Posted on June 15, 2015July 24, 2015 by Vic Flores

Aimpoint Clinic: My Personal Odyssey to Putting Enlightenment (Part VII)

Aimpoint Golf Review: Part 7 of my Aimpoint Odyssey

First round after my lesson. Casual round at my home course. Was able to take my time with my reads. I was playing with a friend who is a pretty good putter herself. I made 5-6 7-10 footers, one for birdie. Made great reads, but my speed was off, too hard on most of the bad ones. I was able to put the fall line, aka break line, reads in action. It is pretty simple.

My friend’s comment was: “You do what I do, but with feel, instead of seeing it. I just see it.” Which is true, but ultimately, she’s guessing her read and I’m not. I may be wrong, but I’m not guessing, and what she does works for her. She totally bought into it, but wasn’t as enthusiastic as I was… maybe because she’s a good putter already. She was impressed with my putting overall, for what that’s worth.

So I’m caught up timeline wise. I’m taking lessons with our head pro, which is helping my swing immensely. As soon as I get my swing up to speed, I’m gonna be dangerous! But seriously, we’ll see. I’m gonna play golf with Peter, my Aimpoint instructor, which will hopefully be enlightening.

Here’s the clinic page for Aimpoint. Dates of the clinics. Highly highly recommend. http://www.aimpointgolf.com/clinics.asp

As the Aimpointers say: Make Everything!

About GK Member michaelko:
Our resident physical therapist from Northern California and one of the original GK Staffers. He is also one of the individuals responsible for making the GK Casual Golf Events possible. Way back when it was only an idea, michaelko, was one of those individuals that made it possible with our first outing of six members at Rio Hondo Country Club, Downey CA.

Posted on June 10, 2015June 1, 2015 by Vic Flores

Custom Golf Club Fitting & Building: CUSTOM FIT GOLF CLUBS – Part 1

My club fitter and I met early in 2008. At that time he was building a new custom club fitting business based here in the Bay area, CA. Don has been building and fitting clubs over 7 years now, having been taught the craft by a golf club and fitting systems designer. He has traveled all over the country fitting and building golf clubs and by his estimate has fitted and built clubs for over 10,000 golfers in 21 States.

During our outdoor fitting session, Don spent a great deal of time asking me thoughtful questions about my golf game. The courses I played, method and how often I practiced, and not only finding out about my current ability but my goals for the game as well. We spent over 3 hours together that day analyzing my current clubs and testing new ones to find out which clubs I should be playing. Don uses the Vector Pro Launch Monitor system to collect ball flight data.

Since my experience with him, my golf game has improved by 8 strokes. I felt that other readers might be interested in the process; in particular, custom club fitting and club building. This will be a multi part series.

Know what questions to ask to help you make the best choices for your next golf equipment purchase

Q: Don, why is it important for golfers to be custom fit when buying new clubs?
A: Every golfer should be confident with the knowledge that their clubs fit their swing and game. Not everyone fits into the standard models offered by manufacturers. A good club fitter can work outside the parameters offered by major manufacturers to find that “right combination” for each individual. Club Fitting is also an opportunity to get educated about clubs, shafts, and grip options. A competent club fitter will spend a good amount of time educating golfers about the differences, whether subtle or drastic between different clubs and shafts.

Q: Who gets custom fit clubs?
A: Any player who wants to improve. I have never met a golfer yet that did not want to play better. All golfers that seek improvement should be custom fit for clubs. A properly fitted set can make a dramatic difference to a golfers ability to play their best depending on how ill-fitting their current set is.

Q: What can a golfer expect from properly fitted golf clubs?
A: Golfers can and should expect better performance in the form of lower scores, improved accuracy, and more distance from properly fitted golf clubs. If the clubs don’t deliver these things, the player should return to the fitter to find out why.

Thanks Don,

In our next article we will discuss the build of the club from the top down beginning with the grip….

Posted on June 8, 2015June 8, 2015 by Vic Flores

Aimpoint Clinic: My Personal Odyssey to Putting Enlightenment (Part VI)

Part 6 of my Aimpoint Odyssey.

May 7, 2011

Well, I played last week. At my home course, I continued the improve my putting. However I still had tons of questions, tons of mysteries that needed to be demystified. It’s been 10 weeks since my original Aimpoint clinic. I’ve read everything I could get my hands on in the Aimpoint forum, watched every video there was on YouTube, I needed some hands on instruction. So I gave my instructor a call.

Quick plug to Peter Brown, certified Aimpoint instructor out of Roseville, CA, which is the Sacramento area.

So we got together. The next 90 minutes were, in one word… awesome. Peter explained all of the questions I had. Let’s see if I can explain some advanced concepts here.

The fundamental class covered planar green reads. Simple zero lines that extend straight into infinity, and how to aim off of that. But what if that zero line curved? There is a close correlation to the zero line, which is the line on which the putt will be aimed straight, and the fall line. The fall line, as you may know, is basically the line in which water would flow off of the green. On a planar green, it will flow in one direction. On an undulating green, the flow will curve. So, in theory, anywhere on that fall line, if you aim straight at the hole, the putt will go in (assuming 6-12 inch speed). Now, I’m not saying it’s a straight putt… I’m saying it’s a straight aim. If you can grasp that visual, it’s pretty mind-blowing. Here’s a pic:

So the flag is at the top of the green, and you see 4 lines coming out from the flag. Those are the 4 zero lines for that pin placement. You see the 2 bottom lines curving… that’s due to the undulations. Any putt anywhere on that line is aimed straight at the hole. It may double or triple break, but it goes right to the hole. On an uphill putt, if you are left of the line, you aim left of the hole. How much is where the figuring out comes in, and too complex to explain here. So I learned how to find those lines and how to figure out the aim.

Now I’ve been practicing this concept about 3 1 hr sessions: OH MY GOD!!!! 40-50 foot putts that I would normally try to read visually and have NO CLUE what to do, has been made simple with Aimpoint. And again, I’m not reading these putts with my eyes. I’m feeling the slopes, I’m feeling the fall lines with my feet, and trusting the feel. I think this was the main reason I had a hard time with the Temecula greens: I didn’t understand how to handle the more complicated greens, and this helps explain that. There are other advanced concepts I don’t understand. But I’ll worry about that later. For now, I think what I’ve learned so far will help me 75% of the time.

I can’t wait to play again.

Editorial Note:
Here’s the full video that the screenshot above is taken. It’s a overview of the software they use to digitally map greens that would then be used to make the Aimpoint lines on TV.

Click HERE for the YouTube video

Posted on June 7, 2015June 2, 2015 by Vic Flores

Golf Outing Ideas – My First Greenskeeper.org (GK) Event

Play golf, but not great at it? Want to play golf with similarly minded folks and just enjoy a round of golf? Look no further. Greenskeeper.org creates golf outings with the casual golfer in mind. We play higher-end daily fee courses, pair you with similarly skilled players, and put together well run events at great courses. Give us a try, but don’t take our word for it. Consider what one from a long list of our members has to say about our events.

I have been a member of Greenskeeper.org since I played my first round of golf a few years ago. I was looking for a golf course scorecard and the GK site popped up. I read about GK outings on the website, but since I averaged double par on each hole, I didn’t want to embarrass myself. I shelved the idea of joining those GK events.

After a while, I was a double bogey player, yet didn’t play much. I didn’t know many people who golfed or had a similar schedule with me. I read the GK forums and the reviews from the outings always were positive. I never posted on GK before preferring to try to pick up tips here and there for myself. I didn’t feel part of the GK community and noticed that people posting on the forums were typically the same people. I also noticed most of the posts from the ‘How’d You Shoot’ thread have people talking about their scores in the 70’s and 80’s, while complaining when they shot in the 90’s. At the time, I haven’t broken 100 and felt I would hold everyone up at an outing.

Eventually I decided to bite the bullet. I signed up for a GK outing at Tijeras Creek. I still haven’t broken 100 and noticed all the good players would be there. I told myself that I may play poorly, but I played pretty fast so I could keep up. I was also nervous. I didn’t know anyone too knew well. I decided just to go for it; figured in 5 hours, I’d be back in my car and it’d be over with.

All my concerns were for nothing.

Shown (L to R): GK Members Warrior, Paisano, and Audac1ty

I was paired in the last group and had a great time. Yes there were single digit handicappers, but there were also others like me that could only hope to break 100. I had a great time with members Audac1ty & Warrior, none of whom I knew before, but now I call friends. As a matter of fact I have played several rounds with them since. My golf game seemed secondary to the good times. I didn’t jump in my car and take off, as others invited me to sit with them and made me feel right at home. I had such a great time that I have joined in almost every outing since that time and have made friends during GK outings.

I guess the main draw for me joining these GK Events was the fact we are able to play higher-end golf courses. Being a single you’re not really afforded the opportunity to play these golf courses. I mean you can, but I didn’t feel comfortable walking on to these premium courses waiting for a tee time like I do a municipal golf courses. With the GK Events, I could just RSVP and have a 4-some waiting for me. Tijeras Creek was one of those nicer golf courses, but as I said I didn’t know too many folks that would golf with me or manage to fit a round of golf in their schedule. Greenskeeper.org and their GK Events made it all possible.

If you are on the fence about attending your first GK event, take some advice from me. Just give it a try. You may be pleasantly surprised. GK pairs you with similarly skilled players, they put together well run events at great courses. Even the post event is worth a mention. Everyone goes home a winner with one prize or another. I make it a point with my limited time (as I have one baby and another on the way) to make the few GK outings offered per year, as these are at the top of my most memorable rounds I have ever played.

A little about Paisano:
By day he helps shape young minds. In his downtime you can find him perusing the GK site as one of our Staff members. Co-founder of the GK Meet-ups Group of Los Angeles. A hacker like the rest of us mere mortals, he offers his two cents and his humor. Wicked good on the golf greens, you will never lose a golf ball on his watch.

Posted on June 1, 2015July 24, 2015 by Vic Flores

Aimpoint Clinic: My Personal Odyssey to Putting Enlightenment (Part V)

Aimpoint Golf Review: Part 5 of my Aimpoint Odyssey

April 15-17, 2011

ROAD TRIP!!! This weekend, I played in Temecula, California. And I was excited to try Aimpoint on some new greens. Little did I know, I had NO IDEA what I was in for. In fact, it turns out, I had NO IDEA what I was doing!

I played CrossCreek, Journey at Pechanga, and Temecula Creek Inn. Three beautiful courses in great shape. They all had one thing in common: their greens are not easy to read. It turns out that practically every green I encountered had multiple shapes and undulations. By shapes, the 3 basic green shapes are planar, crowns, and saddles. I can read these features pretty decent. To review an example, crowns are when 2 sides of the green are lower than the hole, so as you walk around the hole, you go up, down, up, down, and you can find 4 zero lines or straight putts. You just find the zero line closest to your ball and make the read off of that. But when the putt goes over crown, through a saddle, then banks hard left, and… watch out for that shoulder… and am I on the wrong tier??? I had no idea how to read that.

By about my 40th hole, I walked a half arc around the hole at about 5 ft, and I noticed that I went up and down like 4 or 5 times! What the heck? So at first glance I found a straight putt, but really, it was the wrong straight putt to work off of. I had to find the closer straight putt, which I did.. and made the 7 footer. Quite enlightening, but I was lost nonetheless. At least I knew why I was lost.

Anyways, it was a bit disappointing. I was prepared to make awesome reads and impress my friends. I was talking nonstop about Aimpoint all weekend long, but it seemed like a lot of nonsense after my performance. My friends thought it was great in theory, but they could do just as good their way. I’m not giving up by any means… it only makes me more determined to master this, because I am still completely sold on the idea of Aimpoint.

Posted on May 25, 2015July 24, 2015 by Vic Flores

Aimpoint Clinic: My Personal Odyssey to Putting Enlightenment (Part IV)

Aimpoint Golf Review: Part 4 of my Aimpoint Odyssey

April 9, 2011

I played golf this morning. I played at my home course, and my friend had me come out early… like 2nd group off early. It’s 3 of us, and these 2 guys are intent on finishing in under 3 hours. Obviously, this is bad for me and my green reading. I want to pace off the putt, find my zero, figure out my aimpoint, aim my aimpoint, take my practice swings to dial in my speed…. and these guys are playing ultra ready golf. There were a few times where at least one guy finished while I was still not on the green. Ultimately, I didn’t mind, since I knew what I was getting into, so I just had to adjust. I’m a decent speed player… I normally spend most of my time on the greens. I don’t take long at all with my full swings. So on the greens, I did my best to quickly find zero, pace off my putt. If my putt was <2% slope and inside 10 ft, and I was close to zero, I would just estimate a 1 inch aimpoint, give or take, depending on what kind of break I SAW with my eyes. If I was further, or it was a more complicated putt, I’d work as fast as possible, which meant trusting my feet quickly, find a zero quickly, pace off quickly, look at my chart quickly, one practice swing, commit. On a few holes, I was first on, so I was able to take more time. And maybe on birdie and par putts, I was a little more deliberate, but faster than I was comfortable with.

The Bottom-line

End of story? I putted pretty well. In fact, the comment from my player partner was: “Wow, you’re pretty money on those 10 footers”. I missed a 10 footer on 18, and his comment was: “First one of those you missed all day”.

And I did make about 6 7-10 footers. I lagged really well. I misread maybe 3-5 putts. As usual, my misreads was playing a break when the putt was straight. I’m still trying to figure that out… The different green shapes complicate things, and I’m not seeing the multiple straight putts around the hole. Overall, 6 weeks into this, my putting has improved immensely, and I still don’t know what I’m doing!!!! I think most of it is my focus on speed control. I make more putts because I take advantage of the capture speed concept (see part IV). But alot of it is also committing to the line, trusting the system, so that ALL I have to worry about is speed control. My confidence is high, even though I’m not 100% confident that I know the system. Weird, I know.

Posted on May 24, 2015May 12, 2015 by Vic Flores

Birthday Golf – The GK Way (Part II)

Read all about it in our Forums HERE. Nickesquire’s quest to play as many golf courses that offer Birthday specials (i.e. FREE golf on your Birthday) continues. His first golf course — Mile Square Park.

Day 1, Mile Square (Fountain Valley) Players in the a.m., Classic in the p.m. (36 holes of fun!)

I left the house @ 4:55am and after grabbing a quick snack, was in the Mile Square Pro Shop a little after 7am. I had called the day before and they would not give me a tee time as a single, but advised me that it was “wide open”, should be no issue getting me out.

Wide Open? It was packed like on a weekend, 4some after 4some. I finally got out matched up with a 3some and teed off @ 8:52am after waiting over 90 minutes. Played a very enjoyable round with 3 senior ladies in 4.5 hours. Shot 86 on the Players. After holing out on 18, walked over and met Dave @ the Pro shop for the afternoon round.

Played the Classic with Dconnally & Stickboy. Again played in about 4.5 hours after teeing off a little later than our 2:07pm tee time, finished around 6:45p. Drove and picked up dinner and my wife @ her office in L.A. and got home around 9:15p. Fun day, good company, Vince (Stickboy) played solid golf throughout and Dave (Dconnally) put on a show on the back 9 with fairway, green, 2 putt par on about 7 holes. They both shot around 80, I was definitely getting fatigued by the end of the walking 36 marathon coupled with driving over 200 miles total and close to 5 hours in the car.

Day 2, Legends (Temecula) in the a.m., Dos Lagos (Corona) in the p.m.

Had a 7:20am tee time, again on the freeway before 5 and made the 127 mile trip to Temecula, getting there a little after 7am. Rat-Patrol (Jim) was there waiting and raring to go. We ran into 1Rudedog, who was playing with his normal buddies behind us. We tee off on time and played a leisurely 4 hour round as a 2some. Both using our B-Day week-of certificates. Tough to beat $15! Both shot 84 and had a good time. So we both hit the freeway and headed north, 35 minutes to Corona.

We walked in and Dos Lagos had us on the 1st tee within 15 minutes of arriving. We again used our B-Day week-of certificates, again $15 with a cart is hard to beat. We had another enjoyable, leisurely 4 hour round. Jim was playing some good golf and shot 78, I stayed with him for awhile before fading to an 87. Thanks much to Jim for making the trip up from San Diego., it was a blast playing with you!

I was glad all 36 today was with a cart after the walking & driving I did yesterday. The 250+ miles I drove today were a piece of cake with little traffic both ways compared to battling L.A. work traffic last night. Got home @ 7pm.

Day 3, A.M. Shorecliffs (San Clemente), P.M. Crossings at Carlsbad (Carlsbad)

Shorecliffs in the A.M. I was expecting ALOT more. Free golf and free cart = great start. However, I was kicking myself AD for not going to Tustin Ranch and paying $40 on my way to S.D. Combination of my cheapness and a little bit of Sixpez (wanting to play a new course) made me go for the free golf over what I knew would be a good course.

The course was in poor condition and the layout was tight and not good in my opinion. Put it this way, I won’t come back for a free B-Day round in the future. Enough said.

Crossing at Carlsbad in the P.M. Headed the 45 minutes farther down the coast for another totally free round. Everything about this place was an excellent experience. The firm, smooth, medium-fast greens seemed like a 15 on the stimp after playing on the bumpy slow greens of Shorecliffs in the a.m. The course layout reminded me alot of the Creekside-Ridgeline 9’s @ Moorpark C.C. Fabulous clubhouse, attentive customer service, the whole place was first rate. I think I already have Tustin Ranch and Crossings booked in my mind for next May 7th as places I want to experience on an annual basis. I would play here semi often if it were not well over 100 miles from my house.

Day 4, Riverwalk (San Diego) in the A.M., Riverview (Santa Ana) in the P.M.

Riverwalk in the A.M. Had a 6:57 tee time. Slightly before 7am, it was pouring. So I waited until a little after 8 to pay my $19 B-Day rate and start in a slight drizzle. Even in the rain, the greens were firm, medium fast and putted excellent. These greens were even better than Crossings overall! They have 27 holes here and I liked all 3 nines. This is a course I would play often if I lived in the S.D. area. I liked the layouts and the condition of the things that mattered were great.

Played the Friars-Presido combo 1st. The 2nd 9 was the only really bad rain I encountered on a rainy Friday. For about an hour it rained hard. Not a shock that 9 was by 6 strokes my highest nine hole score of the day, ended up with a 93 after an excellent front 9 considering the conditions.

I had been forewarned by numerous people that Riverview was nothing special. Couple that with a 2 hour drive north and very questionable weather conditions, I was wavering on making the drive north not knowing if I could even play there in the afternoon. So with the assistance of JohnnyGK, did an audible and just stayed at Riverwalk AD. John got me set up for a comped replay so I could play all 3 nines. So it was off to the Mission-Presido combo. Weather was much improved, sprinkled on me a few times, but got around quickly playing as a single and shot 87. Still only 2:45, so did another replay and got in the Mission-Friars combo and played with a couple of different groups for a few holes each as I played with and through different combos. Other than one 15 minute stretch where it poured, the weather was the best of the day, shot 82.

So 54 holes here made for an excellent day of golf in spite of the inclement weather. Started @ 8:05, finished @ 5:55, so averaged barely 3 hours a round considering going into the pro shop to make accommodations for the next round & waiting to tee off again in between. POP was excellent, not many golfers out due to the weather.

So the final tally of the B-Day blitz, week one was:

Nine 18 hole rounds of golf on regulation courses in 4 days.

If you count each combo on Riverwalk as a new course, 9 new courses.

The Tally

809 total miles driven, not counting my return trip home from S.D. tomorrow.
$19 highest fee paid for 18 holes & a cart over the last 7 rounds. Since several rounds were totally free, it was far less than $1 a hole spent on actual golf on B-Day promotions. Slightly more than $100 spent on gas.
GKers played a round with = 3.
Fun had = much.
Needing a rest today = VERY much!

However, after taking Mothers Day weekend off, on Monday the assault starts anew. There are still over a 1/2 dozen courses that offer B-Day deals within a week after your B-Day. Several of which I have never played. So many courses, so little time!

The Birthday Golf List is FREE to our members.

To joining Greenskeeper.org is an easy. Click HERE to join 65,000 other members who have found GK their home for all golf course maintenance schedules and recent, relevant golf course reviews. Just another reason why Greenskeeper.org is the place that lets our members “Know Before You Go!”

Nickesquire - Avid Golfer — Nickesquire – Avid Golfer

Nickesquire — self proclaimed golf junkie. He is one of the reasons why the GK community offers so much to so many people. We love golf and so does Nick. He is what you would characterize as an extremely avid golfer and southern gentleman — and that in his spare time. In between the rounds of golf he teaches and practicing attorney.

Posted on May 22, 2015March 14, 2022 by John Hakim

Avid Golfer Testimonials about Greenskeeper.org

This should have been posted a long time ago because there is no greater validation to what Greenskeeper.org provides than what golfers are saying about it. Over the years we have received hundreds of e-mails, messages and posts appreciating our service. Thank you for all the kind words. JohnnyGK – John Hakim – Founder.

User Testimonies – Greenskeeper.org

11-3-2015: Craig123 – Member Since 2005
The service that Greenskeeper provides is second to none. Although I don’t post often, I mostly check for reviews before playing a new course and maintenance alerts. I have hooked quite a few friends on GK also including my son that just posted a review on Birch Hills (joshcourtney09).

10-29-2015: abbacat – Member Since 2015
Thank you for having a fun, informative, positive, upbeat, and non judgemental website and Facebook page. The kind of comments on Facebook on the pages of golf digest and others can be downright cruel at times. And I was foolish enough to think that all golfers could be nice to each other just because we all love that crazy game. I’m very happy to have found greenskeeper.

10-3-2015: fresnobatt – Member Since 2009
Greenskeeper.org is one of my favorite websites. I use it while traveling before playing any new golf courses (I am at 274 courses now) and try to add a review anytime I can add to the information already online.

10-3-2015: tu24la – Member Since 2015
All the YELP and Google reviews are pretty outdated, and they’re just ranting. I’ve found Greenskeeper.org to be the best at letting me know the conditions. The folks who contribute seem to be golfers who really like the game more than those on YELP. I may not be able to contribute all the time, but will certainly try. Thanks for the nice site.

7-31-2015: grantar2 – Member Since 2015
I just appreciate the site being here. Now that I have been sort of forced into semi retirement, I am golfing more, and have less money to golf on. This site is really a big help in trying to get the most out of my investment in time and resources. The course tips are really valuable. Even if you know a course, they can help you see it in a different way. The forums are cool. Pretty obvious the contributors run from high handicappers like myself, to scratch golfers or better. Good attitudes as well.

7-28-2015: BGarcelon – Member Since 2015
GK is a great site. I enjoy checking on it daily and reading the reviews.

6-23-2015: nimphier – Member Since 2010
My name is Rich Nimphie, and I am currently a resident of Michigan. I had an opportunity to spend about 6 months living in Los Angeles last year, and as an avid golfer without a lot of knowledge about courses in the area, I found your site to be extremely useful in finding good courses to play within my budget, and once I gained some knowledge about some of the courses I liked, being able to monitor course conditions and when different courses had recently punched their greens, so I could avoid those places until they were in better condition was great. Now that I am back in Michigan, I find myself really wishing that we had the same kind of resource available here. I think that with the large number of avid players in the state, adding a section to greenskeeper.org for Michigan would be very well received. I’m not sure exactly what is involved, but I would be willing to offer my assistance in getting such a community set up. I have a pretty good network of very avid players that I interact with on a regular basis both in person and online, and I think these connections would make it pretty easy to get the word out quickly and to raise awareness of the new resource that could be made available.

6-11-2015: Cheeseburger – Member Since 2002
One of the things I missed by living overseas in India for four straight years, was being able to participate in Greenskeeper.org reviews and most especially the events! While I now live in Utah, and away from the mecca of Southern California where we all started, (I started posting on GK in November of 2002!) I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see the growth of the site and the inclusion of surrounding states! One of the things I have truly enjoyed about being a long time member, and considering JohnnyGK a friend, is the fact that he has always stayed in touch with me, and encouraged me to start posting my reviews for the Utah and Nevada area! Johnny, you have really fostered a family atmosphere from the beginning, and your passion shows! I am always out here preaching the Greenskeeper gospel! Keep up the good work, this place has been an awesome part of my life! Knoweth before thou goest!

5-25-2015: Tony-Tull – Member Since 2011
This site is the greatest place for up-to-date information on course conditions, and I just try to do my part. It’s literally saved me numerous times!

5-22-2015: ringworld – Member Since 2004
I know of no other website that offers as comprehensive a listing and as deep of a list of golf course reviews for daily fee courses and maintenance conditions that it maintains. Believe me I have looked. Other sites may claim they have these tools but in truth this is the ONLY website.

The main thing any golfer wants to know is where to play. All things being equal after they made the purchase for their equipment, after all the lessons and swing tweaks, the only question they ask themselves time and again is where to play. Here GK delivers in spades. And it is here that GK can help shape decisions. If we (avid golfers) are only 20% of the golfing public and yet we account for almost 70% of golf course revenue then we are a powerful coalition albeit disorganized. GK brings organization to that cacophony of other review sites. Pound for pound, all other websites are lightweights compared to what GK has to offer.

5-22-2015: weber – Member Since 2002
I feel sorry for the majority of the country which does not have GK available to them. This is far and away the standard by which all golf websites should be judged and compared too. I can’t imagine not having this available for reference. I am traveling to Wisconsin/Illinois/Iowa next month and it is very burdensome to secure information which would be simple to secure were GK available. I miss not having it and I have not even left yet!

5-12-2015: mjquick – Member Since 2003
I love the sight, it’s always the first place I go when I’m going to a new course or for course updates.

5-11-2015: mtaylo1 – Member since 2003
Thank you for such a well organized and informative site. Others have tried to copy it but I always use greenskeeper as the go to site when I want any course info.

5-11-2015: Sixpez – Member Since 2003
Johnny. It’s clear how much you love what you do and you should know how grateful all of us GK’ers (and even those lurkers) are for everything you do. You’re making a positive impact in the golf community and in our lives. I’m sure I speak for everyone in saying how appreciative we are.

5-11-2015: Audac1ty – Member Since 2006
Johnny, you have been an inspiration from the first words spoken to me which were: “Hi, I’m JohnnyGK, welcome to Greenskeeper!”

The world of golf expanded for me from that humble beginning and I’ve come to know many of the active members of the golf community here on Greenskeeper. We play golf together, interact in the forums, support charitable institutions, provide laughter, camaraderie, personal support, and good natured ribbing to each other! It was all envisioned by a man who thought he could bring golfers together into one cohesive group for the betterment of the game of golf and serving the members by providing outstanding outings through his never ending dealings with sponsors, golf course management, manufacturers, and on, and on…… He has succeeded in a most spectacular manner!

His vision and leadership make Greenskeeper.org the logical choice for golfers in the United States and beyond.

Please join me in thanking JohnnyGK for his tireless efforts on our behalf!

5-6-2015: tesuquegolfer – Member Since 2015
I have used the site previously as it is the only place to see aerification schedules, which is great information. I have passed the site onto friends and I plan to provide reviews and updates as that seems to be weak in my area. Hopefully the sire will grow, I will do what I can as we need a better site here in NM. Thanks, Randy

4-29-2015: mabogli44 – Member Since 2008
Just wanted to commend you with your website……Before I play a course, I make sure to logon to your site for the latest info and specials.

4-26-2015: dsal_13 – Member Since 2014
It’s a great site you have going on here. I think every golfer has a benefit from coming on here. GK app was a reason for the iPhone move (iPhone just has better apps in general).

4-23-2015: bptaylor10 – Member Since 2014
I really love the website – I check it daily and tell all my friends to do the same. It actually saved my buddy from playing Talega the other day.

4-22-2015: 714Lefty – Member Since 2015
Thank you very much John! I enjoy reading reviews on courses when I go play them even if I have played the course before. I like to know what shape the greens are in and how the layout is, staff, etc. Great website with lots of info!

4-17-2015: Magic32 – Member Since 2015
I’ve been using your service for years and figured it was time to give back. You’re invaluable to the avid golfer, especially this time of year. Thanks again.

3-30-2015: jsapiandante – Member Since 2012
I’m glad I joined this site. The members and especially you have been spectacular in helping golfers like me “know before you go”.

3-8-2015: hsiebert – Member Since 2009
I’ll be using everything and continuing to spread the word about us. I think you and the other staffers are doing a great job. I’m on our site at least daily to see what’s going on around the courses and the forums.

2-9-2015: divotnjay – Member Since 2013
I’m always sporting the hat when I’m golfing. Always get compliments on the hat you gave me. I always mention this website to my friends and fellow golfers and they love it, just think this site is awesome. Keep up the good work. Hope to meet you guys soon at an outing.

1-27-2015: cencalhack – Member Since 2015
Great site by the way! I originally found your site and BAAmerica while trying to find reviews for a trip to SD, just took me awhile to get signed up. I originally/still review for golfnow/advisor, but I feel (know) the members here have more knowledge and are more objective with their reviews.

12-21-2014: jerinthebox – Member Since 2012
I’ve been getting more into the social media part of the game lately, and GK has been a great resource for me over the past few years so I figured it was time to start adding something to the table. I’ll start posting some photos here and there as well.

12-9-2014: mikeyg – Member Since 2012
Thanks to your website I discovered La Purisima and actually got engaged there, facebook link below. I’ve actually got a few other courses to review and am headed to Rams Hill Monday for their deal (once again, thanks to your website).

12-2-2014: kllychpmn – Member Since 2014
I love your site it makes picking a course with no maintenance issues and a difficulty level that’s right for my group much easier for example looking at your reviews my hunch was the crossing at carlsbad would be too tough for a couple of my guys after playing it as a single I know this to be true . I think this under appreciated info that your site provides

12-1-2014: lamitchw – Member Since 2012
I always tell people about your site, and they always thank me later 🙂

11-12-2014: johnl2000 – Member Since 2008
I visit Greenskeeper.org regularly to check out courses of interest and find the reviews invaluable, particularly if a course is offering a groupon or some other special.

11-10-2014: roberkpan – Member Since 2014
GK is an awesome resource especially since I’m new to the area and still learning which courses are the best. I’ll continue to review every course I play with the hope that somebody else out there gets something informative.

11-9-2014: JSpin – Member Since 2009
Anything I can do to keep this great site going. What a resource this is for us golfers.

11-6-2014: larryq2001 – Member Since 2003
I love GK.org. I go to it frequently and suggest my friends do the same. I planned my recent golf trip based on the comments of others in GK and felt that I should give some of my own feedback.

11-4-2014: AndrewZ28 – Member Since 2012
Even though it pains me to say that my 8-hole round was only my fifth time being on the golf course all year, I’m still checking in here at GK almost daily to see how things are going. Keep up the good work!

10-31-2014: sliart – Member Since 2003
LOVE Greenskeeper! Have told many people about the site! Best golf site for info bar none! Thanks for all you do!

10-19-2014: rich888rich – Member Since 2014
I’ve just informed my golf buddies on your site. Hopefully, they will join. Here’s what I wrote:

Hi Fellow Golf Buddies,

I recently joined the Greenskeeper.org, The membership is free. This site offers you reviews on almost any courses in the U S. The course page shows the rating, weather condition, and other vital information on the course.

10-18-2014: sd3bs – Member Since 2005
I use and promote Greenskeeper every time I play!

10-15-2014: walnutgolf – Member Since 2007
Although I mostly play at via verde cc, your site has helped me countless times in terms of selecting occasional other courses to play. Thank you for creating/maintaining such a wonderful site.

10-7-2014: cselkirk – Member Since 2005
I love greenskeeper as it’s a community of likeminded individuals sharing information about a sport we all love. Thank you for creating such a wonderful forum for all of us to communicate with one another. Do you have any plans to open the forum up to courses in the northeast?

7-24-2014: dcsocal – Member Since 2013
Thanks for providing a great forum to talk about golf. Really enjoy the sense of community. I will be posting a bunch more reviews soon.

6-19-2014: sammoorai13 – Member Since 2011
I love your website and I tell everyone about the site. I think the rating system you have in place is great. It really gives you an idea on what to expect on a golf course. Not only that, but it’s simple and has all the things that I want to know about a golf course. Also, the fact that you reach out to people is great. I think it really makes it a much better community. See my information below. By the way, I’ll definitely be reviewing more courses now.

5-5-2014: mk – Member Since 2013
I try to be honest and give my impartial input in the reviews without the need to be too harsh on the courses. Course and condition change throughout the year (depending on time of year) and I try to account for that when I give the ratings. I get a lot out of this website to see how the course condition is before I go play a round and appreciate all the reviews by others who contribute so I feel compelled to contribute whenever I can (or remember to). I will continue to post reviews as this is by far the best peer based golf website.

5-5-2014: jlelek – Member Since 2013
It really helps me select courses with the aeration alerts and ratings so I figure if I contribute the better it will be.

5-18-2014: 140ver – Member Since 2009
Thanks for running this site, it’s very informative, and it’s obvious you’ve got a passion for golf. Love the reviews.

4-14-2014: seanmcnally – Member Since 2006
Love your site and what you’re doing with it. Can’t wait for the app to come out.

3-13-2014: absoludicrous – Member Since 2013
I enjoy the site and the reviews from the members about new courses since I haven’t been playing for very long. I try to read them ahead of time since it helps give me a heads up on what I should look out for. I appreciate the work that you do to keep the site running. It’s awesome.

3-2-2014: Solinari619 – Member Since 2011
I really love the site and everything you guys (and gals) do.

1-30-2014: noeldaof – Member Since 2004
In the beginning, when I first signed up, it was so very cool to see the list of golf courses all over the Southern California area. Although, I am provided a booklet with the list of all the golf courses in So-Cal from the SCGA, the Greenskeeper.org list online was more accessible, therefore it was useful and a very easy access. Greenskeeper.org also went out of their way to give a more extensive user information about golf courses to the community. Golf course conditions’ review were very helpful. Gone were the days of preparing for weeks to play a course only to find it a cow pasture. Pictures were provided and were also a community volunteered effort. I believe that some of the golf courses have cleaned up their act, or their courses, rather… knowing that there are a community of Greenskeeper.org out there who can speak their mind and volunteer an honest opinion to the golfing community.

I’ve enjoyed many courses that I have not played before as well as kept a good timing to visit a course which may not be always at its best through Greenskeeper.org ‘s membership/association.

The GK Forum became a big part of my week in cyber golf community, shortly after. Many folks became friends. Johnny’s invitational outings were fun, followed by Greenskeeper.org events that can make anyone’s golfing experience in an outing a very pleasant one among new found friends who loves to golf. It is here where you can find others who are eager to help volunteer information about golf, a golf course, including equipment and teaching professionals.

I was here when Greenskeeper.org was in its baby stage, and up to now where it’s become a wealth of golf source, but I believe that Greenskeeper.org community members are just beginning to culminate into its highest form. I could only hope for each and all to unite even more… support the golf course reviews, be active and have fun in the outings, volunteer useful golfing information- share the knowledge, find more friends and invite them in…

Looking forward to many more years with Greenskeeper.org!

1-27-2014: lowfi – Member Since 2012
I like this site a lot so I figured I’d contribute. I may be moving to Dallas this upcoming year so I’ll try to start pumping out some reviews for that area. I did some research on courses over there and I’m just not finding much, hopefully I can bring that market around.

10-18-2013: CSpan – Member Since 2013
I became a GK’er immediately because the site fills a critical need…getting honest and reliable information about course conditions. I have stayed a GK’er because it’s a great example of consumers being able to hold retailers (i.e., course operators) accountable. Prior to the existence of GK, we golfers (and especially public golfers), had to just “take it.” Now we don’t have to take it anymore.

8-1-2013: Caligolfer1031 – Member Since 2004
I found the site when I was setting up an outing in Palm Springs for me and 11 buddies and googled Palm Springs golf course reviews and found this site. When I saw how much was going on and the vast information this site had I think it took me all of 5 minutes and I was a member.

I am still a GK’er for three reasons…reviews and maintenance alerts…the information in the forums…and the people. The people on this site love golf as much if not more than I do. They are serious and extremely fun at the same time.

I have played with a few guys outside of GK events and all I had to do was post that I would be in an area on a certain date and asked if anybody would like to play, and sure enough I have met two great people.

The site is an addiction, it is the first site I visit in the morning and the last before I go to bed. I came for the reviews and the people on here are the reason I stay.

8-1-2013: CPennbo – Member Since 2003
Why do I stay? The people. The discussions. The course info. I like being able to find a course, read reviews, know before I go about any work being done. I like talking about golf and our golf experiences- as well as other things. And I totally enjoy the people! After awhile everyone begins to feel like family – it’s nice to see everyone at outings, and keep up with their doings on GK the rest of the time. I often tell people that GKers are a group of really great people who all just happen to play golf! I appreciate that while many on here are serious golfers I haven’t met any who weren’t just an absolute blast to play golf with! We’ve made some great friends on GK over the years!

8-2-2013: Zeppelin51432 – Member Since 2008
I joined simply because I love golf and since I was 15 I’ve been in charge of booking every tee time for my family. They always wonder how I pick great courses! GK is my secret. It’s obvious that everyone is here because we all love the game of golf. AZ, Palm Springs, San Diego, SF, Santa Barbara. Wherever we go Gk is the first place I check for current conditions, reviews, and pictures.

8-2-2013: Rat-Patrol – Member Since 2013
Then I stumbled onto GK and saw that there were aeration notices so started thumbing through the reviews. I probably looked at the site 2 or 3 times before joining so I too could participate.

I now look for new courses to play every weekend (except Sunday tournament days at Balboa!), thanks to GK, thanks Johnny!

As most of my playing partners are addicted to early morning Balboa and I am really enjoying playing a bit later in the day (for the first time in probably 20 years) and at different places, I play solo a lot . . . and look forward to meeting new people, thanks to GK, thanks Johnny!

I now come here to browse courses and use the links provided to go directly to the course web site, thanks to GK, thanks Johnny!

I now try to pay more attention to the course conditions so as to give an accurate review, thanks to GK, thanks Johnny!

I really like the GK Cup and the great people I have met so far because of that, thanks to GK, thanks Johnny!

I now have a “to play” list in my head, thanks to GK, thanks Johnny!

I look forward to playing in a GK event.

I now see there is a big beautiful golf (course) filled world out there, again, thanks to GK, thanks Johnny!

8-2-2013: Hollis – Member Since 2013
As you know I’ve been a Gker for only a few months now. I was a lurker for maybe two months at most, the dialogue and great interaction was too much to resist. I initially stumbled upon this site as a way to find out all rates on all courses, and the reviews were and still are incredibly helpful. I plan to be a Gker for as long as I continue to play golf, which is for as long as I can swing a club, lol. The vibe that emanates from this online community is like when you get paired up with a stranger that appears to care about the course as much as you do, you know golfers who repair their divot plus any others they see on the green, guys and gals who pick up trash they happen to come across even though it’s not their responsibility. Just a great group of people and can’t wait to play in my first Gkers event.

8-3-2013: RDDenn – Member Since 2006
I wore my Greenskeeper shirt to El Dorado today. The starter mentioned enthusiastically what a great site this is. I think anybody who plays at different courses can appreciate the information the site provides. That is why I became a GKer.

8-4-2013: sbarajasjr – Member Since 2009
I love keeping up to date with course reviews and ratings, I love discovering new courses to play. I am inspired by people like sixpez and his blog. I want to play all the courses that GK members consider favorites of theirs. I love the GK events and hope to see more close to SD County.

8-4-2013: Nickesquire – Member Since 2007
I love the concept and atmosphere that John has created. I enjoy reading others course reviews & ratings and try to contribute back to the community by posting my own. The forums are good, whether you are a hardcore or casual golfer, there is something there for you.

The BEST part about the website? The people…I have made friends with people I enjoy going out for a round with that I would not otherwise have met.

8-8-2013: NutNButCup – Member Since 2004
I am still a GKer for several reasons. First of all it is a GREAT golf site that Johnny has done a phenomenal job growing over the years. Ten years after joining this site I still check GK for aeration alerts and course reviews while planning my next round. Although I do not post often in the forums I do enjoy reading them. For the 3 years or so I participated in the golf outings I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and playing with other GKers. Hopefully in the future I will make it to another outing.

8-9-2013: hsiebert – Member Since 2009
I am always looking for course condition and tee times as this tells me how busy some courses are. At the time that I joined there where only a handful of us up here and there where very few reviews about NorCal courses. I play just about three to four times per week and felt that it would be a welcome service to others if I posted reviews. I usually play in pick-up games or as a single and walk so my round is about 3 hours give or take. I am also a tournament official and love to contribute to all rules discussions in the forum. Having this site allows me to plan my days without stress. Thanks to all that contribute.

8-17-2013: 2xAlbatross – Member Since 2013
I joined about 6 months ago to see how the greens are.. Very disappointing when you are set to play and drive a long way to see that the greens are punched or the course has gone downhill. It is like going out to dinner to a place you have not gone for a while to find out that it has changed owners or cooks and it is not the same no more when you had something else in mind. I would be on/review more but play at least 4 times a week and would be on here a lot. I played a place today that the greens were punched and that is what brought me here today to let somebody else know.

And so many more…