Day two at Streamsong today and we played the Red course from the black tees in an abbreviated session thanks to a lightning and thunder storm that rolled through and produced a decent sized squall wh... Continue »

Day two at Streamsong today and we played the Red course from the black tees in an abbreviated session thanks to a lightning and thunder storm that rolled through and produced a decent sized squall when we had just tee'd off on the 5th hole. This track was designed by Coore and Crenshaw and, after having played their incredibly tough design at Colorado Golf Club, I knew it was going to be a difficult test in every sense. After almost two hours of waiting out the passing weather, we got back on with our caddies and proceeded to finish the Red course in quick fashion, moving fast and joining our other group in front of us to get in ahead of the darkness. Conditions on the Red course very similar of course to yesterday's Blue course (see review), however there was a lot more maintenance going on throughout the round today which made it feel a bit less exceptional (totally nitpicking here - admitted). In terms of layout, it's hard not to say that the Red course is a bit harder than the Blue course - much more target golf with a lot more water that comes into play. There are fewer open fairways to simply bomb away at, and you must be very strategic off the tee to get an easy second shot approach. The uphill factor on holes like the par 5 13th and the par 4 15th is truly out of touch with what one expects in 'flat' Florida. You can hit a bomb of a drive and then the caddie hands you your 3 wood. Fun. Condition wise, again, in excellent shape all around. This is a premium resort - no doubt about that. However, today's rains made the greens a little slower overall, and a little less roll on the fairways. But still, phenomenal shape in all facets, however there were a few more 'repaired' patches on the fairways, and the sand was a bit heavier after the powerful rains. Returning to the Blue course tomorrow before heading across the state to the St Augustine area and playing one of those courses (sadly not TPC Sawgrass as there's no way I'm paying over $400 for that just to get beat up!). I will post pictures from both courses when I return to LA but the shots from this day on the Red will likely be less flattering as they will all have ominous skies putting a damper on the beauty of this landscape. But again, if you can EVER make the trip, do it. It's exceptional.