Not having played at this facility in 25 years, I was anxious to see the end result of the highly-acclaimed John Fought/Clive Clark transformations to the original Ted Robinson-designed East and West Courses. The East, which is the one I had played, since redone by Fought in 2007, is now the Players Course. The West, a Clive Clark project that was completed in 2006, was the one I approached with great anticipation.

From a design perspective, I was very impressed with the Celebrity Course layout; it requires a strategic, target-oriented approach although there are plenty of "high risk-high reward" opportunities for the longer hitter to consider. Yardage ranges from 5200 all the way up to 7000 so there are plenty of tee box options to suit a wide range of players. With a great variety of holes that require you to work the ball off the tee in order to afford the best angle into that day's pin position, it's an entertaining layout that held my interest throughout the round.

One aspect of the course worth noting is it's one anomaly: just a single Par 3 and Par 5 on either side. I can't recall having played a Par 72 course that presented a total of fourteen Par 4 holes but I commend Mr. Clark for not succumbing to the status-quo and insisting there had to be four Par 3s and four Par 5s built. He made good use of the available land without destroying the character of the course, which is what would have occurred had he tossed in a couple of short "throwaway" holes just to satisfy the traditional course-makeup criteria.

The golf course is very picturesque with many flower beds and split streams running along the fairways. Mostly tree-lined with some open holes strewn about the course, I was surprised at how undulating and rolling some of the fairways were; it provided a nice change of scenery when compared to some of the pancake-flat layouts you may encounter in the Palm Springs area (Cimarron Golf Resort to name one). And with an abundance of pine trees vs. palm trees, I often had the feeling of playing in an Alpine forest rather than the desert.

Tee boxes, fairways, and greens were in very good to excellent condition although I was a bit taken aback at the ball mark damage I encountered on some of the putting surfaces. It certainly wasn't something I'd tab as out of control but after playing Shadow Ridge the previous day, I expected better. I would attribute it more to neglectful repair work by the golfing public rather than a staff maintenance issue since it is obvious this facility takes a lot of pride in the visual presentation of its' product.

Greens were on the slow side and, in some instances, putts were influenced by the occasional "compromised" putting surface. Putts also had a tendency to break a bit more than what I read so I would definitely keep this in mind if I have the opportunity to play here again. As a result, speed and line had to be spot on in order to have a chance at holing anything.

Was only in a couple of bunkers (one fairway, one greenside) and the quality of the sand was good. Not as hard packed as anticipated so escaping was pretty routine but previous players did not always do a proper job of raking the trap once exiting. Luckily it didn't influence any of my shots. Rough was a modest length but didn't present any issues either.

As noted by previous reviewers who participated in the 12/8 GK Event, the driving range was criticized as not being in-step and on the same level with the rest of the facility. Although we were hitting off artificial turf that day, it was a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. The mats were functional, the golf balls of decent quality, yardage markings to the target flags were accurate...it had no adverse affect on my swing. I'm sure the comments may have been kinder had the grass tee been open but I appreciated having the range right there by the clubhouse/check-in area, eliminating a long cart ride to another part of the course.

The clubhouse is a very stunning, modern building with a tastefully appointed interior. A Pro Shop that makes you feel you're at Nordstrom's (in atmosphere rather than price point, although there are some high ticket items available for purchase), it's a good place to find a simple souvenir or special gift. And the staff was very friendly and helpful, offering to order any items that weren't available in a desired size.

We were able to play for a special rate that included an excellent Southwestern Buffet Dinner at the conclusion of play. Rack rates are on the high side since it's Winter Season but I feel it would be worth one's while to play here if you haven't already done so; in my opinion, the total overall experience certainly justifies that fact.

And that leads to my closing comment, which is aimed at Troon Golf Management. It's obvious to me Troon focuses on providing a high level of service in order for its' guests to truly enjoy and appreciate the product they offer. I found their service level to be among the best I've encountered: friendly, courteous, and professional people who were sincere and never pretentious in their efforts.

In talking to one of the employees, I was told they are well compensated within the boundaries of the Hospitality Industry and it shows. If you want to hire and retain good people then they should be compensated and treated as a valuable asset: Troon definitely recognizes this and I commend them for it.

First round of 2013 for me so, as a result, first GK review of 2013. Hope the writing chops are still there...

Decided to 'begin' my 2013 campaign on Saturday, December 7, at my favorite Palm Springs-area course, Nick Faldo's Shadow Ridge. Located in Palm Desert, this course has always served as my stopping point whenever I'm in the area. Managed by Marriott, it may be the best facility to stay, play, and work on one's golf game.

Featuring an expansive full shot range, the famed V-range, where you can dial in your wedge game to precision, two short game practice complexes, and a top-notch instructional staff/fitting center/indoor studio...it doesn't lack a single amenity. Turf conditions were excellent and golf ball quality was also good. Use of the practice areas are included with the greens fee but if you're not playing, just $20.00 gains you all-day access.

As expected, the golf course was in very good condition...and green! Fairways have recovered from overseeding with very few, if any, unfilled divots. Tee boxes were lush and level with only the Par-3s showing any sign of wear. Rough is not long...just a couple of inches...so getting back into the fairway isn't a problem at all if you stray off line.

Greens were smooth...didn't notice any issues with unrepaired ball marks...and rolled true at a medium+ speed. I've seen them much quicker but it's early in the season so that could change in the next month or so. Greens held well but there were a couple that were firmer than others...probably due to the recent cold temps...and those approach shots did not stop as hoped for. Bunkers were well maintained and playable unless you happen to hit a spot that's been firmed up by some moisture.

What stands out to me about Shadow Ridge is that Nick Faldo got it right in designing a resort-style course that can test yet be enjoyed by any golfer, regardless of skill level. Multiple tee boxes make it a fair proposition for women as well as men, with generous landing areas in the fairway. Select the correct tee and you're in for a fair, fun, and challenging round of golf.

I'd consider the greens to be on the large size, although there are a couple of smaller ones as dictated by the design of the hole, and that's where Faldo tightens the vise. There's always a safe place to put your ball...at the risk of 3-putting perhaps...but if you decide to challenge the pin you'll be rewarded for a good shot but pay a price for a poor one.

False fronts, slopes, and backdrops all come into play but also allow more than one option when approaching the green. And the greens slope off into "collection areas" rather than deep rough so while one player may opt to putt from just off the green surface another may choose a wedge or even a hybrid for the same shot. It's this variety that makes me appreciate the course for what it is: a shotmaker's delight.

But it may be the bunkering that sets Shadow Ridge apart from the rest of the typical desert courses. Heavily influenced by Alistair McKenzie's design at Royal Melbourne, Faldo incorporated the same type of bunker at Shadow Ridge...sharply cut edges with tall faces...so spend some time in the practice bunker before teeing off...and pack a high-lofted wedge. It lends a very dramatic look to the course that is much more pleasing to my eye than the expansive waste bunkers you'll encounter at Desert Willow for example.

Shadow Ridge is one of those rare layouts where I never get bored...from Hole #1 to Hole #18...and I've played it over 25 times. Plenty of variety with many risk-and-reward possibilities staring you in the face; a variation in pin position from one day to the next can drastically alter the way you play the hole.

In my view, Shadow Ridge is that rare gem where the casual, vacationing golfer can go out and enjoy himself without getting beat up by a course he can't handle and the low index guy can set his sights on breaking par yet be frustrated if he fails to bring his best.

In closing, I'd like to also mention that the staff has always been friendly, professional, and accommodating. I see many of the same faces from year to year...Matt in the Pro Shop, Ed at the Starter's Booth, and Ben at the Golf School to name a few...and they're always very pleasant to chat with.

In talking to a few GK'ers at the Indian Wells Event this past weekend, I was surprised that many of them have not played Shadow Ridge. I believe you're missing out on a wonderful golf course and practice facility if you fail to do so. Give yourself an early Christmas gift and set up a time soon.

Played here for the first time on Saturday, December 22, and returned for a second go-round the following Saturday, December 29. Was able to redeem my final two Costco certificates and found the $37.50 green fee to be well-worth the 200+ mile round trip vs. the rack rate of $72.00. Although the second round was played in cold and rainy conditions, it was a nice change of pace from the sunny weather encountered the previous week.

As far as the layout is concerned, I found Hidden Valley to be challenging with a good variety of holes that take advantage of the inherent elevation changes, which makes for a visually stunning experience. Seems to be an equal split of uphill as well as downhill routing that helps to provide some diversity. As a result, there aren't many flat lies to be found so expect a lot of uncomfortable address positions if you play here. There is some local knowledge to be gained when playing Hidden Valley for the first time since there are quite a few blind tee shots as well as approaches in to the greens. Nothing too extreme but choosing the proper sight line off the tee can have a major impact on your approach shot (the Par-5 6th hole is a good example).

Length off the tee provides a big advantage, especially if playing it all the way back. Even at 6200+ yards, the course seems to play longer than its' yardage, which is attributable to some forced carries as well as the uphill tee shots. Found myself facing a lot of "in-between" shots as a result.

For the most part, fairways are relatively wide and invite shot-shaping off the tee in order to avoid trouble and/or work the ball into the optimum spot for your approach shot. Although it certainly didn't look attractive, the turf was relatively full though some holes sported more divots than others where short irons were used (#14 for example). In contrast was #15, which was closed to cart traffic and the condition of the grass reflected it. Definitely the best fairway on the course. Fringe areas were good although the length of grass varied from 2" rough to St. Augustine-type grass that would just disintegrate upon impact, which made short pitch shots very challenging.

Greens are also designed to allow shots to be played to the safe part of the green or, if you're feeling brave (or foolish), worked in towards the pin. A couple of the greens feature extreme contours that made some of the pins inaccessible, but I'll blame that on poor judgement by whoever set the cups that day.

Given that the greens were probably the quickest I've been on this year, the aforementioned questionable pin positions had three-putt green written all over them. Case in point is the short Par-4 7th hole, where the cup was placed on a shelf in the far right hand rear corner of the green. Just about impossible to get close to, even with a wedge, and a real adventure when it came time to putt. This green should be re-contoured.

Putting surfaces were in pretty good shape...the ball checked up beautifully, even on short pitch shots...and they rolled fairly smooth. However, I did have a couple of longish putts get kicked off line by some imperfections as the ball neared the cup, which cost me a couple of strokes as those putts were definitely headed dead-center. For the most part, however, ball mark damage wasn't out of control.

Tee boxes were pretty chewed up and not level; some had been filled with mixture while others had not. Despite this fact, I didn't feel it impacted my game although it is disconcerting when you can't locate a level spot to tee off from. Rough wasn't very long yet did have an affect on how the ball reacted upon impact, oftentimes requiring an extra club.

The bunker sand was absolutely terrible, especially on the 29th. Damp from the rain, combined with the fact that there wasn't much sand to begin with, the bunkers were d%mn near unplayable. It was akin to hitting a ball off the sidewalk in front of the house with no chance to get under the ball with any cushion; bladed shots that resulted from the club simply bouncing off the hard-packed sand were the norm. Probably the worst sand conditions I encountered anywhere in 2012.

Although I enjoyed the layout and had fun playing there, Hidden Valley is showing signs of duress. I'm led to believe this was not always the case and I have no explanation to offer and can only conjecture as to the reason for the deterioration: a reduction of resources, a change in management, or perhaps some questionable maintenance procedures.

A couple of holes could benefit from some much-needed renovation, most particularly the Par-5 opening hole, where a left-to-right sloping fairway kicks balls straight into the hazard that lines the right side of the fairway up to the elbow of the dogleg. I'd recommend relocating the cart path to the left side of the fairway and adding rough or a long waste bunker in its' place in order to help speed up play. Too much time is spent looking for tee shots that land in the middle of the fairway yet find their way into the hazard.

Customer service at the front desk was excellent (a quick nod to Jordan) and cart service was available throughout the round. Pace of play was slow on the 22nd (4:40) but a bit quicker on the 29th (4:30). Very friendly marshal was working both days I was there but wasn't able to get his name. Kept us informed as to what to expect with regards to slower groups playing ahead of us.

Driving range is a bit of a joke with only 11 mats available and an area that slopes uphill with yardage signs dotting the hillside after the turf runs out at about 140 yards. Certainly wouldn't waste my time practicing here; it's only functional as a place to make a few swings before heading over to the first hole.

I opted to hold off on my review of Hidden Valley after playing on the 22nd and I'm glad I did. Took a closer, more critical look at the course and its' features during my second visit and had to temper my enthusiasm. This course can be quite amazing if in pristine shape but given the current state of conditions, I doubt I'll be anxious to make another 200+ mile journey to play there in the near future, especially at regular green fees.

Hidden Valley Golf Club Review
Norco California Golf Course Reviews

Having played Desert Willow's Firecliff course a half dozen times over the years, I felt it was a nice companion piece to the previous day's GK Event at The Classic Club and expected similar playing conditions for the GK Plays Event on Saturday, December 8. Well, count me among those who were absolutely knocked out by the excellent putting surfaces, which, unlike the greens at The Classic Club, were devoid of any cosmetic damage resulting from poorly repaired ball marks. The tee boxes, fairways, and rough were just about pristine but the greens stole the show, which is why those of us who played here are lobbying for a future GK Event at this fine facility.

As was the case at The Classic Club, Desert Willow is professionally managed and exudes a private club ambiance yet without any hint of arrogance or stuffiness. The staff goes out of its' way to ensure an enjoyable time for everyone, and that commences as soon as you approach the clubhouse. Well-organized and efficient, the operation runs like clockwork with no detail overlooked and the pace-of-play was closely monitored throughout our time on the course.

The layout is visually stunning, mostly due to the proliferation of sand traps (over 100), yet is player-friendly with relatively wide fairways and alternate routes into the greens. No dramatic elevation changes to speak of but the gently contoured fairways provide welcome relief from the typically flat desert course and add to its' character.

As far as the sand was concerned, we teed off @ 8:00-8:15 and found it to be damp and heavy as a result of sprinkler overspray. Trying to escape from the bunkers was akin to hitting shots off a freshly poured patio slab and the results would bear that out. Short-sided myself on more than one occasion and found it next to impossible to get any spin on the ball and stop it close to the pin. Conversely, the sand along #17 green was very thin with a hard base, which I discovered a couple of seconds too late. Thanks Willie! :)

I'd classify the green speed as medium when we began the round but it jumped up a notch or two once the moisture burned off and the temperature rose. Some putts had more break than what we would have figured but with an accurate read and a good stroke, chances are the ball was going to find the hole.

The layout features a great variety of holes...3-shot Par 5s, some that can be reached in two by long hitters, short Par 4s as well as long ones, a nice assortment of Par 3s...that maintains the entertainment level from start to finish. Firecliff is a challenging course that will reward someone whose game is on yet punish those who stray off the tee and fail to avoid the bunkers that dominate the layout. With that being said, however, the fun factor is high, which adds to the overall appeal of this two-course facility.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the outside patio are that overlooks the 9th and 18 greens; it is a great setting for watching some golf while dining/drinking/socializing after the round. The food and service was top-notch and provided a perfect ending to a wonderful weekend in the desert.

In closing, I'd like to acknowledge my playing partners...SR129, DCricket, and RStang06...for being such a pleasure to play with; it was a privilege. And thanks are also in order for the effort Johnny GK continually puts into organizing these events, often at the expense of his own golf game, in order to ensure a good time for everyone. I'd say he was successful once again.

Desert Willow Resort Golf Course Review
Palm Springs California Golf Course Reviews

Played in the GK Event on Friday, December 7, and would agree with the consensus that The Classic Club is a first class operation from top to bottom. Featuring a very attentive and courteous staff, this Troon property is a professionally managed, organized, and maintained facility. Boasting an expansive practice range with Titleist NXT Tour practice balls and immaculate turf, you'd be hard pressed to find a better facility to work on your game, before or after the round. A very large practice green with gentle contouring allows one the opportunity to also put in some serious time with the putter.

The layout is visually appealing and challenging as well, particularly when the wind is up. Select the proper tee box and it's also fair and fun to play. Not many forced carries...there are optional sight lines from the tees...it's a pretty straightforward Palmer design with strategic bunkering that doesn't get out of control, unlike Palmer's other nearby course, Silver Rock. The greens are large with undulations that were kept within reason although we did encounter a couple of pin locations that were borderline unfair and downright comical (#3 and #17).

Tee box and fairway turf conditions were very good although the over-seeded Rye grass hasn't quite filled in yet. Despite a preference for tight Bermuda turf, I thought the ball sat up well. Greens were a bit of a disappointment but primarily from a cosmetic point-of-view. Plenty of discolored ball marks that hadn't been repaired in a timely manner were to blame, and I felt it really detracted from the overall appearance of the course. Yet, despite this shortcoming, the greens putted true and smooth, albeit on the slow side. Also found them to be a bit firm and susceptible to some roll out on pitch shots.

As for the event itself, Johnny made a wonderful choice when he selected The Classic Club when you consider the amenities and buffet dinner that were all-inclusive in the $120.00 entry fee. The post-golf banquet was held in a large but cozy private library room that was isolated from other clubhouse activities, which really added a sense of intimacy to the proceedings. Tastefully decorated for the holidays, it provided the perfect atmosphere and the 8-person tables that were set up helped to cultivate plenty of socializing that simply wouldn't have been possible had smaller tables been utilized.

The weather was nothing short of perfect (had to check the calendar to be sure it was December and not April or May) and I think everyone is mindful that we could have been dealing with rain, wind, and temperatures in the 50s just as easily. Obviously Johnny has been living a clean life this year and we all benefited from his good fortune. Keep up the good work!

In closing, I want to thank my playing partners for making this such an enjoyable event. Got to meet some other GKers at the awards dinner and really appreciate how at ease and outgoing everyone in this community is. Looking forward to returning to the desert for more of the same in the future.

Classic Club Golf Course Review
Palm Springs California Golf Course Reviews

Encouraged by JJRAUEN's review from September 14, I decided to take a stroll up Interstate 15 to play Eagle Glen on Saturday, the 22nd. Truth being stranger than fiction, my friend and I were paired up with another two on the first tee...and JJRAUEN just happened to be one of them! Didn't realize it until we reached the first green but needless to say, our 'GK' affiliation helped break the ice and we had a great time. And witnessing John's 7-iron "on-the-fly" hole out on #15 for EAGLE was the highlight of the day!

I usually make a point to play Eagle Glen 3 or 4 times a year but haven't been there in quite some time, perhaps a couple of years. The reviews posted over that time period haven't always been complimentary, thus necessitating other options. Buoyed by what I read last week, I looked forward to my round and was very pleased with the condition of the course.

At a time when many facilities are tightening their belts and cutting back on maintenance expenditures, Eagle Glen is not only maintaining the playability of the course during this prolonged September heat wave, but also spending additional money to further improve conditions. For example, the back tee box on #17 is currently undergoing a complete renovation and new turf has been planted along the greenside sand traps on #13. I also noticed that some areas of concern in the past...most notably the fairway on #11...have been rectified and in much better shape now.

Given that a few courses in the immediate vicinity are seeing their fairways turn brown as a result of the heat, Eagle Glen appears to be putting a healthy dose of water on its' fairways and greens. There might be a couple of confined ares of the fairway that aren't green yet there is healthy turf to hit from nonetheless. Greens were soft and extremely receptive Saturday morning as just about every approach shot stopped dead or backed up slightly. As a result, shooting at the pins became the order of the day.

However, as a result of the generous hydration, there were some soft spots in the fairways, which minimized any appreciative roll-out from the tee, unless the ball was hit on a low trajectory. And the bunker sand, although meticulously maintained, took on the consistency of damp cement mix from sprinkler overspray. In fact, the fairway bunker on #6 was partially filled with standing water, requiring relief for one of us.

Greens were in very good shape and putted smoothly at a medium-to-medium+ speed. Did not see the out-of-control ball mark issue that is prevalent at many other courses so it's apparent that, in addition to the maintenance crew, those who play here make a point to repair their divots. Very commendable.

Rough was about 3" or so in length and a bit fluffy in some areas, so you really had to pay attention to your lie in order to select the correct club and decide on the proper shot. Tee boxes, as I recall, were mostly level and in good condition. And the pace-of-play was good; just a 4.5 hour round despite a somewhat slow start for the first nine. Marshal was monitoring play and got a slower group up ahead to pick up the pace and it was a breeze from #8 going forward. Very courteous staff all around. I'll also note that the well-marked driving range was in great shape with good turf from one end to the other.

For anyone interested, we stopped for lunch after the round and found the current menu a bit restrictive when compared to what was the norm a couple of years ago. Choice of a few sandwiches and such but the excellent fish tacos are nowhere to be found. The Pulled Pork Sandwich was tasty although the presentation was very bland; looked like something was missing from the plate when it arrived.

It's nice to see Eagle Glen make a bona fide effort to reattain their position as one of the better places to play in Southern California, from a playability perspective as well as conditioning angle. Multiple tee boxes present many options regardless of one's skill level and the layout is challenging, fair, and visually striking. The dramatic elevation changes add character and require some thought when it comes to choosing the correct club. Just about every hole will grab your attention so when you add up all the pieces, Eagle Glen places high on my favorites list.

Decided to leave work early today in order to get a sneak peek at what's in store for the GK Event at Mt. Woodson this coming Saturday. Overall, the golf course is in good condition but, based on past experience, not quite what I expected. Fairways are nice despite a few mounds that are brown rather than green. On the positive side, although some of these areas have been aerated in order to improve the water penetration/retention, there is turf to hit from; no thin spots where the grass hasn't filled in yet. However, there are some bare spots along the outer fringes of the rough that must be noted.

Greens are rolling true and at a medium-quick pace but, as is always the case at Mt. Woodson, putts must be struck on the correct line with the proper speed if you're going to make anything; there are very few straight putts to be found. Many subtle breaks abound which is where this golf course strikes back to make up for its' sub-5800 yard length. Keeping the ball in play is essential for good scoring; the player who attempts to overpower the course could be in for a shock at the end of the day. It's a layout where you can shoot 65 or 85...and the margin for error isn't that great.

A common issue I see addressed by other reviewers is the lack of proper ball mark repair by those who should know better; sadly, Mt. Woodson is not immune to this ongoing problem. I found myself fixing anywhere from 5-10 pitch marks on just about every green today and there was plenty of evidence of older marks that hadn't healed properly because they had been left unattended a few weeks ago.

Despite this caveat, the greens look healthy so it's obvious the maintenance staff is doing their best to keep the them in tip-top condition. There's only one that appeared under duress (#4) but I don't recall seeing any others in such a state. The greens held well, some shots backing up a few feet, but there were a few that felt firmer in certain spots and the ball reacted accordingly. Can't recall ever seeing this type of inconsistency before, especially within the confines of the same green.

Rough isn't long at all (1"-2") and the tendency today was for the ball to "sit up", which made greenside lob shots much easier to execute. Didn't encounter a single sand trap but hit a few practice shots out of the bunker on #18 and found the texture to be firm but manageable. Plenty of unraked footprints however; hope that isn't the case on Saturday.

Some tee boxes were in excellent shape...edge-to-edge turf and level...while others were in need of attention. A couple of the Par 3s seemed to feature more divot sand than turf and the two rear tees on the Par-4 fifth hole were closed, as there was evidence of some ongoing maintenance. The back tee on #8 is also an area in need of constant attention.

Overall, I'd have to rate course conditions at 6.5+ but, like all my reviews on this site, it's based on my own personal experience and standards so I call it like I see it while maintaining a degree of fairness. It could be that Mt. Woodson is in the middle of a transitionary period and that prime playing conditions are just a few weeks away. Still, we haven't experienced any adverse or extreme weather conditions in the last month so I'm at a loss as to why it doesn't rate an 8 or better.

Saturday is shaping up to be quite a day as there will be a few first-time participants in the GK Event and they couldn't have chosen a more unique or picturesque venue to join the "regulars". The golf course is in very playable condition and I'm sure there will be a few of you who may give it higher marks; I just feel that those who have played here in the past may echo the same sentiments I have expressed. Stay tuned.

Mt. Woodson Golf Club Review
San Diego California Golf Course Reviews

Offering a perfect combination of visual dramatics and a very well-conceived layout that serves to not only challenge one's game but also please the eye, Oak Quarry has quickly earned a spot on my list of favorite courses to play in Southern California. This was just my second visit (first was in late January) and I'm already looking forward to the next opportunity to spend another day there. Having been subjected to 40+MPH winds during my initial look I was prepared for more of the same but conditions were much more benign this time out and that was reflected in the score, despite playing it at 6600 yards Saturday vs. 6028 yards at the beginning of the year.

Carved out of the abandoned Jensen Quarry, the green fairways provide a striking contrast to the white marble and pegmatite cliffs that dominate the center of the layout. The architects did a masterful job of thoughtfully incorporating the quarry into the design in order to achieve a look that is very unique. This provides a great level of excitement as you prepare to hit the shot-at-hand which, in turn, only serves to up the ante on the "WOW Factor". Elevation changes abound and the player who can maneuver the ball off the tee and into some tight pin positions should find Oak Quarry to be a shotmaker's dream. And the diverse variety of holes will hold your interest from Holes 1 through 18; it's one of those rare layouts where each hole has its' own identity.

Course conditions were very good; hard to find any fault with the fairways at all despite a few soft areas where my tee shot didn't get any roll out whatsoever. Greens were healthy as well...some evidence of neglected ball marks...and the speed was on the medium side. For the most part, they rolled fairly smooth, but there was quite a bit of Poa Annua in the greens that I felt caused a few well-struck putts to "wobble" and, therefore, fail to roll true and maintain their line. Approach shots held nicely yet gauging whether or not a greenside chip shot would check up was somewhat unpredictable.

Rough was at a manageable length..about 3" or so...yet could be a problem if the ball settled down into it. Angle of attack had to be steep in order to get the club on the ball and make good contact from the fairway rough; didn't have to deal with the long stuff around the greens so I can't offer any opinion on that. Bunker sand was firm yet playable; be forewarned, however, that many of the bunkers have high faces which require a shot that must get up quickly...and that includes the fairway bunkers as well.

Oak Quarry can be enjoyed by just about any level of player as there are multiple tee boxes to choose from with plenty of shot options to keep everyone challenged without feeling like they're being beaten up. Split fairways, bail-out areas, collection areas around the greens to allow multiple chipping options...these are just a few examples of the design features incorporated by the architectural team that serve to make this golf course one that everyone can appreciate.

Somewhat smallish range with some good/some bad range balls but it's fine for warming up before the round; wouldn't consider it as a place to do any extended practicing (although the view is nice). I don't consider the practice green to be very large either but there's adequate room to get a few putts in without feeling too crowded. There's also a small chipping/bunker area located to the right of the practice range.

Staff was very friendly and courteous...from the Pro Shop to the Cart Attendants to the Starter, Mike, who was very pleasant to chat with. Also want to give a well deserved nod of appreciation to Tom, one of the staff members, who was able to locate a misplaced digital camera ($$$) that happened to end up in a golf cart a couple of holes ahead of us. The golf course is a real treat to play and the accommodating staff simply enhances the experience. Well done gentlemen.

Anyone who has played Oak Quarry need not be reminded of its' place among the daily-fee courses we have at our disposal. For those of you who have not had the pleasure to tee it up at this fine facility...do yourself a favor and make it a priority to play there. If you have any appreciation for the natural beauty that Mother Nature and a team of golf course architects can put on a "canvas", Oak Quarry will not disappoint.

Oak Quarry Golf Club Review
Riverside California Golf Course Reviews

A a participant in this past weekend's GK Event at Eagle Falls, let me begin with a nod of appreciation to my playing partners, Kat, Matt, and Mike, for their part in making the time we spent on the course so enjoyable. It certainly wasn't reflected in my score, but I enjoyed myself and was happy to have made their acquaintance. And I'd be remiss if I didn't give a tip of the hat to Johnny GK for once again organizing and implementing another event that went off without a hitch. Nice to see people from other parts of the country in the field also; it was quite obvious they felt welcome and at home among the "usual suspects".

As far as the playing conditions are concerned, I'll echo the sentiments of the consensus here; tee to green, you'd be hard pressed to find another public venue in such outstanding shape. Turf was uniform and plush while the putting surfaces were just about 100% free of any ball mark damage. Granted, the greens were quite firm and not all that receptive to certain shots, yet they putted smoothly albeit not as quick as anticipated. Contours of the greens weren't too severe but there were certain holes where being below the cup made that first putt a bit less stressful.

Practice facility is top-notch, expansive, and well-marked with target flags; simply a great place to spend a couple of hours working on your swing. I'd rate it right up there with the range at Silver Rock when it comes to quality of turf. Practice green didn't appear to be very large yet was adequate.

As far as the layout is concerned, I wasn't overly impressed...it features a few strong holes but is lacking in dynamics...but I would definitely elect to play Eagle Falls before Silver Rock without hesitation. I think a set of "composite tees", somewhere between the Eagle and Hawk markers would be of great benefit and offer a more diverse test of one's game without having to play it all the way back. However, that being said, 6715 yards from the tips really isn't all that long by today's standards. Let me also add that the course is fair, offers plenty of shot options, and doesn't favor any one type of player, although length off the tee can be a real advantage.

Off-course amenities are spartan, to say the least, but functional. I wonder if this is an attempt by the powers-that-be to funnel after-golf traffic to the nearby casino for lunch, dinner, etc. Although this type of arrangement may make economic sense, I believe a more permanent dining area, even on a low-scale, would be a nice addition and elevate the ambiance just a bit.

My only other area of concern is the absence of water coolers on the course...this is totally unacceptable and potentially dangerous. Having to rely on the beverage cart for bottled water refills during the course of a round in 100+ degree temperatures is a recipe for disaster. Many people fail to properly hydrate themselves BEFORE setting foot on the golf course; feeling the effects of dehydration after 6 or 7 holes with no water available is NOT something I'd like to experience.

In summary, I was glad to have been a part of Saturday's event that offered the opportunity to play a very nice golf course with some good people. Although I heard some laments that Mother Nature decided to turn up the heat prematurely this year, just about everyone has been positive in their reviews and I'm sure Johnny is feeling quite proud about it...as he should.

Eagle Falls Golf Course Review
Indio California Golf Course Reviews

Playing golf in the Palm Springs area in December can be a real treat since course conditions are often quite different from what you might encounter during the summer months. Not only have the Bermuda fairways been overseeded with Perennial Rye, but the entire golf course has had a month's long period to recover from the stress of summer temperatures (closed for the month of October) and re-boot itself into prime playing condition. This was certainly the case Sunday at Silver Rock as almost everyone who played in the GK Event has raved about the facility via their glowing reviews.

After encountering less than ideal conditions when I initially played here back in August, I was pleased with what I saw on Sunday. Tee boxes, fairways, and rough were in great shape with just an occasional bare spot along the fringes here and there. The sand traps were consistent and impeccably maintained, which meant no surprises from one hole to the next. A little moisture due to the cold early morning temperatures meant some packed sand in a couple of traps but you simply had to take that into account before hitting your shot, which was still playable.

Because of the spell of near-freezing AM temperatures during the week prior to the GK Event, the greens were very firm underfoot. However, they held well-struck shots and it was also possible to get short pitch shots to grab-and-sit "on a dime". Taking into account the brief frost delay that was in effect on Sunday, I had anticipated unreceptive greens but that was simply not the case. Kudos to the maintenance staff for being able to attain this delicate balance.

What really got my attention, however, was the smoothness and consistency of the putting surfaces. Even though, right there in plain sight, there were remnants of old ball marks that hadn't been repaired in a timely fashion, the greens still rolled like a table top. I don't recall having any of my putts jump off line due to imperfections in the green...that's how good they were. If you married the correct line with the proper speed then you could make quite a few putts, regardless of their length. I also appreciated the fact that the greens weren't chewed up around the cup; this took all the guesswork out of converting those all-important 4-to-6-footers that are critical to good scoring. Speed was reasonable...much quicker than what I dealt with in August...which was another favorable aspect.

Although I wasn't enthralled with the design of the layout in August...and listed the reasons why in that review...I must admit that I came away with some new found respect for Silver Rock after Sunday's round. Playing it off the White tees at around 6000 yards, it was apparent that the course offers a completely different challenge vs. the 6600+ yard Blue tees. Where length is an advantage from the longer yardage, the White tees demand precision and shot placement in order to give you the best opportunity to score well. Obviously, longer hitters could overpower the course from the shorter markers but it illustrates a point worth making. And that is, the golf course has a varying set of challenges from each set of tees and therefore should appeal to a wide range of golfers of differing abilities. I believe this is a feature of a good design and is something I overlooked during my initial visit.

The staff at Silver Rock was a pleasure to interact with; friendly, courteous, and professional yet far from overbearing. I struck up a conversation with one of the cart attendants who vaguely remembered our August chat about the course conditions and he was anxious for me to experience what Silver Rock had to offer this time around. And I absolutely love the practice tee and endless supply of near-new range balls; great spot to work on your swing for a few hours.

The after-golf buffet was very good and just the right touch to cap off a successful day for Johnny and his fellow GK'ers. Again, a well-managed event and thanks are due to all those who made it possible. Silver Rock may not be my first choice when choosing where to play in the Palm Springs area but I'm glad to say it has earned a spot on my rota and I look forward to returning there sometime in 2012.

SilverRock Resort Golf Course Review
Palm Springs California Golf Course Reviews

Played Silver Rock for the first time on Saturday...and I realize I'm in the minority when I say this...but the layout did absolutely nothing for me. A typically generic desert course, I found this Palmer Design to be quite bland and lacking in character. Now don't get me wrong, it's a very challenging test of golf that plays true to its' yardage and will require you to hit every club in the bag, but I have to classify it as a "been there...seen that" layout.

With all due respect to "The King", I've never been a fan of his designs and Silver Rock only serves to enhance my point of view. I kept waiting for the golf course to get "exciting" but, sadly, it didn't happen. Granted, not all courses can boast 18 very good holes that are fun to play but there are a few in the Palm Desert-La Quinta area that, in my opinion, come fairly close; Escena, The Classic Club, Shadow Ridge, and Desert Willow (Firecliff), for example.

Although I didn't hit the ball particularly well I still managed to post a good score from the Blue Tees so that has no bearing on this review. However, many of the holes didn't "fit my eye" and I found some of the plateaued landing areas difficult to "read" from the tee. It reminded me of looking at an infinity edge pool in some respects.

Palmer obviously has a penchant for sand and there is no lack of it at Silver Rock but I feel he got carried away and overdid it. I realize the course was primarily designed for inclusion in the Bob Hope Classic rota, which may explain the proliferation of sand, with an eye on turf vs. sand maintenance costs as well; nothing wrong with that. However, Desert Willow is dominated by sand as well yet, in my opinion, in a more discretionary fashion with more approach options into the greens.

There are a couple of strong holes at Silver Rock, the Par-3 17th quickly comes to mind, but just not enough of them to make the course memorable. I'm under the impression Palmer and his design team left their imaginations at home when they sketched this one out. Nick Faldo did a masterful job at Shadow Ridge and delivered a course that is quite unique to the desert and a real kick to play, which is why I consider it my "Home Course" whenever I spend time in the Palm Desert area.

While Silver Rock has a reputation for "pristine" (in the words of the cart attendant I spoke to) playing conditions, that is certainly not the case at the present time. There are plenty of bare spots in the fairways (will post some photos in a couple of days) where the Bermuda failed to take hold which, according to the attendant, was due to cooler than normal temperatures during June and July. Although I can't substantiate this, the attendant said "everyone out here is dealing with the same issue".

Referencing Steve663's review from July 4, the course superintendent over-watered the course in an attempt to spur some turf growth. In retrospect, it wasn't a wise decision as the fairways are relatively soft and a few tee and long fairway shots just about plugged when they landed. As a result, the course doesn't play as "fast" as one would expect during the summer months. And the turf growth didn't materialize either.

Some areas around the fringes and aprons have little or no grass at all, narrowing shot options to a putter or, better yet, hybrid. The greens, however, were healthy and showed no damage from ball marks. Although aerated and sanded about a month ago, the greens putted frustratingly slow. They held well and it was quite easy to get a flop shot to "drop and stop" with regularity but the lack of speed was a turn-off.

Sand quality was excellent but tough to get the ball to spin. I hit what I thought were two textbook greenside sand shots on the back nine but still watched the ball roll out another 6-10 feet. That's not a complaint, though, just an admonition.

The expansive practice facility includes a small short game area and large putting green. Range turf was first-class; sure would be nice to hit balls there on a daily basis. Staff was top-notch and the GPS system on the carts is state-of-the-art. No beverage cart but that was pointed out to me before teeing off; was provided with an ice cold towel and four bottles of water with access to refilling stations throughout the course. Booked a 1:30PM time online for $42.50 and finished in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

I'm sure Silver Rock ranks very high on many GK'ers' lists of favorites but I simply don't share those same sentiments. The less-than-perfect playing conditions didn't lead me to feel that way; in fact, I'm sure the course will be able to "re-boot" itself once it closes in October for overseeding, since there's just one more month left in their summer season. Rather, it was the uninspired design that disappointed me.

Took advantage of a special e-mail rate on Monday ($25.00 after 1PM) and it was well worth it. Went out as a single at 1:30, played through a foursome on #3, and it was smooth sailing from that point forward; walked off the 18th green at 4:15! Can't recall the last time I played 18 holes in under three hours (with the exception of a round in Palm Desert in the middle of a scorching summer's afternoon) but when you make everything you look at, well, anything's possible.

Golf course is in good shape, especially the fairways. The turf looks like a carpet and the ball sits up just begging you to hit it; it's almost as if it's sitting on a short tee. Some small areas were tan rather than green but it's wall-to-wall turf no matter where you lie on the fairway. It's obvious the fairways have been generously watered as there was minimal roll off the tee box; in fact, my ball picked up some traces of mud on more than one occasion. However, conditions are by no means soggy; the maintenance staff seems to have it dialed in perfectly right now.

Overall, the greens looked healthy and rolled fairly true, although there is some evidence of unrepaired ball marks, but nowhere near what I've seen in the past or at other courses. They held beautifully, which made it quite easy to spin the ball back towards the hole if the shot dictated that type of approach. Green speed was moderate but that's to be expected; if the greens were cut any lower they would be susceptible to quick damage from Ramona's summer temperatures. But don't be fooled; get on the wrong side of the hole and a putt or two could easily get away from you.

Sand traps were perfectly raked (was I the only one in them today?) and the texture was consistent. Not a fluffy, light sand but not hard packed either. Easy to play out of and get a feel for the distance as well. Rough is about 1"-2" deep but not hard to handle, except when it comes time for a delicate shot from just off the green.

Mt. Woodson is a unique layout boasting a variety of holes that I always enjoy playing, especially when the conditions are good. If strong course management skills and a penchant for accuracy describes your game, chances are you'll score well here. The views are spacious and the homes do not encroach on the golf course. It's a relatively short track but can wreak havoc with anyone who tries to recklessly overpower it. A single-digit index can easily shoot 80+ here and wonder how it could be possible.

Didn't see any beverage cart on the golf course (not sure if they normally have one out there) but the staff (Nick was at the desk) was very friendly yet professional. Lot of positives here; I hope things continue in that fashion. If you haven't played Mt. Woodson recently, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of the current playing conditions and accommodating atmosphere.