Played on Saturday 9/30/17. Had a groupon to use and it was supposed to be fairly cool (93F) so sounded good. Well, sounding good was all there was. It was 105F! HOT. This is normally a great course. Played it at the end of May and it was fine. I knew they'd punched a month ago but it should have healed. Nope. The fairways were decent, dead patches here and there but nothing bad. The rough was decent depth- 4-5 inches. Unfortunately most of it was a crab grass like turf- interwoven strands that would just stop your club dead! Ouch. Most of the traps were surprisingly hardpacked. Usually this course takes care of their sand pretty well. Not sure what was up with that. There was construction on two holes-MAJOR construction, earth moving machines kind of stuff. Looks like they are putting in drainage. They did not tell us this when we called to book but were upfront about it and the current relief rules when we checked in. It really wasn't a big deal. Just hit the ball and move on, right? :-) Forward tee boxes were hit or miss- level and nice, or egg cartons. Then there were the greens. ACK. I was really looking forward to these greens- in May they were emerald felt! They broke true and rolled fairly fast. Saturday those greens were but a distant memory. These greens were still recovering and the dimples made sure breaks were not true IF they broke at all and they were slow slow slow. They didn't hold a thing- didn't fix a ball mark all day because they were so hard! Oh well. This course has some great challenges and some outstanding views. It's a good course in general and certainly worth playing when it has it's party clothes on. The couple playing with us were there for the first time and I felt bad because their impression could NOT have been very good. Oh, and the beverage cart came around ALL the time- almost every 4 holes!

Played 9/23/17 . I am not a fan of this course in it's current condition. There were far too many dead areas and dirt patches for it to be caused by over-seeding. Looked like long term issues. The cuts were still quite prevalent and that was after a month healing time. The sand was hard packed but a local we played with said they'd had rain the prior week so that explains it. The greens were actually in nice shape. Very undulating and somewhat hard to read, medium speed, fun to putt on! The snack cart was around quite frequently and the ladies were friendly and attentive. Marshalls were around frequently too. Too bad they were completely useless. We followed a foursome the entire round. Older guys. 200 yd drives playing the blues. They'd wait until the green cleared on a Par FIVE before they'd hit a drive...200yds IF they hit the fairway. And so on and so on- for 18 holes. We saw several holes where there were three or four GROUPS waiting on the tee. Marshalls were aware of all this but stated there was nothing they could do. Maybe not. What became clear as the day wore on was that the management big time overbooked the course! This, of course, made all the golfers miserable. Poor pace of play management, profit over quality experience. They were one of the few courses open during this time of year (lots of maintenance going on) and they took advantage of it. The layout is interesting, and if well cared for it would be a nice course with enough challenge to be fun. The views are phenomenal all the way around. Houses line the fairways but aren't close enough in most cases for it feel crowded. Despite all the course issues I played well and enjoyed the round. We were paired with a young guy originally from our area and had a lot of things in common to laugh and talk about. Our goal was just go have a fun round and we did that. But I wouldn't be in a hurry for a repeat round.

Played on Sunday 6-11 with five other GKers. Weather was perfect! Most of the course was too. We had UnderPar deals for unlimited play. Our preference was to play three and three but the course said no, they were too busy. So we played four and two- and they put another two-some with our two. That would've been absolutely acceptable except there was a two-some behind them!!! Just a little snafu. The course was in good condition, fairways nice, about 75% of the tee boxes in good shape with 25% having a rather lumpy contour. Greens looked super fast but were actually pretty slow. Sand, and there's a LOT of it on this course, was very nice- slightly firm underneath and light and fluffy on top. I think I sampled the sand on every hole this round! LOL Its an interesting layout. The pace was pretty slow but we were enjoying each others company so didn't worry about it too much. Cart girl came around twice. That would've been fine but this ended up being almost a 6 hour round! Yes, SIX. The marshal drove by several times but since the pace never picked up not sure he did anything. After a very quick lunch (and the biggest soft pretzel I've ever seen!) we went back out around 2:30pm as three and three. I believe THIS round was finished in under three hours! No one on the course, a little windy, but great temperature! While this course is a nice course, well maintained and beautiful, with enough water to be interesting it's not on the top of my list for desert courses. A six hour round is a little ridiculous and surely plays into my feelings but the bigger issue is that much of the course is surrounded by Marriott resort condos. The children in those condos use the course as their personal playground. There were kids in the fairway with toys, kids playing in the water, and kids using the bunkers as great places to jump into and slide down. After the round we discussed it with the cart guys and they acknowledged that yes, it's a problem and no, Marriott isn't very interested in fixing it. Playing the course at UnderPar prices makes all of this acceptable but I certainly wouldn't pay full price to play.

Played with some other GKers on Sunday, 3/12, at noon. I always enjoy playing this course, one of my favorites, so even though this was my first time out after winter I still enjoyed it! This has to be one of the best maintained courses in So Cal. It's absolutely gorgeous! Fairways were perfect- I didn't see a single bad spot and never had a bad lie caused by poor design or upkeep. The greens were gorgeous but they got slower and slower as the day warmed up. It's ok, they were beautiful and they broke true. I wasn't impressed with the sand I was in. I don't know if they were all the same but the one I found was crunchy on top. First time I've ever had them be anything less than fluffy so not sure what was going on. The snack cart came around several times per 9. The carts have a nice GPS, an ice chest pre-filled with ice and 4 bottles of water, and clean white towels. Pace of play was great. The clubhouse monitors cart movement and will send you a note or send someone out to see what's up if you slow down too much! I played the far forward Owl tees this time and while I think this course is very well designed for women I missed a little of the challenge that playing from the Falcons gives. Over all had a great time, on a great course, and enjoyed the beauty that surrounded us all day!

Played here on 11/12. It was my first time. I really enjoyed it! The course is a little beat up, probably from a hot summer. But the bones of the course are great! Very interesting layout, definitely a think your shot kind of course. For the most part you never realize you are right next to the freeway. The solar towers in the distance were a problem on a couple of occasions until the clouds rolled over. Greens were good, fairways were ok, rough was playable. Cart girl came round a sufficient number of times. Got a great deal with Deal Caddy from Golf Now that included two drinks- unrestricted. It was pure pleasure to sit at the club house overlooking the course and enjoy our drinks after a decent round!

Played with the GK group on 11/13. This is a gorgeous course surrounded by miles of beautiful scenic desert with not a house in site. The conditions are almost perfect! Minor complaint was a few of the forward tees weren't overly level but compared to many courses they were superb! The grass on the greens almost looked like artificial turf it was so tight and smooth. Greens rolled fast and true. Fairways were a pleasure to hit off of- beautiful beautiful beautiful! Enough water on this course to keep you thinking. Just a pleasure all the way through. Staff is wonderful and refreshment carts were frequent. We totally enjoy playing here and can't wait to return. Extra bonus? The covey of quail, single roadrunner, and two little chipmunks that decided to visit us on the back nine- all at once!

Played on Sunday 1/10 with the GK family. It was a long drive for us, through snow, and we almost didn't make it. So glad we did! The course is, as others have said, in GREAT condition! The fairways are perfect- didn't see any damage anywhere. The rough is good. The sand is really nice, soft and deep. (I tried it out on many holes!) The greens were in good shape. I didn't find that they held very well and watched quite a few awesome shots roll into miserable shots but that's typical desert winter greens. :-) What I LOVED was how fast they were on the front 9 and how convoluted all the greens are. I really enjoy a good putting challenge! As they dried out and warmed up, and as the sun moved, the grain changed and they really slowed down on the back. Had to readjust the putting stroke. What I would really like to commend the course on was the condition of the tee boxes! It seems in today's world the forward tees are often ignored. But these were in incredible condition- no real damage and LEVEL. That's a pet peeve of mine so I really want to congratulate, and thank, whoever's job it is to keep them in good condition!

All of the staff has been wonderful each time we've played here. You'd think perhaps it was because a group of GKers was here but I have to say they were super nice and very attentive each time! The restaurant is cozy and a great place to hang out after a round. Like someone else said I was disappointed in my food and in the choices we were offered. I'm sure there is another menu somewhere as the restaurant has a fine reputation but I didn't see that menu nor the food they are well known for.

I'm glad we made the trip and I always look forward to coming back. Playing with the GK family is just a top notch experience anyway. I was happy to meet Wendy and to finally meet Mark in person. It's fun to connect screen names to real people!! We had a great time in our foursome and hope to repeat it!

I highly encourage anyone to make a weekend out of it and stay locally. Ram's Hill has some good deals to offer and Borrego Springs is a friendly little town with a good Italian restaurant, and a superb breakfast place (the Red Ocotillo?). It makes for a very relaxing weekend with some great golf!

Played this little nine hole Sept 6- and played it frequently this summer. Have to say management has really been putting some effort into this little gem in the past few years. The fairways are lush and very playable, the greens are rolling smooth, fast, and breaking true. (always away from the mountains!) The rough is interesting and can be punishing. Each hole is different and has it's own challenge. You don't want to walk this course if you aren't in good shape as it has some serious elevation change. The course in general is narrow and the 'rough' includes several very overgrown streams and lots of gopher holes (the course has been waging a war on them for years and if you ask a groundskeeper you'll get the latest 'total'!) You will be penalized if you aren't straight! It's actually a nice course in the mountains and worth playing. The clubhouse has good beer and sandwiches and overlooks the course for a good lunch afterwards.

Played 8/9 with seven other GKers- two foursomes playing 36 holes filled with laughter and good shots! Course is in great condition! A definite 8.5! A couple of fairways had some scorched dry areas but all the others were in super condition with great lies everywhere! Greens were FAST and most broke true. Very undulating greens that test your putting skills. LOVED them! Sand was good for the most part- a little inconsistent in firmness and pack but I figure I shouldn't be in them anyway. :-) Tee boxes were level and lush but some of the forward tees need some more care. It's not acceptable to have weeds growing so high at the front edge as to interfere with a shot. The rough is thick, deep, and punishing! Stay out of it for best results! LOL The layout of this course is very challenging. You WILL use your clubs in a thoughtful manner! Lots of terrain and elevation changes and a good variety of challenges.

AND there are MARSHALS! Not just guys riding around in carts but actual working marshals making sure the pace is consistent and that everyone is having a good time golfing! VERY NICE and much appreciated! The cart girl was wonderful!! Friendly, professional, and always there before we could wonder where she was! In fact the entire staff here is really amazing- from the cart boys to the GM, everyone was friendly and helpful, making sure our day was the best it could be!!! Really an exceptional experience thanks in large part to them. :-) If I had to find something that needs improvement I would say their food service at the clubhouse. We had a disappointing experience last time and while better this time it still made us shake our heads and wonder how at a course where so much is JUST RIGHT- this area could be so not.

Overall we had a really good time, with great golfers, having fun on a beautiful course where we felt like valued customers. We'll most definitely be back for more!

Played 6/17 with the Tukwet Women's Golf Club. I usually prefer Legends so was interested in seeing what Champions has been up to lately. The course was in excellent condition!! The fairways are gorgeous and the greens superb and quick. The forward tees were level and lush. Can't speak to the sand as I wasn't in it but it looked rather wet. The rough was punishing! Heavy, thick, wet- everything rough is supposed to be! Stay out of it and it's not a problem. Try to get out of it and good luck. Saw multiple marshals on the course making sure things were moving along. Cart girl was also out several times - decent for a Tuesday morning! I had a great time playing with good company on a fine course!

Played 6/17 with a couple other GKers. This was my second 18 of the day and I enjoyed it maybe even more than the first. I really like the layout of this course- a little on the links style side. Plenty of trouble to get into if you aren't keeping it in the short stuff but pretty fair risk/rewards throughout. The course is in great condition! Hasn't been this good for awhile! Fairways are beautiful but the rough is deep and thick. Forward tee boxes were a little bumpy. Sand was wet and hard packed- glad I wasn't in it too often! Greens were fantastic! Quick and true. Cart girl came by several times which was pretty amazing for a weekday afternoon! Had a great time and am hoping to play here again next week. I rated this higher, probably 8.1, but it seems stuck on the 7.6.

Played the GK Event on 6/14. I was surprised at how nice the course was considering it's a muni!! The conditions were really superb for June! Lush and green. Mowed perfectly. The greens were a tad unpredictable but they were still healing. The tee boxes were absolutely flat! Love it! I'm not sure what happened to our cold towels on the 10th- they were missing in action. Didn't know they were a perk until I read about them here! We were the first group out so maybe they hadn't been organized yet! Didn't appreciate the Ho Hum You're Bothering Me attitude from most of the cart guys but the rest of the staff was great! Saw the cart girl several times and she was friendly and considerate. I'd play here again. In fact I'm hoping to play here again- I think a little course knowledge, esp on the back, would help a lot to shave strokes!