Was happy to be able to play a few rounds at Rams Hill upon its seasonal reopening. Let me start by saying I love the drive into Borrego Springs, I love Borrego Springs itself, I love the course layo... Continue »

Was happy to be able to play a few rounds at Rams Hill upon its seasonal reopening. Let me start by saying I love the drive into Borrego Springs, I love Borrego Springs itself, I love the course layout, and I love the Rams Hill facility generally. This is an exceptionally well run place from reservations to arrival to warmup to serious practice to tee time management and to course care. That said, I am sorry to report that the course still has a lot of fairway problems, I think even more than last season, and it is just a bit of a disappointment given the work I know they have put into it. When the turf here is at its best, it is unsurpassed; but most of the fairways have some bare spots and often in the landing area. So my detailed ratings are not as high as they normally would be—but I still rate the place highly and recommend it. I look forward to returning later in the season to see if the turf work that they obviously are invested in pays off. If so, this place is under priced, but right now the rack rate is too high for the course conditions. Much of the value is just being in this area, it is unique and well worth a visit.

The tees and most of the rough are in beautiful shape, a few sets of tees look almost like artificial turf, they are that smooth and lush and level. In some places the rough is at least 5 inches and thick—the fairway issues can’t be water issues, the course is very well irrigated and drains beautifully. The greens are very receptive, roll true, and in great shape—good putts are rewarded here, play a little less break than you think. They are running a bit slower than they will be as they harden up, but still very smooth and fair. The bunkers are perfect, just the right amount of sand and evenly dispersed, the crew who tends to them every day really knows what to do to avoid compaction and uneven sand. The course has appealing surrounds, but they are not overdone. So if they can get the fairways all to come in evenly, man, this place would really be superior. But it is simply disappointing to hit a great drive and find yourself on thin, bare, still seeded fairway turf.

I believe I have played about 8 rounds here on four trips over the past three years or so. Wind always has been an issue, sometimes severely so. However, it is always worse around the clubhouse and range than on the course, some of which is shielded, so it is annoying but not unplayable, don’t let it scare you off a visit.

The first couple of weeks of the season are cartpath only as the course continues to come into shape, and with some very wide expanses from cartpath to course, it definitely impacts pace of play. Good for exercise, though. I love to walk with a push cart, and it is allowed and can be done here, but the front nine would be a pretty good slog, some decent hills and several long green to tee distances. I don’t recommend it.

My previous review still holds up otherwise, so I won’t repeat it. This is a really good layout with several quite memorable holes, it is in overall great shape and will be exceptional if the fairways come in better as the season progresses, and the drive in is just, well, wow, the area is really a must see. The course is challenging but playable for all handicaps. The range and several practice areas are terrific, it is a great place to work on all aspects of your game. It has a great restaurant and bar. I am rooting for the fairways to come in, and definitely will be back again, soon, to find out.

Rams Hill used to be a course that was worth a 2-hour drive. The conditioning was outstanding, the pace of play brisk, and the layout memorable. Unfortunately, while the layout is still fun, the cour... Continue »

Rams Hill used to be a course that was worth a 2-hour drive. The conditioning was outstanding, the pace of play brisk, and the layout memorable. Unfortunately, while the layout is still fun, the course conditioning is subpar and the pace of play is sluggish. Greens are slow with dead spots, and there are problems around some of the collars. The fairways are okay, but still have areas of patchy growth. Frankly, the conditions pale in comparison to the better courses in the Palm Desert that get just as much (or more) play. I understand they did a lot of work this summer in an attempt to fix the problems from last year—but if you’re expecting the type of course conditions that Ram’s Hill used to be famous for, you’ll be sadly disappointed. I wish it wasn’t so.

Day 2 of the short So Cal trip was at the ever popular and exciting Rams Hill. This remote track is always a crowd pleaser with a fantastic layout. It might be a bit of drive to get to the course, ... Continue »

Day 2 of the short So Cal trip was at the ever popular and exciting Rams Hill. This remote track is always a crowd pleaser with a fantastic layout. It might be a bit of drive to get to the course, but it’s not short on amenities that’s for sure. We had breakfast on the outdoor terrace which overlooks the 18th green and valley below.

This was opening weekend for Rams Hill and being “shoulder season” the course wasn’t quite in its usual super high end condition. Not that conditions were bad mind you, but when you set standards as high as Rams Hill does, then that’s what you get compared to.

Greens were a little shaggy and rolled at a medium pace. A handful of the greens had some burnt edges. Most of the pins were kept away from those areas, so any relatively close 10-20 foot putts weren’t affected. Greens held well struck shots and have enough slope and undulations to make it challenging. Leave your ball on the right tier and you have an “easy” flat and straight putt.

Fairways were about the same. Most had good lush coverage throughout, but there were plenty of thin/ dead areas throughout the track. I would assume that this will all be grown in within the next few weeks.

The tee boxes were fine. I will say that I was surprised by how many divots were on the tee. Maybe it was just because we had the afternoon tee time and were behind the majority of players.

I was disappointed in the range. It was torn up. Plenty of grass behind the markers but the markers hadn’t been moved and there was more than just a weekend of activity on the range based on the divots and limited grass within the marked area.

Plenty of elevation changes and water hazards to make the track enjoyable. The layout alone make you forget about the minor imperfections of the course. For full rack rate, I would wait a few weeks until the course is in full mature state.

Ventured out to Rams Hill on their opening weekend. I know that the conditions were not going to be prime season perfect as they just opened but the conditions were still good all around. Of course th... Continue »

Ventured out to Rams Hill on their opening weekend. I know that the conditions were not going to be prime season perfect as they just opened but the conditions were still good all around. Of course there is some areas that they are working on but given a few more weeks this place is going to be pure!

Conditions-
Tee's- The tee boxes were great with multiple tees to choose from and all of them were very well maintained. They are testing a new grass on 13 tee box and it looked spectacular.

Fairways- The whole course was CPO but I would rate these at 7.5 as most holes were fully lush but a few had some GIR that they are trying to patch and grow. I bet in a month the whole course will be like carpet.

Rough- I wasn't in a lot of rough but it was very playable. some areas are a little thin but not enough that it would be a problem.

Sand- The two traps I was in could use a little more sand but they were perfectly playable.

Greens- I have to admit I was a little let down by the greens. They were painfully slow and just too shaggy. Some of the green had turf issues around the edges and it looks like they are fixing them but it just wasn't up to the rams hill standard of firm and fast greens.

Overall this is an experience you must try and the layout which is one of my favorite in SoCal. It helps when you always score well here. The staff was friendly for the most part. The older gentleman at bag drop seemed a little grumpy but was still helpful. The marshal was very friendly and the free tacos at the ram shack plus apple cookie at the end of the round are just an added level of hospitality that makes this place special. I do recommend playing here but I would give it 2-3 weeks if you want everything to be perfect conditioned.

Finally was able to make it out to Rams Hill to take a turn around the course!
Played 4/13 at 9am. Gold/Blue Combo. My playing partner had himself a day and broke the season record for the Gold/Blue ... Continue »

Finally was able to make it out to Rams Hill to take a turn around the course!
Played 4/13 at 9am. Gold/Blue Combo. My playing partner had himself a day and broke the season record for the Gold/Blue combo.

Man, what a fun course!! More target golf, but NOT a beat down drag out target course. Plenty of room for forgiveness if you miss the target, making it fair and enjoyable.

Customer service was excellent. Dorthy was the starter and since it was our first time there, took care of us by providing a few course knowledge tips and letting us tee off in the 9am slot instead of our 930am slot.

Our POP was 3 hours 40 min as a twosome. Weather was BEAUTIFUL. Shorts and Polo day in the high 70s.

Like the other reviews, there's probably 1/3 of the fairways that they are definitely trying their best to get under control. Looks like a drainage issue compounded by fungus and weeds just looking at the markings they're doing to implement drains in those area. The other fairways are in pretty good shape, a little browning but is to be expected this late into their season I'm sure.

The greens were in real good shape. There was also a few bare-spots here in there, and maybe a few high-points on the greens that were a little drier or thinner, but still all-in-all in real nice shape. Never really noticed them or had them affecting my gameplay. Rolled true.

Tee boxes and sand traps were all in excellent shape.

Complimentary tacos at the turn and the complimentary apple-caramel cookie waiting for you as you walk off 18 is a great touch.

Wish we could've played another 18 (or 9) but had to hit the road, but we'll definitely be back soon!

About a third of the fairways have issues. Greens were terrific. This is the second year in a row that the conditions have been off. In fact, it seems like the Fairways are worse than they were a mo... Continue »

About a third of the fairways have issues. Greens were terrific. This is the second year in a row that the conditions have been off. In fact, it seems like the Fairways are worse than they were a month ago. Bunkers were good. Layout is fun.

I've played out here twice and both times have been fantastic. Being a frugal golfer I'm always looking for the best deal. This is the only place I will continually pay $$$. There is something abou... Continue »

I've played out here twice and both times have been fantastic. Being a frugal golfer I'm always looking for the best deal. This is the only place I will continually pay $$$. There is something about the design that constantly calls me back. Playing in early December I once again had an amazing trip around the course. Tee boxes were flat with a great place to tee off from always. A few tee boxes had a little too much water, but you were never teeing off from that area. Fairways were lush and always a great lie. Did notice a few areas with too much water and areas that should have been marked GUR but were not. Sand was nice and fluffy. Rough was distinctive from the fairway but not overly penal. Found the greens rolled smooth and true. I was able to quickly line up the put and it would just go in. A few greens did have repaired spots that may agitate those looking for perfection. Overall it was worth the 3 1/2 hour drive each way from the SFV. Can't wait to get out here again.

Played in the year-end GK event on 12/12. If you've never taken part, definitely pencil it in for next year, always a great time and such a fantastic course. I was able to sneak into the Pisarski clan... Continue »

Played in the year-end GK event on 12/12. If you've never taken part, definitely pencil it in for next year, always a great time and such a fantastic course. I was able to sneak into the Pisarski clan's AirBNB, situated on the 2nd hole, and enjoyed the weekend. The house's putting green was definitely not at course speed but it did have a little room to practice some thick rough chips. Staying at the house really made the weekend easier, with a 2 minute drive to the course on Sunday morning and able to hit the shower before heading out.

I feel Rams Hill is one of those courses that is perfectly rated. It's not over-rated, I can't find anyone who didn't enjoy it nor found it in less than spectacular shape, and it lives up to its well deserved hype. The all grass range (with ProV1s) and the large putting area preps you for a fun day. The course opens with a nice "hand shake" par 4 with a wide fairway and not overly challenging, then moves to a gettable par 5 before the challenge starts to increase. I can't think of another course with back to back par 3s, but 9 and 10 fit perfectly into the routing and 10 is probably the best par 3 on the course, especially with the hole on the front left.

The course was just short of immaculate and in pretty perfect shape following their big Ramateur event the prior weekend. Lush fairways with less than a handful of spots showing some browning, but still nice to play from. Rough was about 2 inches and just long enough to make you think about the shot. Bunkers were really nice to hit from, especially for a desert course. Greens were smooth and a nice "10.5" stimpmeter according to the sign at the pro shop.

Rams Hill never disappoints. Great service from bag drop, to pro shop, to the food/beverage. Highly recommend.

Thank you everyone that came out to our GK Plays Rams Hill Golf Club and to those posting reviews. Last year I bounced around the golf course saying hi to groups, this year I decided to play 10 holes ... Continue »

Thank you everyone that came out to our GK Plays Rams Hill Golf Club and to those posting reviews. Last year I bounced around the golf course saying hi to groups, this year I decided to play 10 holes and turn in early to hang out with players as they finished. I had a wonderful time. Rams Hill Golf Club is exceptional at hosting outings from the moment you contact them about booking it to its completion. They treated us like gold at their fabulous golf course and facilities. Next year I will be looking to expand the outing to 72 players if possible. Check out the photos of the course I posted and the Recap of the event with more photos in the forums and on the Community page. I thought the golf course was in great playing condition and the layout, as always, a blast to play. Highly Recommended!