Played the Diablo 9 today from the black tees…wow this course was in incredible shape and what a demanding yet beautiful layout (I snapped a view photos I’ll post shortly).

The greens were like a p... Continue »

Played the Diablo 9 today from the black tees…wow this course was in incredible shape and what a demanding yet beautiful layout (I snapped a view photos I’ll post shortly).

The greens were like a pool table, smooth, firm and fast. The fairways were cut tight, firm, yet lush. The rough was so lush you can’t believe and about 2 to 3 inches. The bunkers, although thin in some spots where superbly maintained with white sand and the tee boxes excellent.

Regarding the layout of the Diablo 9, LONG and Narrow from the black tees. The greens challenging, fair and guarded extremely well…don’t miss on the wrong side or you’ll be finding yourself on the desert floor with a next to impossible shot in most cases. Here’s an example, I’m 1 over after 5 holes when finding the greens stuff, the next three holes I tangle with the desert floor and try hitting shots from it, 8, 8 and 7. Don’t be a hero on this course, take the unplayable lie and play conservatively on your tee shots and approaches. One hole that comes to mind is #3. I hit a great drive, hit 2i hybrid in to 8 feet, look to my playing partner with a smile saying “It’s eagle time baby, he grins and says, John that’s a birdie putt." Turns out it’s a 487 par 4! BTW, I missed the putt. lol.

Something worth mentioning, tonight I write this review from a hotel room at the Suncoast Hotel. These rooms are huge and clean. Great deal for $50 buck to stay here. The reason I bring this up is Badlands his an incredible deal worked out with them regarding a play and stay package that I doubt anyone would be disappointed with. Check out the Specials section of Greenskeeper.org.

The Badlands is a great golf experience I highly recommend.