After walking 36 at the Blue earlier in the week, I was so blown away at Streamsonng's property that I extended the back end of this business trip a few days so I could play both the Red & newly opene... Continue »

After walking 36 at the Blue earlier in the week, I was so blown away at Streamsonng's property that I extended the back end of this business trip a few days so I could play both the Red & newly opened Black(September 2017). Also, pretty cool to be the first review for the Black on GK.

First of all, the Black was designed by non other than Rustic Canyon's Gil Hanse. Given that Rustic is my favorite public track in Los Angeles I was excited to give the Black a run. The Black course does not share facilities with the Blue/Red and has its own clubhouse and range. The first thing you notice is that the clubhouse is second to none. Maybe the coolest (and most modern) club house I've ever been to. It's not massive & over the top but a very minimal "glass box" where you can actually see straight through to the other side. The range was perfect, as expected.

The course was in terrific condition & had the best/firmest greens of all 3 courses. The fairways were the least mature given that the course is less than a year old this is expected as they will fill out in the first 2 years. Even so, they were great to hit off & had no issues there. From a conditioning standpoint, the black as well as the other 2 courses are top notch & there isn't much I will add there.

The layout is stunning on the Black. Think Rustic Canyon on steroids. Massive landing areas, bunkers so deep you need stairs, a few blind shots, a punch bowl green, 5 par fives, & green undulation that make even a three putt an accomplishment if you are on the wrong side of the hole. I have heard from many people around the resort that the Black is the most polarizing course of the 3 and I can see why. For the average golfer who may not be on their game, it can be a tough test, but i think course knowledge goes a long way here and the more someone can get out and play the Black the more they would learn to love it. One thing all 3 courses have in common are the drivebale par 4's & reachable 5's for the longer hitters which allow for some low scoring opportunity. That being said, there are holes where par feels like a birdie. The layout (all 3 courses) is a great combination of playability and difficulty that make them fun to play.

All in all, the Black is a first class course & facility which I could play over and over again and never get bored. It is a second shot golf course that places a premium on course knowledge and the ability to put the ball on the right side of the hole. I can't wait to return and play them in their firm and fast winter season.