Was out at Hunter Ranch yesterday. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I’ve played this favorite course. Hunter Ranch is a super fun and challenging course that offers a good mix of strategic shot making skills and enough grip it and rip it holes to let it fly. The elevation changes make the course fun but yet it’s still definitely walkable for those in decent shape. ... » More

Was out at Hunter Ranch yesterday. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I’ve played this favorite course. Hunter Ranch is a super fun and challenging course that offers a good mix of strategic shot making skills and enough grip it and rip it holes to let it fly. The elevation changes make the course fun but yet it’s still definitely walkable for those in decent shape.

The greens rolled super smooth at a nice medium fast pace. Greens are almost always in excellent condition here. Right now the fairways are also in top shape. They are super lush throughout. Sand traps have some of the best high quality sand in the business. They rival any top notch course.

I can’t say enough about what a fun course this is that also has the playing conditions to match. Prices are on the rise but still worth it. If you are traveling between Nor Cal and So Cal, Hunter Ranch is a great place to stop and play to break up the drive. It’s also in the middle of the Central Coast Wine District so it’s the perfect place to go for a weekend getaway. Golf in the morning and wine tasting (or bike riding) in the afternoon. It’s surrounded by some great back roads too for the car enthusiasts. Just remember, clubs in the trunk, wife in the front seat. I always get that one wrong!!
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Possibly my favorite course ever, and I've played all the big ones. It is so good! Conditions were fantastic. This place gets so much play, as evidenced by old divots, but they really do a great job of keeping it pristine. Pace of play is an issue with the sheer difficulty combined with a lot of "tourist" golf. Played twice this week. First off yesterday and played in 4 h... » More

Possibly my favorite course ever, and I've played all the big ones. It is so good! Conditions were fantastic. This place gets so much play, as evidenced by old divots, but they really do a great job of keeping it pristine. Pace of play is an issue with the sheer difficulty combined with a lot of "tourist" golf. Played twice this week. First off yesterday and played in 4 hours. I've played before in the afternoon and it was almost 6 hours. Play early! Maybe greatest 1st hole you'll ever see. Spyglass is the best!
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Course in great shape. This course is great way to get the feel of golf on the water. I've gone back and forth on this course for years, but I think I've finally decided it's not a great course. Something just doesn't feel authentic. I'd recommend playing once to decide for yourself. The redo should be very interesting. Was told by staff member that it will shut down in 2... » More

Course in great shape. This course is great way to get the feel of golf on the water. I've gone back and forth on this course for years, but I think I've finally decided it's not a great course. Something just doesn't feel authentic. I'd recommend playing once to decide for yourself. The redo should be very interesting. Was told by staff member that it will shut down in 2026 redesign for 1 year. Really hard to believe it will only take a year but I guess they want to get that revenue back ASAP. Great piece of property for Gil Hanse to work with but probably very restricted in terms of how much earth he can move with all the environmentally restricted areas.
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I'm a big fan of this place. It's all about hitting the fairways. Rough is serious and easily a 1/2 stroke penalty. Lot of interesting holes. Course is in fantastic shape. I love the local feel. A very relaxing place. It looks much easier than it plays. Must keep it in the short grass. Super challenging greens when they get rolling fast.

Love Poppy Hills. $300 is too much for me, but $100 at twilight is great. Layout is fantastic and conditions to match. Pace of play was swift. Played 2 rounds this week. 4:15 and 4:00 hours. Beautiful course.