeeper.org excels.  In addition to helping golfers decide where to play their next round of golf based on reviews, ratings, and maintenance alerts, we’ve recently introduced our GK Coupons service to extend golf course deals directly to our golfing community.

How Awards Winners Are Determined

Golf Course reviews and ratings submitted by our 72,000+ Greenskeeper.org community are tabulated over 12 months. Winners are determined for each area.

We divide awards into 11 sections —  Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Palm Springs Area, San Diego County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, Southern California, Central California, Northern California and Southern Nevada.

Greenskeeper.Org For the Good of the Game Award 2017 by the CGCOA
Greenskeeper.Org For the Good of the Game Award 2017 by the CGCOA

Editor’s Note:  Johnny GK and Greenskeeper.Org has been recognized by the California Golf Course Owners Association as Good for the Game of Golf in 2017.  Shows you that both golfers and golf course operators understand the benefit of working with Greenskeeper.Org.  We are the RESOURCE where avid and casual golfers come to make their decision where to play their next round.  “Know Before You Go”® with Greenskeeper.Org.  You’ll be glad you did.

Santa Anita Golf Course

weber
Posted: 12/31/18 12:37p
Member Since: Dec 4, 2002
From: coto de caza
Looked forward to playing my final round of 2018 at one of my favorite public courses. I have always enjoyed the rural feeling, the mountains in the background, and the rolling contours of the fairways.

Our foursome had the third time off at 6:45am. Not nearly as cold as expected or predicted. In fact it was quite pleasant, considering it is December 31st. Very nice pace of play, about 3 hours 40 minutes for our walking foursome. Never waited, never had anyone behind us, so played at a nice relaxed pace.

However the course is NOT in condition right now. The fairways were very thin, borderline mud in some areas. Numerous areas in the rough exhibited the same conditions and frequently around the greens, there were areas of just dirt – no grass what so ever. Pitching to these crowned greens off super thin/tight lies makes for one very difficult task. This combined with the fact that the greens were very firm (Due to the cold weather?) made for some tough short game challenge. Despite the firmness of the greens, there putted very slow? Found two bunkers and both had well maintained sand.

I’m hopeful that the warm spring/summer will return Santa Anita to better conditions. However the cost ($16.50) is such bargain, it’s difficult to be too disappointed with any kind of golf on New Years Eve. Happy New Year !!!

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Santa Anita Golf Course Arcadia California Senior GK Coupon
Santa Anita Golf Course Arcadia California Senior GK Coupon

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Santa Anita Golf Course Arcadia CA Hole 12
Santa Anita Golf Course Arcadia CA Hole 12

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WINNER Trump National Golf Club #BestPlayingConditions 2018 – Los Angeles County

Trump National Golf Club Best Playing Conditions 2018 - Los Angeles County

Congratulations to Trump National Golf Club Winner of 2018 Best Playing Conditions for Los Angeles County.

Congratulations to all the great golf courses out there that won Best Playing Conditions for their Region.  Haven’t thought of playing there?  Consider this a wake up call and give their golf course a try.

Trump National Golf Club 2018 Winner Best Playing Conditions for Los Angeles County

Greenskeeper.Org presents the winner for 2018 Best Playing Conditions in Los Angeles to Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.

We’ve waited all year for the results, and the results are in.  Greenskeeper.org proudly presents it’s Best Playing Conditions Awards for 2018.

Not to be confused with our other award “Worth the Green Fee,” “Best Playing Conditions” is awarded to golf courses open to the public listed on Greenskeeper.org that stand out above the rest with our site users.  These golf courses distinguish themselves by providing consistent, exceptional playing conditions.

The job of the superintendent is the life blood of the golf course industry and most important contributing factor to enjoying a golf experience.  A golf course is a living, breathing organism whose health is constantly in flux.  It takes enormous dedication, resources and expertise by a superintendent and their staff to provide excellent turf conditions.

Greenskeeper.org’s registered trademark and creed, “Know Before You Go”®, centers on communicating these current playing conditions. The rating system used on Greenskeeper.org is in part created by superintendents.  Greenskeeper.org views it’s Best Playing Conditions Awards as it’s highest honors.

Want to treat yourself to some choice conditions?  Want and experience you can remember?  Consider playing at one of these great golf courses in your area.

Click HERE for our previous article:  “Best Playing Conditions for 2017.”

Trump National Golf Club

rgm2525
Posted: 12/19/18 6:44p
Member Since: Jan 24, 2005
From: Chatsworth

Golf Playing Conditions 8.42 GREAT
Golf Playing Conditions 8.42 GREAT

Played 12-15-18 early morning as a twosome and finished in a little under 3 hours.

Tee boxes were very nice, good coverage, cut tight, and mostly level. Fairways were very nice and lush with great lies but not much roll out. Rough was in real good shape, not to long but thick and the ball would sit down at times. Was in three green-side bunkers all of which were a little thin and firm. Greens were in great shape, smooth fast and receptive to well struck shots.

Overall course is in great shape. Costumer service was great from arrival to departure. Fun, challenging, scenic course that for me gets a little repetitive on some of the holes.

Posted on

Golf Course Review San Clemente Golf course San Clemente California

San Clemente Golf Course

Golf Course Review San Clemente Golf Course San Clemente California

Reviewed by: weber, coto de caza

Golf Playing Conditions 6.48 GOOD
Golf Playing Conditions 6.48 GOOD

Woke up at my normal time (4am) and checked the temperature at Coto (36 degrees and getting colder as we approach sunrise) The easy decision – off to San Clemente. Good decision as I got off in the second group. A much more pleasant 45 degrees according to the car )

Paired with three other seniors who rode ( I walked) Never waited for that first group out so it worked out perfectly. Decent pace at 3 hours 40 minutes.

Greens were good, quick due to the cold conditions, and firm at times. Good coverage on the fairways, plenty of well raked sand in the bunkers. Some areas in the rough could use attention, but still playable.

Nice to know that there is always at least one golf course that never has a frost delay.

Posted on

WINNER Black Gold Golf Club #WorthTheGreenFee 2018 – Orange County

Black Gold Golf Club Worth the Green Fee 2018 - Orange County

Black Gold Golf Club Awarded Worth the Green Fee 2018 for Orange County

Congratulations to Black Gold Golf Club winning Worth the Green Fee 2018 Award for Orange County.

Worth the Green Fee,” unlike the Best Playing Conditions Award, is awarded to golf courses open to the public listed on Greenskeeper.org that stand out above the rest with our site users at providing a consistent, quality golf experience at an outstanding price.

Golf is expensive.  It doesn’t have to be.  All you have to know is where to play to get your best value and that’s something Greenskeeper.org excels.  In addition to helping golfers decide where to play their next round of golf based on reviews, ratings, and maintenance alerts, we’ve recently introduced our GK Coupons service to extend golf course deals directly to our golfing community.

How Awards Winners Are Determined

Golf Course reviews and ratings submitted by our 72,000+ Greenskeeper.org community are tabulated over 12 months. Winners are determined for each area.

We divide awards into 11 sections —  Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Palm Springs Area, San Diego County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, Southern California, Central California, Northern California and Southern Nevada.

Greenskeeper.Org For the Good of the Game Award 2017 by the CGCOA
Greenskeeper.Org For the Good of the Game Award 2017 by the CGCOA

Editor’s Note:  Johnny GK and Greenskeeper.Org has been recognized by the California Golf Course Owners Association as Good for the Game of Golf in 2017.  Shows you that both golfers and golf course operators understand the benefit of working with Greenskeeper.Org.  We are the RESOURCE where avid and casual golfers come to make their decision where to play their next round.  “Know Before You Go”® with Greenskeeper.Org.  You’ll be glad you did.

Black Gold Golf Club

slicer
Posted: 12/20/18 5:21p
Member Since: Feb 11, 2004
From: HB

Golf Playing Conditions 7.35 GREAT
Golf Playing Conditions 7.35 GREAT

Played today 12/20. It’s been many months since we last played here due to the high green fees. However this is one of our favorite courses and thanks to management for offering specials, which allows us to economically play this course several times a year.

The course in very nice condition from the greens to the bunkers. Greens were smooth and rolled medium to fast. Bunkers had nice fluffy sand, a little wet but easy to hit out off. Today the pins were placed in difficult sections of the greens and shot placement was a must or you rolled off the greens. Challenging but always fun. This course can get punishing if you tend to slice or pull your shots, bets to hit then straight.

Round started out slow as we followed a slow foursome, but it appears that the course marshal moved them along as we noticed their pace of play improved.

Black Gold has one of the best staff around. great customer service and personable. Always enjoy playing this course when we can.

Editor’s Note:  Home of previous GK Match Plays.  Be sure to check out the Black Gold Golf Club GK Coupon HERE at Blog.Greenskeeper.Org.  It’s FREE to Download and start $aving!

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Black Gold Golf Club Yorba Linda California GK Coupon Tee Time Special
Black Gold Golf Club Yorba Linda California GK Coupon Tee Time Special

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Black Gold Golf Club Yorba Linda California GK Guru Visit -Holes-10 & 18
Black Gold Golf Club Yorba Linda California GK Guru Visit -Holes-10 & 18

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