Was able to get out yesterday around 11 and able to finish in 3 H. Course was running very smoothly and found no backups. The new management group is really (IMO) making this course much better. All t... Continue »

Was able to get out yesterday around 11 and able to finish in 3 H. Course was running very smoothly and found no backups. The new management group is really (IMO) making this course much better. All the tee boxes were in very good shape. # 6, 12 and 13 were redone and are still not open. Notice says by end of the month. The fairways had very good coverage, so the lies were good and plenty of roll out. Traps (in 2) were playable and clean. Others appeared the same way. Greens were rolling very nicely with good speed. Customer service was excellent at all levels. IMO this course is much more enjoyable than it has been in many years. Someone said the rates have been raised? Not for seniors with a card (still 16 walking). So check ahead just in case?

Played Saturday, 2/8, as a single joining another single, teeing off around 11:30 ahead of a 12:00 Junior girls tournament. Due to the tourney, we were later joined on the 10th tee by a twosome who we... Continue »

Played Saturday, 2/8, as a single joining another single, teeing off around 11:30 ahead of a 12:00 Junior girls tournament. Due to the tourney, we were later joined on the 10th tee by a twosome who were only playing the back nine. Consistent with recent reviews, conditions continue to be above average for this time of year here, and with little change I'm just going to comment on a couple of anomalies. 24hourgolf mentioned some maintenance work in his review. When I was out, the third, sixth, 12th, and 13th tee boxes were roped off and the tees forward due to refurbishing. They were leveled with new sod and look very nice. Not sure when they will reopen, but I suspect not too long. It does shorten up an already short course, but this course is not at all about length and, my totally crap play notwithstanding, I still enjoyed it. Fairways had mostly green coverage on the tight side with rollout, rough was mixed and usually playable, bunkers were on the firm side, and the greens were pretty clean and quick — particularly tough from above the hole on some. For those who do play, a heads up. The hillside to the left/front of the 14th green is littered with those dry, round, spikey seed pods that are dropped by Sweetgum trees. I researched the tree name after the fact. I was looking for my ball about halfway down the hill and went down hard because the abundance of them coupled with the steep angle was like walking on ball bearings. I was down before I knew it with no time to react — almost like slipping on ice. Except for some bruising and little spike marks on my ungloved hand, I was OK, but it really is worth calling out as dangerous, so watch where you step when those are around. Pace was sluggish but consistent at about 4.75 hours, the company was pleasant, and the weather was perfect. It is always nice to see a course actively upgrading and maintaining their facilities. The management seems to care and should be commended.

Joined some friends who needed a 4th, due to frost delay as one went home. Had not intended to play yesterday due to cold weather, so this greatly improved my day. Weather was cool but comfortable so ... Continue »

Joined some friends who needed a 4th, due to frost delay as one went home. Had not intended to play yesterday due to cold weather, so this greatly improved my day. Weather was cool but comfortable so it was an enjoyable round. Not much to report since my last review on course conditions. But the work is finished (at least on these holes). Extended cart path on # 3 to be able to drive a cart up to the back of the tee (long overdue and needed), New tee box on # 6. New tee boxes on 12/13. So with the new tees and until they open them for play, they have moved the markers up. This makes the course play shorter (some may like - some may not). Personally it did not bother me. Perhaps they are planning to start using the Black SCGA markers in the future, which would add some length and challenges to certain holes. Customer service excellent at all levels. And I also noticed that they are working on the range and it is closed during certain hours of the day, so call ahead if you are going to just go to the range.

A fair number of reviews for this place recently so, in haste, my mini-report. Played Saturday, 1/25, paired with another single who was good company. As previously reported, they do a good job of try... Continue »

A fair number of reviews for this place recently so, in haste, my mini-report. Played Saturday, 1/25, paired with another single who was good company. As previously reported, they do a good job of trying to keep the place up and it is in good condition for this time of year — greens good for any time of year. I had an enjoyable round and recommend it.

UPDATE:1-29

I played there today they are doing significant work on the course they have put new tee boxes on number 6 12 + 13 as well as a new cart path on number three all of these holes have bee... Continue »

UPDATE:1-29

I played there today they are doing significant work on the course they have put new tee boxes on number 6 12 + 13 as well as a new cart path on number three all of these holes have been significantly shortened due to the work in progress so people should check with the course to see if they want to play before they go

Played a mid morning round today. Done in 2.5 H as I missed the early crowd and later arrivals. Course has dried out nicely. Tee boxes in good shape. Fairways had good coverage and roll out. Not in any traps but they all appeared fine. Greens are still in good shape. Held shots well and good release. Chip/putt very nicely with good speed. Excellent customer service. I was told that they would be doing some tee box work and cart path repairs soon (saw no evidence of prep today), so check with course before you go play.

Fearing that they would have a frost delay at Coto, (As it turned out there was no delays on either course) based upon Larry's recent review, decided to go back to Alhambra as I always enjoy playing t... Continue »

Fearing that they would have a frost delay at Coto, (As it turned out there was no delays on either course) based upon Larry's recent review, decided to go back to Alhambra as I always enjoy playing this fun little course, and now that it is in much better condition than prior rounds, makes it all that much nicer. Fun to have so many possible "birdie opportunities", which only tells me that if I would be smart enough to "play it forward", this would be a more regular opportunity.

I thought the greens rolled far better than I can ever recall. Fairways had plenty of coverage, tee boxes for the most far very good. Just the overall condition is so much improved from past experiences. Wish the course were closer to my home and also wish they would give senior rates without joining. Staff is always great here and actually make you feel they appreciate your patronage.

Have company from E Coast visiting and wanted a course that would not be too difficult, as they have not played much recently. Was able to secure the first spot this AM. POP was 2.5 H riding (but an e... Continue »

Have company from E Coast visiting and wanted a course that would not be too difficult, as they have not played much recently. Was able to secure the first spot this AM. POP was 2.5 H riding (but an easy course to walk as well). Course conditions are improving, but the course is still trying to dry out and some areas still need more assistance. As stated before, the management is now under Billy Casper Golf. They now also control the maintenance staff, which previous management did not. It is making a difference IMO. Today, all the greens were mowed ahead of us as we made our way around the course. Never had to wait for anyone cutting the greens, as in the past. And the greens were very good. It looked like in addition to cutting they were also rolling them? Very pleased with the way they chipped/putted and with good speed (unlike my last round). Fairways have good grass coverage and provide good lies IMO. Not in any traps, but some looked good, others not, so perhaps they will work on those? No issues with any rough. Course does have numerous OB areas that can cause issues, if one is not careful. Tee boxes were all clean and playable (unlike my last round). Found the customer service to be excellent. Conditions are very good at present to have an enjoyable round of golf. Nice to come back an play a course that had some issues previously and to see them taken care of. Good signs IMO.

After returning from East coast, just wanted something to stretch the legs. This course fit the bill just right. Found a mid morning time and was able to enjoy the sunshine and a leisurely 4.5 H round... Continue »

After returning from East coast, just wanted something to stretch the legs. This course fit the bill just right. Found a mid morning time and was able to enjoy the sunshine and a leisurely 4.5 H round. Course was very crowded but because it is a relatively forgiving course, 4.5 H was not too bad. Found the course has dried out relatively well from past storms, but fairways and greens were still soft. Tee boxes seemed to be beaten up some from no doubt many holiday golfers. And there were many divots in most of the greens that needed repairing. In one trap and the sand was very thin and others looked like they needed work? Greens all were very slow but playable. Customer service excellent at all levels. Great course if you like to walk. New management of the course under the umbrella of Billy Casper Golf. Will be interesting what (if any) changes will occur in the coming year?

Having played nine at Altadena on Saturday, but realizing the rain wouldn't arrive until later on Sunday, I headed down to Alhambra Sunday morning, 12/22, to squeeze in a (another) last round before t... Continue »

Having played nine at Altadena on Saturday, but realizing the rain wouldn't arrive until later on Sunday, I headed down to Alhambra Sunday morning, 12/22, to squeeze in a (another) last round before the onset. Caught up to another single on the second tee and we finished as a twosome. Alhambra rarely disappoints in that it is pretty consistently maintained, and so it was on the day. No issues with any tee boxes and could always find a level grass patch. With the exception of an overly juicy approach from the fairway on the first hole, the fairways had good winter coverage — fair bit of rollout but not overly thin grass, providing a good hitting surface. Rough varies here but I always seemed to end up in a spot that allowed a good chance at recovery. Bunkers could be thin-ish and firm-ish, but in the end were reasonably playable. Greens were in good shape with a nice quickness to them. The foursome two groups ahead of us had no one in front of them and were slowing down the string of two and threesomes following, but the perception was probably a bit worse than the reality since we finished in something just over four hours. Not worth stressing over and it was an enjoyable round with good conditions. I'm officially ready to accept whatever rain is coming over the next week or so.