Played my weekly round at Admiral Baker-North this past Thursday, April 16, on another perfect San Diego weather day with the temperature in the 80s and a brisk breeze to begin the round that started at 2:15 PM. Course was busy and a couple of High School matches were following us so we picked a perfect time to tee off as pace-of-play checked in at four-and-a-half hours. Grouped with another twosome, we moved at a leisurely pace through the first 16 holes with no push from the group behind yet ran into a slight delay on Holes 16-17-18. We were right on pace through 9 holes but it did feel like things slowed down a bit over the back nine.

With regards to the aforementioned breeze, I've noticed different wind scenarios over each of the past three rounds. Slight change of direction/force every week on certain holes that really alters the way they play. In particular, the wind has a tendency to swirl on #1 and often changes from the tee shot to the approach. Same applies to Holes #2 through #5, which helps keep those holes from playing the exact same way week-to-week. Par-3 Hole #9 usually plays with a right-to-left wind; this week...straight downwind. Just another subtle feature of this course that comes into play and adds to the challenge.

As far as conditioning goes, tees and fairways remain status quo with no marked improvement in the areas marked GUR. Spent a little time in the rough this week and found it to be inconsistent and hit-or-miss with regards to consistent lies. Grassy areas are accompanied by patches of dirt that make solid contact on full shots a real challenge. As a result, I was short on my approach shots into the green on just about every occasion and pretty frustrated by the end of the round as I couldn't seem to make solid club-to-ball contact.

Fringe areas around the greens, which I would refer to as "collection" areas, are extremely tight (almost like a putting green) and either very firm or slightly over watered. I've had nothing but difficulty negotiating shots off this stuff...especially with a wedge...since the grain ALWAYS seems to be against me. As result, the club tends to stick upon impact, taking all control out of my hands. I'm not one to putt from the fringe but it may be the prudent choice unless those areas are allowed to grow a bit, which would offer some cushioning and more shot options.

Greens don't seem to be in the top condition I had raved about a few weeks ago. They have definitely firmed up over the past month but still hold well-struck shots, although the resulting ball marks left on the greens aren't as deep as they were in March. What did catch my attention was the bumpiness I encountered on some putts where the ball just didn't roll as smooth and true as I've gotten accustomed to. May have been the result of increased foot traffic over the course of the day but certainly worth noting. Not sure if the staff plans to aerate the greens soon but I will inquire next week.

Despite the slight downgrade, I still look forward to playing here on a weekly basis and find that many holes do not play the same from one round to the next. Multiple tee locations and pin positions...along with the ever present wind...make sure that doesn't happen. Tee shots on one Par 3 can range from a 6-iron to a Hybrid on any given day so the monotony of hitting the same club every time I play a certain hole simply doesn't exist. In my view, this built-in variety keeps me engaged from round to round, preventing the boredom factor from entering the equation, and adds to the fun factor.

With a very attractive rate...and an excellent restaurant as well...Admiral Baker provides great value for a mid-afternoon round. The course is still in pretty good shape but where it goes from here will definitely be determined by weather conditions and Gov. Brown's Water Crisis Mandate. I have a feeling it's going to be a brutal summer for course superintendents, which means we may have no choice but to temper our expectations, and we could already be seeing the tip of the iceberg at Admiral Baker.

Played Admiral Baker-North for the fourth consecutive week this past Thursday and little has changed over that time. Tee boxes in good shape but fairways continue to be hit or miss with quite a few areas with little or no turf still marked GUR; rough also spotty from hole to hole and slightly longer than previous visit. Willing to overlook these less-than-pristine conditions due to the excellent greens, perfect bunker sand, and easy-going atmosphere.

The greens present the course's biggest defense: large surfaces with multiple pin options that really demand precise approach shots. You can easily be lulled into a false sense of security as you stand in the fairway; there are very few, if any, large undulations incorporated into their design (with the exception of the triple-tiered Par-3 7th Hole). However, plenty of subtle slopes abound that can spell disaster should you find yourself on the wrong side of the cup, whether you've made it onto the putting surface or not.

Coupled with this is the fact that these greens are difficult to read. They are in excellent condition: healthy, smooth, devoid of unrepaired ball marks, receptive to well-struck shots (despite firming up a bit), and rolling at a medium+ speed...everything one could hope for...yet the ball doesn't always react as you would envision. There seems to be a fine line between making and missing putts here...I've hit good putt after good putt every single week yet have very little to show for it...which can get a bit frustrating at times.

Just keep in mind it's a characteristic of the greens and not due to bumpiness or a lack of a true roll; some putts break then suddenly straighten out near the cup while others hold their line and snap off as they lose speed. And the ball may also break in the opposite direction vs. what you perceived. It takes a perfect combination of read, speed, aim, and stroke to get the ball in the hole which, in my view, can only strengthen your putting as it requires 100% concentration and execution on each and every green.

Bunker sand, as I've alluded to in previous reviews, is simply a pleasure to hit out of. Perfectly raked...unless someone neglects to cover their tracks, which is rare...they are consistent in texture with a generous top layer of soft sand. Unless you happen to be up close to the lip, shots are most often from a relatively flat lie, making it easy to slide a wedge under the ball without the subconscious thought of blading the shot over the green dancing in your head.

Our tee times have been between 2:15-2:30 and despite playing as a twosome sandwiched between fours, twos, and singles, we usually manage to complete play at right about 4 hours, despite feeling the round(s) took longer to finish. Beverage service available two to three times during the mid-afternoon; on-course marshal (Tom) provides ice-cold water and pleasant conversation as well.

My friend and I have developed a great appreciation for the Admiral Baker-North layout over the past few months and it's only gotten better now that we've discovered the on-site River's Edge restaurant. Excellent food at low prices, a nice draft beer selection, and good service make this a mandatory stop after each round. Tremendous value when you combine the golf with lunch/dinner options; it's no wonder why I simply refuse to play anywhere else these days.

Played my first round of 2015 at Admiral Baker-North on a pleasant Wednesday afternoon (2/18) and found the course to be in decent condition but not at the level I grew accustomed to during mid-to-late 2014. Tee boxes were acceptable but the fairways were spotty with more than a few areas marked GUR due to patches of bare dirt. Turf conditions are hit-or-miss...probably won't fill in until the summer...so you may find it necessary to bump the ball a bit in order to find a decent lie.

Rough is pretty non-existent in most parts of the course; area along the right side on the Par-5 6th hole is basically hard pan with patches of thin turf. Collars around the greens are in good shape, however, but very tight so make sure your confidence level is high before attempting that short cut-lob shot if you happen to find yourself short-sided. If not, opt for the safer shot as there's no room for error.

Despite the somewhat less than ideal tee-to-green conditions, the putting surfaces are fantastic; greens are healthy, void of ball marks, and consistently quick from holes 1 through 18. Tiny slice marks show evidence of having been recently verti-cut rather than punched so the ball rolled true on just about every putt. Despite being on the firm side, well-struck shots held but rolled out more than usual; wedges stopped within 3 or 4 feet of their pitch mark while lower lofted irons released and ran a little more. For example, the 6-iron I hit on the downhill Par-3 9th hole came to a stop about 15 feet past its' ball mark.

I've got to say the bunker sand may be the best I've experienced anywhere; well-maintained, excellent texture, an absolute joy to play out of. I actually felt I could be on the aggressive side for a change as opposed to guarding against blading the shot, which is usually what I'm facing at other courses where the sand is thin, hard packed, and exhibits a heavy consistency. Need proof? Holed out consecutive sand shots on Holes #16 and #17...from 40 and 60 feet, respectively.

Saw the Beverage Cart on Hole #6 but a staff member was periodically cruising the course during the afternoon providing water and idle conversation. We played as a twosome behind a few groups of 4 and the round really slowed up midway through the back nine. Seemed like we were waiting quite a bit at that point yet somehow managed to finish in four hours.

Admiral Baker is not what I'd consider a very demanding layout...plenty of room off the tee, benign rough, accessible greens...but it's got a good variety of holes and a few that will challenge even the best players so it's a sensible choice for someone who may be working on their game and not looking to get beat up by the golf course. With a walking rate of $25.00 at 12:45PM...$38.00 with a cart...this has quickly become my go-to course when required to play close to home. I expect the fairways to improve as the weather warms up...provided we get some rain...but the condition of the greens always wins out over any fairway inconsistencies as far as I'm concerned and these are difficult to beat.

As far as I'm concerned, the December Palm Desert Event is the one I look forward to with great anticipation each year. It usually means a quality golf course, full field, the chance to chat with old acquaintances while forging new friendships, and an opportunity to get away from the rigors of everyday life for three or four days. And, as expected, this year's get-together at Indian Wells Golf Resort held true-to-form.

Before I proceed with my review, I want to thank Sal, Nat, and Mark for providing such excellent company and making the round as enjoyable as I could have hoped for. The scores may not have reflected our best efforts but everyone managed to hit some great shots as the afternoon unfolded and there were plenty of laughs to be had...both during and after the round...and that's a tough combination to beat.

I'll try not to get into too much detail here (no promises though) since there are/will be multiple reviews posted but I hope to bring attention to a few points that resonated with me. Obviously, the overall condition of the golf course was excellent: plush carpeting from tee to green with not a bare spot to be found. The turf has filled in nicely from the overseeding process which meant excellent fairways lies but punishing circumstances if you ventured into the rough. I found it difficult to get the club on the ball, especially one with a lower loft, as the ball had a tendency to settle quite easily.

Greens were on the slow side but still rolled at a smooth pace and, like many courses in the area, require some experience in order to get the correct read. They also held well-struck shots although with just six greens hit in regulation, I wasn't able to take full advantage of that fact. Bunker sand was a hit-or-miss proposition and very deceptive, as alluded to by my playing partner 'Itslikeimsayin'. Plush fairways and tee boxes are fine and dandy but not being able to complement that with consistent sand shot conditions...especially with the number of traps that come into play...is a definite blemish and cannot be overlooked.

The layout of The Player's Course isn't much different from the adjacent Celebrity Course yet I would probably lean towards the latter if I had to state my preference. Both tracks feature a fair amount of elevation changes with rolling and canted fairways that often mean having to deal with a fair amount of uneven lies. A few repetitious holes would be my biggest gripe but the redesign is a big improvement from Ted Robinson's original offering. Big greens with multiple pin options, as well as tee box placement, mean the course can play quite different from day to day. It may be someone's idea of golf nirvana but I doubt I'd make a point to play here on my own.

It may have been dictated by the lay of the land on Hole #1...reminiscent of Celebrity's Hole #9...but the contouring of the fairway can quickly turn a good shot into a poor one...and a lost ball as well. A severe left-to-right slope means having to bail out way left, which is fine if you can hit a soft fade back into the fairway...otherwise, you're in the rough with a difficult approach into a green that features the same left-to-right slope. Not a good hole in my opinion...especially the first one of the day.

Some enticing risk/reward Par 4s can be found here as well as a couple of reachable Par 5s for the long hitters but these same holes still offer a good chance for birdie should you choose to lay up to a comfortable wedge distance. Just be sure to have the correct distance..and this is where my next issue arises. Having purchased a yardage book prior to teeing off, I was extremely frustrated that the sprinkler heads designated in the guide were no where to be found. I walked down a 40-yard stretch of one fairway trying to locate a yardage plate and came up empty, when I should have seen four or five of them. In fact, I think I found just three markers during the entire round.

I also believe a golf facility of this scale should provide enough practice range acreage to accommodate those wishing to warm up prior to play. The existing area may be suitable if there was just a single course here but with two layouts available, there were plenty of people having to wait around for a spot to open up, although it did thin out around 11:30 or so.

And with all that turf available to hit from, why were we relegated to having to contend with a restricted area that was more sand-filled divots than solid turf? They could have easily taken the guide rope and moved it back 5 yards and it would have made a considerable difference...especially when you took note of how much of the practice tee was off limits. It may be a minor point to some yet when you consider the cost to play here and the atmosphere Troon Management strives to project, it was a major letdown.

And I'll also make mention of the inadequate parking facilities...is everything Valet Only out here? I had to ask one of the attendants what my options were after cruising the parking lot a couple of times. He told me I could park adjacent to the practice range in the Renaissance Hotel lot or he'd offer complimentary valet service. I chose the lot so keep that in mind should you be faced with the same dilemma during a future visit.

As I stated in my opening remarks, the GK Event couldn't have been any better and I'm most appreciative of all the effort and labor Johnny pours into these functions but as far as Indian Wells Golf Resort is concerned, I was disappointed when all things came under consideration. I realize expecting perfection is unrealistic...and I most certainly didn't approach this event with that criteria in mind...but there were too many drawbacks that took the luster off this place. And I'll leave the behavior of the marshals for another time...

I had stopped believing in Santa Claus many years ago but may have to reconsider after playing the rejuvenated Rams Hill Golf Club (formerly Montesoro...formerly Rams Hill) yesterday. It seemed as if my annual wish list was either disregarded or simply tossed aside by the bearded guy in red but he didn't disappoint me this year...and neither did the golf course. It is in incredible condition from tee-to-green...almost too good to be true...which serves as a testament to the amazing job done by Steve Gregory and his staff. To resuscitate this gem of a layout to its' present state, a property that was left for dead after a failed ownership change, simply cannot be overstated.

I commend the management staff for not reopening the golf course prematurely in order to recoup costs; they definitely had a game plan and stuck to it: either 100% or nothing. With the exception of a few patches of sod on #3 tee box, I didn't encounter a blade of grass out of place anywhere on the course. Tee boxes, fairways, rough, greens, sand traps...all are in brand spanking new condition...it simply doesn't get any better than this.

Unless you've played Rams Hill in its' original Ted Robinson-designed configuration, it's impossible to appreciate the magic Tom Fazio bestowed on this site. Moving 900,000 cubic yards of soil to create elevation changes that didn't exist prior to his arrival, Fazio re-routed many of the holes and turned a fairly good golf course into one of Southern California's best. There's challenge in abundance here but plenty of teeing options to make it playable for just about everyone.

Overseeded rye fairways are generous and provide great lies along with a decent amount of rollout despite their plushness; I'm glad to report they are not overwatered and soaking wet. The rough, despite being a couple of inches deep, is thick and the ball has a tendency to nestle into the grass, making clean lies a rarity if you stray offline. Turf just off the putting surfaces is tightly mowed so plenty of club options there but the secondary cut of rough is where choices are narrowed.

Sand traps are meticulously maintained and the sand is of the highest quality; no hard-packed lies here. Easy to get the club under the ball with no fear of bouncing the leading edge into its belly. Many of the bunkers are steeped faced so sand of this texture is a necessity if you're going to play fair...another example that a lot of thought went into the details of this project.

And now...the greens. Without a doubt, the most pristine putting surfaces I can recall anywhere, although Barona Creek's greens when they opened for business come to mind. Not only do they resemble pool table surfaces...they putt as smooth and true as well with plenty of speed. Greens are very large and deep with plenty of slopes and undulations that must be factored into approach shots. Local knowledge comes in handy here with regards to the false fronts, which are not always visible from the tee/fairway, otherwise you may find a shot that landed 6 feet from the pin has peeled off the green and back into the fairway.

Almost absent from any ball damage (the course has been open for play one week), I still found it disconcerting that I had to fix a half dozen or so FRESH ball marks on every single green while playing. I'm at a loss to explain how people can ignore an obvious blemish to a perfectly presented canvas. Yes, the greens are firm so the ball does not "drop and stop", but anyone who is aware of what they're doing should be looking for and repairing their ball mark whether the ball remained on the green or not instead of relying on the maintenance staff to do so. Otherwise, it won't be long before the greens resemble something you'd encounter at a local municipal course and the glitter will be gone.

Fazio has provided a nice variety of holes here with a seemingly endless number of hole length and pin position options, primarily due to the depth and width of the greens. In fact, the Par-3 9th hole measures 62 yards from back-to-front! There are a couple of three-shot Par 5s and a couple that are reachable yet with an inherent amount of risk/reward. Short Par4s and long Par 4s...short Par3s and long Par3s...it's all here.

Only gripe I have is that there are no GPS systems on the carts and the marked sprinkler heads were no where to be found. I located a total of TWO sprinkler heads during the round...I know they're out there...which had me frustrated for a bit. No yardage books available either; as a result, I was playing "blind" for a good portion of the round...something I haven't had to do since I was a kid, when all you had to judge distance was a 150-yard stake. My only explanation is that the markers have been covered up by the turf and need to be exposed.

Customer service was great; checked in with Jim at the front desk @ 10:30 for an 11:10 tee time ($75.00 rate after 11:00). Told I'd be following two groups of two (I was booked a single) but was pleasantly given the okay to head straight to the tee in order to get ahead of them and play alone. Pace of play was very quick (played through a mixed two on #5) until I got to the 14th tee; it slowed to a crawl from that point forward and I putted out @ 2:00.

No marshal on duty but the beverage cart made the rounds on two or three occasions; restaurant was open with a decent crowd as well. Wanted to be back home for the Canadiens-Bruins game @ 4:00 (big mistake!) so I opted to hit the road immediately after the round.

Not much I can add except to recommend that you play this course NOW! Although I'm hopeful the top-notch playing conditions I experienced will continue to be maintained to the highest standard throughout the year, I can't help but be a bit apprehensive as to whether or not this new operation will succeed where previous ones failed. The current water crisis has to be taken into consideration as well as the willingness of people to pay $150.00 to play here during prime time. The remote location may work against it and the town doesn't offer the amenities/dining options/activities you'll find in the Palm Springs area. I suppose it all depends on the business model but I wouldn't take anything for granted despite their optimism so get out here and show your support as soon as you can.

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Took advantage of one last opportunity to play before the impending time change this weekend and couldn't have selected a better venue than a bona fide favorite, Barona Creek. First time here since April 5, 2014, and the course was set up and played about as tough as I can ever recall; diabolical pin positions, fast greens, and the prevalent afternoon breeze all combined to present a genuine and fun-filled test. Gold Tees at 6663 yards (72.0/136) and it was all that...and then some.

Golf course is in excellent condition from start to finish; can't recall anything that warranted any dissatisfaction. Tee boxes perfect, fairways tight, firm, and green, and putting surfaces that held full shots yet were extremely quick and smooth. For anyone who is familiar with the design, definitely wasn't the day to leave anything above the hole, even if it was just a 6-footer; the short putts were harrowing, given the pin locations and speed conditions.

On the holes where the pin was tucked, accuracy off the tee was a must in order to open up access to the hole; if not, I either had to play to the center of the green and face a long, breaking initial putt or be forced to hit career chip shots for a shot at par if I missed the green, especially on the short side. Rough wasn't too long yet definitely took some control away with regards to spin, which left me at the mercy of the slope and speed of the greens...incredibly demanding setup.

Wouldn't say the course was unfair in its' presentation...it was simply all about precision on Thursday. Knowing the intricacies of the layout helped immensely yet my success or failure was often determined by what the golf course itself decided to give me. There was such a fine line between the two that a well-struck shot didn't always produce the desired/expected result but I welcomed the challenge and the extra punch it injected into the round. Shot 3-over par 39 on the front side yet was surprised at that number; felt I had hit a lot of quality shots yet being off by just a couple of yards often meant bogey at best. Did manage to close with a rush on the back (birdied #14-15-16) for 2-under par 34 and a very pleasant ride home.

Pace-of-play was outstanding: played as '2' with a 1:30 tee time and were comfortably finished a few minutes after 5:00, which included a few extra putts and chip shots on a couple of holes. Cart service was available on two or three occasions but with play on the light side, no on-course marshal was visible. Customer service is always top-notch and consistent from beginning to end; I look forward to chatting with Ross in the Pro Shop whenever possible.

Highly recommend you play here while conditions are this good; $64.00 weekday late rate...effective at 11:00AM...makes this the biggest bang for your buck (includes cart and unlimited range balls). And in addition to the fine playing conditions, you'll encounter a challenging course that definitely resides at or near the top of the list in Southern California.

Only complaint I have, and it's something that became more of an issue as the round progressed, was the inclusion of so many ads via the GPS system (which, on its' own, is very reliable). We would no sooner drive up to a tee box...or any shot for that matter...get a quick glimpse of the yardage, and then be force fed commercial ad after commercial ad until we pressed the bypass button. It was brutal, distracting, and very frustrating...overkill to the ntn degree.

I can understand an occasional blurb every three holes or so but NOT ON EVERY SHOT! Apparently this extra advertising was initiated once the course reopened after its' aerification maintenance in September and has solicited a lot of criticism according to the cart person I spoke to. I made sure to express my disapproval and hope many others do the same when they play here. In the meantime, I'll make sure I don't leave the house without my yardage book again.

Late info here due to time constraints but felt it was still worth posting. Played Admiral Baker-North on Thursday, October 23, and found the course to be in good shape, although the fairways have taken a hit since my July 23 visit. As everyone is aware, drought conditions have persisted, along with record temperatures, right up until this week and the results are obvious. Not as green as a few months ago, the fairways were quite thin and spotty, with dirt patches (picked up some of mud on more than one tee shot) pock-marking what patches of green were in existence.

Lies were very thin unless you happened to find a healthy area of turf: in that instance, it wasn't an issue. Similarly, areas around the green and in the rough were hit-or-miss, with the exception of the collection areas of the fringe, which were well-maintained and great to hit from.

Greens were in good shape yet very inconsistent in speed; #1 was firm and quick but the other greens putted slower than anticipated. On a positive note, not many unrepaired ball marks so putts rolled on relatively smooth surfaces. Tee boxes were acceptable and bunkers kept up to snuff and playable, especially those located in the fairways.

Pace-of-play was excellent: teed off as a '3' at 11:30 and finished a leisurely round of golf just over four hours later. $43.00 rate (including cart) was reasonable, especially when compared to the late rate of $41.00, which I believe is in effect at 3:00 prior to the upcoming time change.

Overall, I enjoy playing here despite the prevalence of generic, nondescript holes that dominate the front side, although the golf course does have its' inherent challenges. However, I must admit I was disappointed by the condition of the fairways and found the thin, almost dirt-like, lies I encountered on a regular basis to be a nuisance and detriment.

Late post for a round that took place on Thursday, September 4, but figured it would still hold some relevance. After a six year hiatus, I decided to reacquaint myself with Carlton Oaks CC, one of the most challenging courses to be found anywhere in the country. Tipping the scales at a stout 7410 yards from the Tournament tees, the course demands length, precision, shot-shaping ability, and a strong short game, especially if you have a tendency to miss a lot of greens. And with the large putting surfaces tending to be multi-tiered with plenty of contours, let's add a deft putting touch to the list of essentials necessary to score well here.

Need any further proof? Consider the 75.9/145 Rating/Slope, which drops to a slightly more "realistic" 75.1/142 when played from the Black tees at 7228 yards. Luckily, there are 5 or 6 tee options on each hole to suit just about everyone's game so pick your poison wisely. My friend and I settled on the Blue tees (6700 yards) and it was more than an adequate challenge to our games and patience level. Not only does the length of the golf course have a huge influence on the final scorecard tally but the hole positions can be downright diabolical, adding more grief. Tucked pins, accessible only if holding a high-lofted iron in your hands, were the norm on Thursday. Otherwise, it was much more prudent to shoot away from the pin and hope to work the ball closer to the target rather than foolishly challenge it directly

The layout features an outstanding variety of holes that can be made easier or tougher by the wind...and it definitely was a factor during our visit, where a couple of the long Par-4 holes played like short Par-5s. It's imperative you drive the ball a long way at Carlton Oaks; short hitters will get eaten alive unless they play from the correct tee box. About the only time I'll ever set foot on a back tee will be to see how much more demanding the hole is from where I'm playing it.

There are at least a half dozen holes that could easily find their way onto my "Toughest 18" if I were to comprise such a list, making Carlton Oaks the place to play if you really want to subject your game to the ultimate stress test. Although the current state of my game doesn't quite warrant that type of treatment, I was still looking forward to teeing it up there after such a long absence. The greens underwent a complete renovation in 2012 but I was a bit apprehensive about the overall condition of the course, given its' past history as well as taking the current hot and dry weather into consideration.

Well, it seemed my premonition was spot on: other than the greens, the rest of the golf course is suffering from a lack of water and maintenance on a huge scale. Fairways, although green in some areas, were dry in many others...where it was hit-or-miss as to whether there was turf to hit off. The areas of the course that appear to be neglected most are the perimeters of the fairways and the mounds enveloping the greens. As a result, any ball struck offline, even slightly in some cases, would be subject to a hard carom and conceivably end up 20+ yards further away...if not lost...adding insult to injury. Many of the mounds are bare dirt with just a few strands of dead grass to serve as a reminder of what once was.

Tee boxes weren't an issue...level and in decent shape...so there's nothing to gripe about there. The greens were the only saving grace, making it obvious to me that the maintenance department is directing its' (apparently) limited resources to this part of the golf course...and rightfully so. It would be a financial and public relations disaster if they were to lose the greens after the renovation so I commend them for keeping them in such good condition, especially in the brutal East County heat of the past month. They were green, held well, and, despite a few unrepaired ball marks, rolled smooth and true at a quick pace.

Bunkers were in good shape and playable...no issues to report based on the three or four I happened to find...although I noticed a raggedness around the edges of a few traps here and there. Rough was on the short side and not very difficult to play from unless you ended up in one of those areas that was barren of any grass whatsoever.

Teed off at 2:30 ($35.00 rate) and cruised along in just under four hours as the course was wide open ahead of us. No beverage service or on-course marshal...I suppose the light traffic was responsible for that decision although I would think having a drink cart out and about on a sweltering afternoon would be a no-brainer. At least there were plenty of water jugs available at various holes because I was emptying my water bottle quite frequently.

In closing, I expected to encounter dry, arid conditions on the golf course but was still taken aback by the degree of its' impact on the course's playability. That being said, it's my understanding the course will be tapping into the City of Santee's reclaimed watering system in a few weeks so I'm hopeful it will lead to an improved appearance and better conditions from that point forward. Carlton Oaks is as tough as they come and should be afforded the opportunity to benefit from its' reputation and legacy. Despite the demands it places on one's game, it's still an enjoyable course to play and one that will let you know how quickly you need to return to the practice tee.

It's been almost 25 years since I last played Admiral Baker North and the recent full-scale renovations that were completed a couple of years ago have vastly improved the golf course. The irrigation system was overhauled, new tee boxes constructed (i.e., #1), and the green complexes were redone/reconfigured as well. Not only have the playing conditions benefited from the upgrades, but I also believe the layout can play tougher than it used to...especially all the way back...if the pins get tucked on the larger greens and the wind is blowing.

This is not a golf course that possesses any blatant 'wow factor'; it's actually pretty nondescript and vanilla-flavored. However, anyone who can appreciate the value of being able to work the ball, place it on the proper side of the fairway, and rely on strict course management to keep them from taking any unnecessary risks, will be rewarded with the opportunity to shoot a respectable score. If you happen to get "short-sided", it may require a career shot...or a long putt... in order to save par; there's very little room to work with when the pins are tucked and the grass around the fringe areas may not always make a "bump and run" feasible.

The layout features a good balance of straightaway holes as well as ones that bend right-to-left or left-to-right. Hitting a tee shot to the wrong side of the fairway on these doglegs can add a considerable amount of yardage to the following shot, hence the premium on driving accuracy. Most are fairly subtle but #11 bends left at a 90 degree angle, requiring a strong tee shot in order to avoid being blocked out by the hill guarding the corner. Strategically placed fairway bunkers...some guarding the corners, others in the middle of the fairway...also influence play from a few of the tees so knowing the distance to reach and/or carry them is critical.

Played as a twosome and teed off a few minutes after 3:00 on Friday afternoon; golf course was open so pace of play wasn't an issue and we coasted through the round in about 3-1/2 hours. Rate was $41.00 (regular fee $55.00) including cart, which I thought was a bit high for mid-afternoon but I really don't regard rates vs. tee times an issue with me; just wanted to mention it for those who are searching for the best "deal" at that time of day. Cart girl was available on two or three occasions during the round which was nice; some places seem to shut down their service earlier when the crowds have thinned out. Saw a player's assistant a couple of times too.

Tee boxes were healthy and fairly level, as I recall, without any excessive divot issues. Fairways, for the most part, were green and featured good lies, but there were a few areas under repair and some bare spots here and there. Overall, it had no impact on being able to hit the shot at hand.

Rough was full and very challenging; kikuyu-type grass meant solid ball contact could be compromised if you didn't pay attention. It would be quite easy to pop the ball straight up in the air when it sat on top of the grass so "measuring to the ball" was the first order of business. There are a couple of areas off the fairway...#6 comes to mind...where there is just a dirt area with no rough so be prepared to look for exposed, as well as hidden, rocks before electing to hit your shot if you do happen to find these locations.

The greens were in good condition despite the presence of neglected ball marks. I have no idea what it's going to take before the culprits wake up and realize they've got to make a concerted effort to repair the damage caused by their approach shots, but it would be a shame if these greens deteriorate to what they were prior to the renovation project. That being said, putts rolled very true although a couple were kicked off line by the surface imperfections. I'd say speed was medium, at best, but it didn't take long to figure out and I had a strong day on the greens. There were a couple of the downhill variety that were quick...so you had to pay attention to the subtle slopes...but anything going slightly up an incline had to be hit firmly. I also thought the greens were fairly easy to read.

Bunker sand was excellent; no complaints here. Nicely maintained and almost perfectly level (save for a few unraked footprints...probably the same culprits who are ignoring their ball marks), texture was conducive to hitting good shots with the proper technique. Didn't encounter nor see any traps that were hard-packed, which is the exception rather than the norm these days.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Admiral Baker and felt more appreciation for the layout and the positive changes that have been instituted as the round progressed. Like I said, it's not a visually stunning presentation but a strong variety of holes that place an emphasis on solid shot-making is what registered with me. Challenging, fair, playable for the high as well as low index player, and walkable for those who wish to do so, this is a course I plan to revisit very soon. And in light of the continuing economic crunch, the high cost of course maintenance, and the ever-present drought, the conditions were laudable. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case at most venues being reviewed this year.

My favorite layout in San Diego County...and an All-Time Top Ten List occupant as well...the highly-regarded Barona Creek GC has always held a special place in my heart. There was a time, upon its' inception, when I was playing there on a weekly basis and, as a result, developed a strong bond with the course; well, that bond still exists 13 years later. It's one of the few courses I get excited just talking about, even if I'm not playing it.

Laid out in an open meadow, the course features relatively wide, undulating fairways with a great variety of elevation changes incorporated into the design; this is not an uninspired, flat-as-a-pancake routing. Great care was taken to fit the golf course into the "lay of the land" and, as a result, it looks as if it's been there 100 years. Rough-edged bunkering and native grasses add a "three-dimensional" look to the course and provides a pleasant contrast to the manicured tee boxes (all square cut), fairways, and putting surfaces.

Although Barona Creek is fairly forgiving off the tee, the greens are the great equalizer here...quite large, sloped and undulating...but they still offer a number of avenues in which to approach that day's pin position. If you have the game, you can be aggressive and challenge some of those pins (although it may not always be the prudent play) but if not, you can still get the ball on the green yet face a lengthy putt as a consequence. This is one place where it's very easy to 3-putt from just six feet above the hole if you leave yourself on the wrong side.

Familiarity with the layout is a definite advantage here (I probably know every fairway/green nook and cranny and how they can influence a particular shot) yet all it takes is some observation and note-taking in order to have these built-in idiosyncrasies work in your favor. I'm sure not everyone delves that deep into analyzing each hole but I happen to thrive on that part of the game and feel as if I'm engaged in a chess match when playing here.

A few days late, this review is in regards to my round from Saturday, April 5. Overall course conditions were good despite having to putt on greens that had been aerated on March 17 and 18 and are not fully recovered yet. Generally speaking, greens were okay; I'd rate the speed as medium...definitely not as quick as what I'd normally expect...although the greens on the back nine were a little quicker. Morning rain did little to soften the greens...they felt quite firm...but held very well just the same, even on well-struck pitch/chip shots.

Most putts held their line well but a few were affected by the punch marks, particularly as they lost their speed. Got fooled a couple of times on the degree of break to play but again, it may have been due to the maintenance issue. I do want to point out, however, that I was informed by the Pro Shop when I called to reserve my tee time that the greens had been recently aerated. Although I knew this based on the aeration alert listed on Greenskeeper, I thought it said a lot about the management team and their "transparent" information policy. Thumbs up!

Fairways showed evidence of recently being verti-cut but the lies were good, albeit on the tight side; also some rough allowed to pinch in from the sides that framed and narrowed the fairways a bit. Decent roll-out off the tee on flat trajectory shots which is why this course can play "fast" during a dry spell. Tee boxes were in great shape; always the best in SD County.

Bunkers were meticulously well-maintained and very playable. A couple had small areas that were a bit firmer due to the early precipitation but still manageable; nothing so firm that it felt like hitting off a sidewalk. Fringe areas were in great shape but very thin so putter, Texas wedge, and hybrid were the best options for shots just off the green.

Customer service, as usual, was top-notch from beginning to end; beverage cart was available on at least three or four occasions (we teed off @ 1:10PM). Pace-of play was very leisurely and unhurried as there was no one behind us until we reached #15 green and the groups ahead played at a good pace. As a result, we took quite a few photographs during the round and clocked in @ 5:40PM, which included a stop at the snack bar and also allowing a single to play through on #10 tee. If necessary, we could have finished maybe 15-20 minutes earlier.

While many courses provide just a 5-hour late rate window, Barona Creek offers a generous allowance that goes into effect at 11:00AM, so there's plenty of daylight available to get 18 holes in without feeling rushed. Weekday prices at that time are $64.00 while weekends/holidays are $80.00, which is a great deal for a course of this stature. Range balls are included in the greens fee but I think it's time for the club to sort through their supply and eliminate those that have seen better days; everything else is first class so why not the range balls?

If I were to make a recommendation, I'd suggest giving the aerated greens at least until the end of the month, maybe even until mid-May, to recover before venturing out to Barona Creek. Although they weren't a major issue with me...probably because I managed to make a few putts during the round...conditions should be close to pristine by then and that will only add to the positive experience of playing there.

Made a return visit to The Golf Club of California on Saturday, February 1, after being thoroughly impressed with the playing conditions I encountered on January 18. I won't go into as much detail in this review so feel free to reference my initial posting for a fuller profile of this hidden gem.

Conditions are as good, if not slightly better, than what I experienced two weeks ago. A couple of tee boxes that were closed at the time (there are multiple boxes to choose from) were now open and plush with fresh turf (Blue Tee on #2 for example). Not only do these alternate tees offer players a different perspective/challenge, it allows the grounds crew the opportunity to close a couple of boxes and refresh them as needed.

No overseeding here so the fairways, obviously, are dormant and the lies are TIGHT! Very little margin for error when it comes to striking irons but the ball sits up beautifully; crisp contact will allow you to put a good amount of spin on the ball and it's necessary if you have any hope of stopping it close to the target. And that was certainly the case on Saturday.

Despite some showers a day or so in advance of my round, the greens were very firm, which made some pins downright inaccessible. If you've played here before, you'll know that the contours and shaping of the putting surfaces truly define target golf. Whereas I was able to hold some greens last month with hybrids, that wasn't the case this time around. Some shots, even mid-to-short irons, either caromed off some of the fault lines and slopes or simply released and rolled off the green into the fringe area. If you hit Nicklaus-type iron shots (i.e., 4-iron with Pitching Wedge trajectory) then you'll have a distinct advantage here. And trying to get up-and-down after missing a green, especially if short-sided, was d%mn near impossible in some cases.

Now I'm not complaining by any means as we played in a brisk wind for most of the day with temperatures 20-25 degrees colder than what they were in January so I can understand why the greens weren't as receptive as anticipated. I just want to point out that this is a thinking man's golf course when it comes to approach shots so when you play here it's imperative to take note of the idiosyncrasies of each and every green and use that knowledge for your benefit in the future. If you love to shape shots and use the contours of the green to feed the ball to the hole then I would consider this your Shan-gri-la; it is a shotmaker's delight.

Since I spent quite a bit of time in the fringe areas on Saturday, I did notice they have filled in over the past couple of weeks, making for more consistent lies over a greater area surrounding the greens. The patchiness I observed in January seems to have been minimized to a noticeable degree and, as a result, provided more club selection options on pitch/chip shots.

Rough remains on the short side but still offers a challenge. Sand traps, as noted in my earlier review, are outstanding, although a couple of fairway bunkers that hadn't seen any foot traffic during the day had a slightly crusty surface.

Greens looked fantastic and were smooth; again, just a couple of ball marks here and there but no evidence whatsoever of anything that was neglected for more than a few hours. Surprisingly, despite their firmness, the greens were a notch or two slower this time around and I had a difficult time adjusting, especially on long putts. Anything that had to come up and over one of the many slopes was particularly challenging; I just couldn't seem to hit the ball hard enough.

Teed off @ 12:15 and pace-of-play was what I expected: 4 hours and 40 minutes or so. Course was full and we kept pace with the foursome in front of us for most of the day yet felt rushed due to a twosome that was slotted behind us, which was followed by another group of four. Thought that was a bad move by the starter since I was a single and should have been paired with that group rather than the threesome I was asked to join.

With a favorable discounted rate available online and very good playing conditions, I'm inclined to think this may be my "go-to" course this year. Despite being a 100+ mile round trip for me, it's a layout that has grabbed my attention. Extremely challenging, particularly when the wind is up, The GC of California is one of those venues where you'll find private country club conditions at a respectable public rate.

I don't expect to get out a lot this year...perhaps one or two rounds per month at best...and intend to be very selective about where I play. I'd prefer to get one round in for $50 here as opposed to playing two rounds elsewhere for that price so it's going to be quality over quantity in 2014.

A couple days late (played Saturday 1/18) but better now than never...

Nestled into the hills of Fallbrook within the confines of the Sycamore Ranch housing community, The Golf Club of California is a hidden gem of a course. Having experienced some trying times both economically and membership-wise, the once "destined-to-be-private" club appears to have steadied the ship and is open for public access at very reasonable rates.

Designed by Wade Cable and former PGA touring pro, circa 1960s, Johnny Pott, what you have here is a layout carved from the natural rolling terrain with a number of elevation changes to keep things honest. There are plenty of flat lies to be found but there's also enough slope to some of the fairways to warrant your attention. It's a layout that gives one the impression very little earth was moved in order to arrive at the finished product.

Offering five sets of tees, as well as a composite routing, The GC of California provides plenty of variety and options to suit a wide range of players. The inclusion of 'Combo Tees' is a nice touch and something I'd like to see at other courses with multiple teeing zones. The Mens' Combo (6619 yards) falls right in between the Blue/Black yardage (6467/6828) and they didn't ignore the girls either: two sets of ladies' tees are on the card...5011 and 5304 yards, respectively...with the option to play a Ladies' Combo that stretches out to 5585 yards.

Typical of courses in this area, environmentally sensitive areas abound and must be avoided. As a result, some holes are narrow, most notably, #1, where precision off the tee is the main objective. Given the fact some of the fairways slope towards these hazards makes those tee shots even more challenging.

Conversely, there are a number of holes where the fairways are wide enough for you to take driver without a second thought and this further adds to the appeal of the golf course. This is one course where you'll probably hit every club in your bag that day. It boasts a fine variety of holes to challenge the single-digit player without beating up those who still aspire to reach that plateau.

And speaking of plateaus, the greens can be quite constrictive in certain areas so familiarity with the layout is a definite advantage. False fronts, 'pockets' of greens defined by fault lines and slopes, subtle yet influential undulations...they all have to be considered before firing at the pin, especially if the locations are as brutal (Pin Sheet #9) as they were on Saturday. That being said, there was nothing unfair about it...well, it may have been borderline on a couple of holes...but if you know how the green is designed then you simply hit the right shot or face the consequences.

I found the overall playing conditions to be very good with little to take issue with. Tee boxes were level and in good shape with the expected sand-filled divots on the Par 3s. Fairways are dormant (I see fewer courses bothering with the expense of overseeding these days) and although not uniformly green, the turf quality was excellent. Be forewarned, however...the lies are tight so if you're looking for a cushy lie you won't find it here. As a result, the fairways play fast, although there were some spots where I picked up some mud on the ball, costing me roll-out yardage.

Sometimes it works in your favor, sometimes it doesn't. For example, I lost 25 yards on my tee shot on the uphill Par-5 sixth hole when my ball rolled back towards the tee after it settled at what I thought would be its' end point. Rub of the green I suppose.

Rough was on the short-ish side although a couple of greens had a second cut that was a bit longer. Didn't present any particular difficulty regarding shot execution but my only gripe was that the fringe areas were somewhat inconsistent. You could be facing a shot where the lie offered more than one club option (wedge, putter, hybrid) while just a few feet away the wedge option would have been taken away due to a very thin and spotty lie.

Greens were outstanding and rolling fast; there may have been one or two areas where it got a little bumpy but putts tracked true. Seemed to me these greens break more than what meets the eye; plenty of snap at the end of some putts despite a rather benign appearance slope-wise. And I must add there were hardly ANY unrepaired ball marks to be attended to: a major point as far as I'm concerned as more and more reviewers allude to this problem at other courses. The same held true for fairway divots; the majority, if not all, had been filled with sand.

Bunker sand was very good...a touch on the heavy side but still fluffy enough to get through the shot without much effort. Only complaint here is that earlier players failed to rake their 'tracks' in more than one bunker.

Service level was excellent and although the club strives to uphold a strict dress code policy (see how far you can get before someone asks/tells you to tuck in your shirt), the atmosphere is congenial and pleasant. Staff was friendly and quickly provided a shuttle ride to/from the driving range since there were no carts available when I checked in. Nice locker room facility and a bar/dining/outdoor patio area close enough to the 18th hole to provide a view of incoming tee shots.

Large putting green conveniently located near the 1st tee; it's design...and speed...mirrored what I encountered on the golf course (another strong point). Driving range offers a couple of split tiers and is all grass. Just $5.00 for an unlimited supply but I must say it behooves you to pick through the 'pyramid' and hit the newer ones; there are too many balls that are long past retirement.

Full tee sheet on Saturday with Club Matches scheduled in the morning (I teed off @ 12:15 or so) but play moved rather well. Was paired with a couple of slower players in a foursome but finished in about 4:40. We actually caught up with the group ahead of us on #18 but only waited a couple of minutes before proceeding to tee off.

It's been a few years since I've played GC of California but I'm anxious to return soon. The current state of its' conditioning is great and further enhances the challenge provided by the layout. The difficulty factor increases when the wind blows so it's a course you can tackle many times yet it may not play the same on two consecutive days. I had a great time and may find myself adopting this as my local "go-to" course if the rates and conditions continue to be favorable.