Golf Course Reviews
Golf Course Reviews: California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah, Florida, Hawaii!Old school country club built in the 1920's. Supposably nine holes were laid out by Willie Watson and 9 were laid out later. Seemed like a pretty modern course to me but some of it reminded me of Mira Vista (now Berkeley CC) which Watson also designed. Solid layout with some nice elevation changes and intricate bunkering. Course in perfect shape with well sculpted greens that were medium fast. Bonus points because the tee markers were all little mini cannons.
6474 from the white tees 71.4/125 par 72. Fair challenge with not a ton of trouble.
Was surprised by the elevation changes here and at SJCC. really added to the enjoyment at both courses. For some reason I would have bet SJCC was the older course but not even close.
Both are solid options if you get the chance, I highly recommend both.
6474 from the white tees 71.4/125 par 72. Fair challenge with not a ton of trouble.
Was surprised by the elevation changes here and at SJCC. really added to the enjoyment at both courses. For some reason I would have bet SJCC was the older course but not even close.
Both are solid options if you get the chance, I highly recommend both.
5 Likes.
Played this course last week as a reciprocal. Real scenic private course in Fresno area in perfect shape. Old school layout with wide tree lined fairways and a fair amount of elevation change.
It plays thru the weirdest neighborhood I've ever seen. Half fifties style ranch houses interspersed with ginormous multi-level mansions some that had to be reinforced into the hillsides. Throw in a low-slung complex that looked like an apartment building, and they had it all. None of these structures came into play or detracted from the golf, just odd.
6312 from the white tees 70.2/122 par 71 solid test with not a ton of trouble just a solid course all around.
It plays thru the weirdest neighborhood I've ever seen. Half fifties style ranch houses interspersed with ginormous multi-level mansions some that had to be reinforced into the hillsides. Throw in a low-slung complex that looked like an apartment building, and they had it all. None of these structures came into play or detracted from the golf, just odd.
6312 from the white tees 70.2/122 par 71 solid test with not a ton of trouble just a solid course all around.
6 Likes.
Pretty basic central valley golf course. Wide, tree lined fairways. Flattish greens and lots of deep sculpted bunkers. 6245 white tees offer a fair test. Played with two brothers who have been members for about ten years. Greens were a bit chewed up, otherwise rest of the course was in private club shape.
The brothers were members at Kings River previously; I played there before this round, and we all agreed Kings was the better course. Johnny if you read this and add it to the data base, I will review it.
The brothers were members at Kings River previously; I played there before this round, and we all agreed Kings was the better course. Johnny if you read this and add it to the data base, I will review it.
Walked Torrey Pines North Tuesday Sept 16th joined by buddies Steve, Mark and Matt. 1st time here for 4/5 of us. Our tee time was 1048am. Weather was absolutely scoring weather with hardly any wind and a pleasant 75 degree day. Did I tell you how much I love the weather here. All staff in proshop and starting booth were friendly. Used the practice facilities for a short warm up and out again right on time.
To start with the layout I loved North even more. The front nine is very gettable from holes 5 through 9 with a couple tough holes to start. Ample wide fairways with some doglegs like the beautiful dogleg left 4th hole. They have a short par 4 here on the front 290 yds which I knocked my drive to 15 feet. Just some fun holes. The back nine is really though where this course shines and gets a little tougher with some incredible elevation changes on 15 and 16th. Camera time on those holes. My favorite holes here were 4,7, 14, 15 and 16. Once again like South defense of this course is the strategic greenside and Fairway bunkering and the rough when missing the fairways. For us yesterday the rough was dry and benign which made playability quicker.
The greens had maintenance completed almost a month ago and most of the greens had some ball Mark damage and were very soft on approaches. Playable but not in as good of shape as South. Rated 6.5/10
Fairways were starting the browning out process before full overseeding so I would say 40 percent green and 60 percent brown with still nicely padded tighter lies. Some more room here to bomb away especially on the front nine and holes 10, 11 and 18. Rated 6.5/10
Was not in any bunkers on the north but they looked similar in texture to the south.
Tees were level and in decent shape. Rated 7/10
The rough on the north was the poorest aspect of both courses. Dry, wispy, thin and basically non existent as they start the overseeding process. This made scoring much easier. Rated 6/10.
For a 155 non resident walking when both courses are in primo shape this would be the best bang for your buck midweek. Highly recommended for layout and views on the back nine 14-16 stretch.
To start with the layout I loved North even more. The front nine is very gettable from holes 5 through 9 with a couple tough holes to start. Ample wide fairways with some doglegs like the beautiful dogleg left 4th hole. They have a short par 4 here on the front 290 yds which I knocked my drive to 15 feet. Just some fun holes. The back nine is really though where this course shines and gets a little tougher with some incredible elevation changes on 15 and 16th. Camera time on those holes. My favorite holes here were 4,7, 14, 15 and 16. Once again like South defense of this course is the strategic greenside and Fairway bunkering and the rough when missing the fairways. For us yesterday the rough was dry and benign which made playability quicker.
The greens had maintenance completed almost a month ago and most of the greens had some ball Mark damage and were very soft on approaches. Playable but not in as good of shape as South. Rated 6.5/10
Fairways were starting the browning out process before full overseeding so I would say 40 percent green and 60 percent brown with still nicely padded tighter lies. Some more room here to bomb away especially on the front nine and holes 10, 11 and 18. Rated 6.5/10
Was not in any bunkers on the north but they looked similar in texture to the south.
Tees were level and in decent shape. Rated 7/10
The rough on the north was the poorest aspect of both courses. Dry, wispy, thin and basically non existent as they start the overseeding process. This made scoring much easier. Rated 6/10.
For a 155 non resident walking when both courses are in primo shape this would be the best bang for your buck midweek. Highly recommended for layout and views on the back nine 14-16 stretch.
Walked Torrey South for 50th bday Monday Sept 15th joined by buddies Steve, Ron and Matt at 12:10pm. 1st time here and all staff encountered in pro-shop were friendly. One of the nicest starters on South that day. 1st time here for 3/5 of us. Weather both days encountered was beautiful. Early morning marine layer turned to warmer/humid conditions with a light breeze and around 75 degrees. After some epic breakfast burritos in del mar#[Rubens] we were at the pro shop to check in and use the practice facilities. Very nice clubhouse with two practice putting facilities that mirrored green speeds on the course. The range had a big area roped off with brand new turf that they are prepping for the farmers open in January. Range was on mats and practice facility included a ample chipping green with a bunker.
We had two groups and we elected green tees at 6635. Course played around 6700 + with the denser ocean air...Ala sandoiper/olivas links...our group thought about at least one club more on the irons. In speaking with the staff prior to the round they informed us that South would still have some lushness and bite with the process of North "being browned out" to start the overseeding process.
Fell in love with both layouts here at Torrey. My kind of course.
Greens on the south were medium firmness and held shots beautifully. Rolled with minimal bounces with true rolls. Greens could vary from small to large depending on the hole and most had some nice undulations. Rated 8/10
Rough was nice length for playability and was starting to brown out in spots. According to management here overseeding starts soon and the rough starts to get lush up until the farmers in January. Rated 7/10
Fairways provided a really nice surface to hit from. Would say 75 percent green with 25 percent brown. Fairways here are wide but not as wide as north. Rated 8/10
Tees were level and in good to decent shape. Rated 8/10
Was in 2 Fairway bunkers and two greenside bunker that had ample sand. The bunkers didn't look deep to the naked eye but had thick sand underneath the top surface. Some of the bunkers unfortunately had multiple foot prints in. I went for it in two on 18 and made it over the water to find my ball in a big foot print in the greenside bunker. Not the courses fault but note to players to please rake bunkers as playing partner was in couple bunkers with footprints as well..part of golf.
Onto my favorite part of reviewing courses which is the layout. I loved the South. I wish I was a resident of SD would be here all the time. The course defends itself well against par. Wide open tee shots present itself but if you miss the fairways you will do well to secure your par with the rough. I loved the par 3s which I was able to conquer today. Favorite par 3s were the iconic 3rd and 16th hole which I stuck to 9 feet but missed the putt. Most fairways and green complexes are surrounded by strategic bunkering. You must be able to hit irons well and have a good short game. Some elevation changes but everything was in front of you. My favorite holes were 3, 7, 13, 16 and 18. Residents are blessed here.
Of note when prebooking no twilight times were available. Also of note they ask for 4 hrs pace of play for morning players and maximum of 4 hrs 30 minutes for all other play. We finished our round in 4hrs 25 minutes.
Bucket list course and highly recommended. For premium conditions probably playing closer to the Farmers Insurance open in January is recommended.
We had two groups and we elected green tees at 6635. Course played around 6700 + with the denser ocean air...Ala sandoiper/olivas links...our group thought about at least one club more on the irons. In speaking with the staff prior to the round they informed us that South would still have some lushness and bite with the process of North "being browned out" to start the overseeding process.
Fell in love with both layouts here at Torrey. My kind of course.
Greens on the south were medium firmness and held shots beautifully. Rolled with minimal bounces with true rolls. Greens could vary from small to large depending on the hole and most had some nice undulations. Rated 8/10
Rough was nice length for playability and was starting to brown out in spots. According to management here overseeding starts soon and the rough starts to get lush up until the farmers in January. Rated 7/10
Fairways provided a really nice surface to hit from. Would say 75 percent green with 25 percent brown. Fairways here are wide but not as wide as north. Rated 8/10
Tees were level and in good to decent shape. Rated 8/10
Was in 2 Fairway bunkers and two greenside bunker that had ample sand. The bunkers didn't look deep to the naked eye but had thick sand underneath the top surface. Some of the bunkers unfortunately had multiple foot prints in. I went for it in two on 18 and made it over the water to find my ball in a big foot print in the greenside bunker. Not the courses fault but note to players to please rake bunkers as playing partner was in couple bunkers with footprints as well..part of golf.
Onto my favorite part of reviewing courses which is the layout. I loved the South. I wish I was a resident of SD would be here all the time. The course defends itself well against par. Wide open tee shots present itself but if you miss the fairways you will do well to secure your par with the rough. I loved the par 3s which I was able to conquer today. Favorite par 3s were the iconic 3rd and 16th hole which I stuck to 9 feet but missed the putt. Most fairways and green complexes are surrounded by strategic bunkering. You must be able to hit irons well and have a good short game. Some elevation changes but everything was in front of you. My favorite holes were 3, 7, 13, 16 and 18. Residents are blessed here.
Of note when prebooking no twilight times were available. Also of note they ask for 4 hrs pace of play for morning players and maximum of 4 hrs 30 minutes for all other play. We finished our round in 4hrs 25 minutes.
Bucket list course and highly recommended. For premium conditions probably playing closer to the Farmers Insurance open in January is recommended.
Had not played Lakewood for a while, so nice to return. Stange how the older I get, the longer the golf course gets! As stated in the last review, the fairways are not exactly conducive to roll, so that made the course play even longer. Greens were the best part of the course, although not as good as expected. The worst part was my senior discount card had expired, so the additional $$ was tough to take. They will be punching greens in a couple weeks - FYI.
Played Sunday, Sept 14, 7:30am teetime, $108 to walk (a little pricey, but seems like everywhere is expensive these days, especially on the weekends). POP was great, 4hrs, never waited one bit. A threesome that went off at 6:30am was finished 18 as we were making the turn, they flew.
Course is in overall good to very good shape. Teeboxes were narrow, but level with pretty good coverage. Fairways were very nice, although, the course gets a lot of walkers, so there's some unfilled divots. I found one divot, but was able to make good contact with my full pitching wedge, so it wasn't too bad. Rough wasn't too thick and it's pretty sparse in between the trees, no complaints. Found two bunkers and they were just fine, good sand underneath, but a little damp and compact. One bunker I saw had coyote tracks all through it, must have been after the morning crew. Greens were good for the most part, but not worth the $108 green fee. They were quite bumpy, but held shots very well. They will be doing some major aerating coming up in a couple of weeks, so beware. I don't hit balls on the range, but apparently it is still closed. Customer service was decent. The guy in the proshop wasn't too nice when I explained to him that I was trying to use my $50 "goplaygolf" gift card. After doing a little research, he saw that the company contacted the course on Friday to redeem my card, so it ended up going through, but he wasn't thrilled about it. I definitely recommend these courses. I like the Oak better than Willow, personally. There are some very narrow fairways and the back nine is super sweet in my opinion.
Course is in overall good to very good shape. Teeboxes were narrow, but level with pretty good coverage. Fairways were very nice, although, the course gets a lot of walkers, so there's some unfilled divots. I found one divot, but was able to make good contact with my full pitching wedge, so it wasn't too bad. Rough wasn't too thick and it's pretty sparse in between the trees, no complaints. Found two bunkers and they were just fine, good sand underneath, but a little damp and compact. One bunker I saw had coyote tracks all through it, must have been after the morning crew. Greens were good for the most part, but not worth the $108 green fee. They were quite bumpy, but held shots very well. They will be doing some major aerating coming up in a couple of weeks, so beware. I don't hit balls on the range, but apparently it is still closed. Customer service was decent. The guy in the proshop wasn't too nice when I explained to him that I was trying to use my $50 "goplaygolf" gift card. After doing a little research, he saw that the company contacted the course on Friday to redeem my card, so it ended up going through, but he wasn't thrilled about it. I definitely recommend these courses. I like the Oak better than Willow, personally. There are some very narrow fairways and the back nine is super sweet in my opinion.
Played here Monday.
Whoa! This place was packed yesterday. We had a 740 tee time and it was like a Saturday out there. We usually play Monday and its locals and quiet and yesterday it was on.
The course is going through a bunch of renovations in some of the fairways, trees being trimmed. Greens still terrible.
Nice to see the county adressing some of the issues with the course conditions but please why can't they work on the greens .Lots of top water on the greens. The bunkers are pretty terrible on the holes that see a lot of bunker play. Maybe even pick up some cat litter and throw it in there, just something.
POP wasn't the worst considering how busy it was out there.
Santa Anita is Santa Anita and will probably never be as good as it was pre Covid.
Whoa! This place was packed yesterday. We had a 740 tee time and it was like a Saturday out there. We usually play Monday and its locals and quiet and yesterday it was on.
The course is going through a bunch of renovations in some of the fairways, trees being trimmed. Greens still terrible.
Nice to see the county adressing some of the issues with the course conditions but please why can't they work on the greens .Lots of top water on the greens. The bunkers are pretty terrible on the holes that see a lot of bunker play. Maybe even pick up some cat litter and throw it in there, just something.
POP wasn't the worst considering how busy it was out there.
Santa Anita is Santa Anita and will probably never be as good as it was pre Covid.
Played here Sunday.
the good: Got my first hole in one on the 3rd hole. WOW!!! I play 3x a week for the last 10 years and so many near misses and finally!!!
the course was not in as good condition as the Lakes I played 2 weeks ago. A lot of dried fairways and lots of clippings all over the course. The greens were good but not as good as the Lakes.
the layout is was fun, it was my first time playing there. The view is great but it sucks to see the course not as cleaned up as it could be. It was 75 bucks to ride and the pop was a little sluggish. 833am tee time.
i wouldn't be in a hurry to play this side again but the 17th island hole is cool.
I asked to buy a flag for the hole in one. They said they don't sell them I said ok. They said we can print a certificate but it wouldnt be on card stock . I said "ok" they said it would be on regular paper, I said "ok" , then they said the printer was broken. LOL
You can't make it up.
Still an amazing day regardless.
the good: Got my first hole in one on the 3rd hole. WOW!!! I play 3x a week for the last 10 years and so many near misses and finally!!!
the course was not in as good condition as the Lakes I played 2 weeks ago. A lot of dried fairways and lots of clippings all over the course. The greens were good but not as good as the Lakes.
the layout is was fun, it was my first time playing there. The view is great but it sucks to see the course not as cleaned up as it could be. It was 75 bucks to ride and the pop was a little sluggish. 833am tee time.
i wouldn't be in a hurry to play this side again but the 17th island hole is cool.
I asked to buy a flag for the hole in one. They said they don't sell them I said ok. They said we can print a certificate but it wouldnt be on card stock . I said "ok" they said it would be on regular paper, I said "ok" , then they said the printer was broken. LOL
You can't make it up.
Still an amazing day regardless.
Played with Alex late August. First time for the renovated Jay Blasi designed championship 18. All the good boxes checked for a great day of play.
Those familiar with the old nines on the north side of the property will notice some redirected holes, a couple new ones and a few you'll recall for the most part with new contours.
We played in near perfect weather conditions with little to no wind and mild sunny temperatures. I think with a club or two prevailing wind the course will be better protected.
Big expansive tee boxes with the back tees some 50 - 60 yards or more. The same grasses from tee to green and no rough of any length. Santa Ana bermuda is the tight lie grass type and it offers a great links style surface to play the close to the ground game.
Prestige bentgrass greens quick and firm also. Large offering many pin placement options.
Just a few trees on the course in play and only a couple water hazards.
Should be a great match play course and the meaningful distance difference of the tee markers would help even up index differences in my opinion.
Parred the long par 3 5th, shaping the driver R to L onto the large green 2 putt.
The 13th green, 14th tee, 17th green, and 18th tee are in close proximity to each other and are a bit congested in that area the first time through to figure it out.
Overall I feel it's an improvement to have the 18 holes and Ridge 9 par 34 (7-4's/ 2-3's) separated. the ridge 9 is a combo of old merlot and chardonnay with two new greens.
At NCGA rate good value and it's walk able. I'll be back.
Those familiar with the old nines on the north side of the property will notice some redirected holes, a couple new ones and a few you'll recall for the most part with new contours.
We played in near perfect weather conditions with little to no wind and mild sunny temperatures. I think with a club or two prevailing wind the course will be better protected.
Big expansive tee boxes with the back tees some 50 - 60 yards or more. The same grasses from tee to green and no rough of any length. Santa Ana bermuda is the tight lie grass type and it offers a great links style surface to play the close to the ground game.
Prestige bentgrass greens quick and firm also. Large offering many pin placement options.
Just a few trees on the course in play and only a couple water hazards.
Should be a great match play course and the meaningful distance difference of the tee markers would help even up index differences in my opinion.
Parred the long par 3 5th, shaping the driver R to L onto the large green 2 putt.
The 13th green, 14th tee, 17th green, and 18th tee are in close proximity to each other and are a bit congested in that area the first time through to figure it out.
Overall I feel it's an improvement to have the 18 holes and Ridge 9 par 34 (7-4's/ 2-3's) separated. the ridge 9 is a combo of old merlot and chardonnay with two new greens.
At NCGA rate good value and it's walk able. I'll be back.
Played Fri 9/13, 9:40 time, 4:20 round. Course in decent muni shape.. Greens running a slow 10, soft and bumpy, lots of unfixed ball marks. Decent throughout. Bunkers in good shape. Cart girl going around. I enjoy this course whenever I play.
Played Thurs 9/12, 7:40 time, 4:15 round. course in pretty good muni shape. Greens running a slow 10, soft, quite a few ball marks but tap them down and they mostly roll true. Fairways in good shape. bunkers seemed consistent. Had a good time
Filter Reviews
Our GK Community
Greenskeeper.org
Golf Course Supporters
* Super Supporters:* Classic Club, Palm Springs, CA
* Desert Willow Golf Resort, Palm Springs, CA
* Goose Creek Golf Club, Mira Loma, CA
* Mt. Woodson Golf Club, San Diego, CA
* Mojave Resort Golf Club, Laughlin, NV
* Oak Quarry Golf Club, Riverside, CA
* Riverwalk Golf Club, San Diego, CA
* Sandpiper Golf Club, Santa Barbara, CA
* Sterling Hills Golf Club, Camarillo, CA
* Sun City West Golf, Phoenix, AZ
Vivid Golf/GM/GK Private Course Outing Hosts:
Bear Creek Golf Club, Murrieta, CACalifornia CC, Whittier, CA
Dove Canyon Golf Club, Dove Canyon, CA
Las Posas CC, Camarillo, CA
Kings CC, Hanford, CA
Los Coyotes CC, Buena Park, CA
Santa Maria CC, Santa Maria, CA
Spanish Hills CC, Camarillo, CA
Sunset Hills CC, Thousand Oaks, CA
The Huntington Club, Huntington Beach, CA
The Oaks at Valencia, Valencia, CA
The Saticoy Club, Somis, CA
Western Hills CC, Chino Hills, CA
Valencia CC, Valencia, CA
Wood Ranch Golf Club, Simi Valley, CA
-->