Played early Friday (4/22) morning to start a casual 4 hour workday. I highly suggest trying it out if you can swing it (no pun intended). Anaheim Hills has converted some of the landscape to make it more irrigation friendly and I think they did a wonderful job. Seeing all the California Poppies in bloom throughout the course is a really neat thing to see. For the most part, they pulled grass from areas that weren't really in play with the notable exception being hole 12 where the whole hillside was converted back to wild grasses and flowers. This creates a much higher risk as you stand a good chance to lose your ball in that stuff if you can't carry the hill. The other noteworthy change is the shortening of hole 5. It used to be a 254 downhill par 3 that probably played 215-230 from the tips. This is now 207 from the tips and plays about 190-175 depending on pin position. I really liked this change as that par 3 wasn't really fun as you also had to face another long par 3 that could even be tougher at the 13th hole. Now, there is a nice balance of long, medium, and short par 3's.

Course conditions were ok. Tee boxes were a little unlevel but didn't have too much divot damage with exception to 17. Fairways were firmer and tighter, mostly kikuyu, some other grasses were mixed in as well. Rough was present, but not too harassing, again a mix of grasses. There were hardly any bare spots in fairways or rough. Bunkers are a mix of topsoil and sand, they definitely play on the heavy side of the spectrum, but are perfectly functional. Greens were healthy, rolled medium quick and had the occasional bump here and there, but not enough ruin a putt. Pace of play was great as I started early enough, typically this course does play slow. It's a fun layout that rewards accurate driving, but gives you a break here and there. I'll be back.

Played yesterday after the RSM tournament, I was curious how the course would be in tournament like conditions as I've always felt they keep the conditions of the course so play isn't quite as tough as it could be. It was certainly tougher than normal, but it wasn't overwhelming by any means. The greens played faster, rough- longer, and fairways- a little tighter. I did play the blue tees, not the tips, which is where the tournament played from, so it could have been a little different. Course conditions are generally a level above most in Orange County and I felt it was certainly like that yesterday. The entire course was lush, tee boxes had plenty of turf, mostly level, I think there were about 3 or 4 tee boxes where people didn't fill in their divots, so they had a few strips missing, still plenty of other areas to tee. I thought the fairways were the best part of the course, conditioned nicely, tight, but not ridiculous, had some undulation on a few holes to make it interesting. Rough was just long enough to affect the ball spin coming out, but it wasn't so long that you were forced to only use a wedge. Bunkers were decent, most had an adequate amount of sand, some were a little thin, but still manageable. There are a few that have rocks, but if you read the scorecard there is a local rule to remove them, so always read the scorecard folks! I've always felt the greens were the weakest element here. They were certainly faster but didn't have much break, you could definitely tell they had a tournament by the amount of visible foot traffic on them. Pace of play is the other issue at this course. I had a 5 hour round simply because the group ahead played from 6,500 yards (blue tees) but they were playing 150 yards a swing and would all stand around 1 player while he took his shot instead of getting ready for theirs. I think with situations like that, a marshall should have the right to move a group up a tee box or 2 when it is clear that they are playing slow because can't hit it far enough (or hit it at all as was also this case), that would easily cut pace of play down here. All in all, it was still a nice day out in a beautiful area of OC. I don't play this course too often, but I do always make a point to play here a couple times a year and will continue to do so!

Played Shorecliffs this afternoon. Pace of play was actually pretty nice, right at 4 hours, which I'm sure many who play would agree that is pretty good on a Saturday. The course management is certainly doing their part in water reductions, most of the fairways were very dry, there are a number of bare areas in the fairways as well, nothing that stood out abnormally large though. Greens were in decent shape as usual. Greens have always been reliable in their good conditioning at this course, I will give Shorecliffs props for that. Bunkers on the other hand are the exact opposite and always have been, most are fairly hardpan with numerous small rocks. The same could be said of the tee boxes as they are aren't very level. This course is supposed to be due for some changes in the coming months. Those who play here know of the condemned houses and the cliff that they sit on is eroding along hole 5 . My understanding was that holes 5 & 6 will be closed and the houses were to be torn down and the cliff will be dealt with. I don't know if this will be permanent or not, but new greens and tee boxes have been constructed on holes 9 & 11 essentially turning each current hole into 2 holes. My playing partner and I were speculating that there will be 2 drivable par 4's and 2 shorter par 3's as we judged the distances from the tee boxes to the new greens, but we shall see.

Played Coyote Hills yesterday morning for Father's Day golf. I wasn't overly impressed with the conditions. Right now, it looks like they are trying (understandably) to conserve water as much as they can, many fairways are fairly browned out and looked like they were recovering from being punched still. Some areas of rough look like they aren't being watered at all, the rough wasn't really much of factor as the still existing parts were cut short. I will say that the majority the bunkers looked really nice and had good quality sand in them. The greens putted very nicely as well, though a few had some ball mark damage on them. The tee boxes were a little unlevel and had some divots, which I was disappointed in. Our pace of play was fine, no waiting as we had an early morning tee time. You can tell that when this place is green, it is a higher end golf course. But I think I will only play here again once I hear that the conditions are better.

Played the South Course at Torrey Pines this morning. It was kind of surreal to me as it was the first PGA tournament/Major championship course I have ever played. Needless to say, I can really appreciate how much of a different level the talents of the tour pros are on after playing this course. While, the course was not up to its PGA tournament standard, it is still a very, very nice course with thick punishing rough and wonderfully kept fairways. The bunkers had very good quality sand in them (I was in 8 of them, it was that kind of day), but because of the amount of ocean moisture and fog that this course gets, the sand gets dampened down and plays much heavier. Tee boxes were very lush, had some slight unevenness on a couple of them, but nothing that caused problems. The greens were probably my only complaint in that they were very firm as shots would never seem to hold the green. Shots coming from 9 iron or longer would just run off the green. The green speed was quicker, I'd guess that it is was a 10. The green surfaces were in fine condition, no ball marks, and putts held there lines. Pace of play was decent, finished in just under 4 1/2 hours. If I was a San Diego resident, I would certainly be back, but the non-resident rate will most likely keep me away for a long time. At least I can cross it off the bucket list!

Got out to Eagle Glen on a beautiful Sunday morning. Because it was Mother's Day, the course was had far fewer players out than what I would expect for a typical weekend morning round, had I played better I would have finished under 4 hours, but instead finished right at 4 hours. Course conditions were decent. You basically had a tight lie in the non existent rough and an even tighter lie on the fairway, so the ball definitely ran once it hit the ground. The bunkers were mixed with sand and small rocks, they played more like waste area bunkers, very firm. Tee boxes were very lush and level, but I felt the grass was a little too long for a tee box. The greens were fantastic, very smooth and had decent speed. There were hardly any ball marks or dead spots, they did play a little firm. It's a great lay out, I will play here again.

Played El Prado Butterfield Stage yesterday afternoon. Conditions aren't horrible, but without some rain, they could definitely shift that way this summer. Most of the areas that sit above the fairways are not being watered, so you're either hitting off dead grass or dirt. Any areas that sit below the fairways, especially near any ditch, have some pretty heavy rough since those areas collect any water runoff from the fairways, so pick your poison. Tee boxes were decent, not perfectly flat, but very playable. Bunkers were either dirt or hard pan with exception to #8 which had good sand but the lining was coming up. Greens haven't recovered as well as I would have thought even though aeration was over a month ago. Some were still bumpy, some had bare spots, and some were actually decent. Fairways were on the firm side, but were green, so they are getting just enough water. PoP was good, 4 hours, walking. Considering the rate to walk, I would return. It will be interesting to see how they get through this summer.

Played River View on a pleasant Saturday afternoon before the rain came in. Round was took only 3 1/2 hours, walking. I think the forecast of rain kept people away, but I have walked this course a couple times in under 4 hours so I wasn't totally surprised, don't always expect it either as I have seen the course packed before as well. Conditions were generally ok for the rate. Whenever there is rain, water will come through the riverbed area where a couple fairways also run through. These fairways are generally a little more beat up, as there were today, than later on in the spring and summer. They are still very playable with a few bare spots here and there. You really just want to stay away from any areas where water once ran through or is still standing as that is where you will encounter most of bare spots, sediment and rocks.Fairways above the riverbed were excellent. Greens were in good shape, running at medium speed. Tee boxes are hit and miss as are the bunkers. As always, this course serves its purpose in getting out to chase the little white (or yellow) ball around.

Played River View this past Saturday, got on a little after 2:30, finished right around 6:00 pm and I was walking!

Tee Boxes- There were a few in good shape, most were a little unlevel, The majority of the par 3 tee boxes were in pretty rough shape either having severe divot damage or being thin on grass.

Fairways- This was the pleasant surprise, normally the fairways that run through the riverbed are thin and firm, this was not the case at all. The kikuyu was a little thicker this time and combined with some softer conditions, made the lie very nice. I wish they would get some actual sand for divot repair as many fairway divots were filled with the riverbed sediment, which is more like crushed gravel than sand, thankfully I never had to play from that kind of lie and there weren't that many divots to contend with anyway. The fairways above the riverbed were in good shape as usual.

Rough- Short and in good shape, only time it comes into play is on the holes above the riverbed or if you are on the actual riverbed slope. Not much of a punishment from a level lie, can be tricky if hitting downhill or uphill.

Bunkers- Basically filled with riverbed sediment (see my description above). Its the only thing I feel that holds this course back from really having value, which is because of what the after effects do to the greens (see below). You can still get the club through nicely, though it will play a little heavier if you are used to playing from real sand.


Greens- In general, the greens are the nicest feature of the course, they are pretty well kept, roll well, have decent speed, and hold your shots. My only problem is this, whenever there is a pin placement near a greenside bunker, you have to contend with the riverbed sediment. It sits all over that section of the green due to the after effects of bunker play. You can't clear it off because it will sit down just enough to resist any sweeping while also sitting up just enough to give you the finger and knock your birdie putt off line. It's aggravating, because you can see how nice the greens roll without the sediment.

I always enjoy playing here. It's one of the few cheap golf options in Orange County and it definitely serves its purpose well. The practice options are good with the driving range and wonderful putting area. It would be great if they had an area to practice chipping, but the space is not there. Will be back.

Had an early afternoon tee time today at Tijeras Creek. It was my first time playing here and I absolutely loved the layout! Two very different nines that are both a lot of fun and require different styles of play.


Tee Boxes- Some were level, some were not, it was kind of hit and miss. The same could be said of the amount of divot damage. It was aggravating to see some tee boxes full of divots and full containers of sand n seed next to them. Please fill in your divot with the sand, that's what it's there for. A few of tee boxes on the back nine were also punched.


Fairways- Had quite a few areas that were just dead grass, a few fairways also had some new sod patchwork being done to them. Most of this was on the front nine, the back nine was in much better shape, very nice to hit off of.


Rough- Was fantastic, thick and punishing.


Bunkers- I was in only 1 and it was lone bunker that was wet and heavy, still got the club through with ease as there was plenty of sand. The rest of the bunkers looked like they had plenty of sand in them. Looked like pretty good quality sand as well.


Greens- While not the worst conditioned part of the course, I was probably still disappointed the most with the greens. Lots of unrepaired divots, sections that I don't think were mowed correctly as there were areas on the greens where the grass was slightly longer than the rest of the green. Green speeds also varied from green to green and I am certain it had nothing to do any of the elevation changes. That being said, they still rolled very nicely for the most part and held their lines.


Pace was about 4.5 hours, saw the cart girl a couple times. Thought I saw a marshal, but I wasn't sure. I don't think I would pay the full rate here with the conditions as they are now. It is still a very nice course with conditions that are far better than many other courses in the area, but I do have higher expectations for any course that charges a higher green fee. Because of this, I would say Tijeras Creek did not quite meet them this time, they were close and I will give them another chance.

Played a morning round at Willowick on the 4th. Pace of play was fantastic, finished at just a little over 4 hours with a foursome on a holiday morning. Conditions were decent for a lower end municipal course like Willowick, tee boxes a little chewed and uneven, fairways were in nice shape, cut tight, a small bare spot here and there, but mostly along the fringes, middle of the fairways were fine. Rough was quite long around the greens and relatively short off the fairways. All the different kinds of grass makes it a little trickier hitting out of the rough, but I wouldn't trade that for higher green fees and uniform grass, when all I want to do is just play some golf. Greens were slow, but rolled pretty well and held their lines. Bunkers looked a little thin but had enough sand to make do. Had a great time out here as this course once again served its purpose, will be back.

Played the Classic course yesterday afternoon. Easy to walk as is the players course. Got on before twilight started, was done in just a little over 3 hours. Tee boxes were in good shape, some a little thin and unlevel, but nothing that could inhibit play. Fairways were in great shape, a little thick for my taste as I could hardly get any rollout, but still very nice. The rough was thick enough to create some punishment but was not overwhelming. Sand quality is little worse than the Player's course, a little rocky and thin, not bad, but as not nice as the Player's course. Greens were fantastic, rolled smooth and fast! Overall it's a nice course, I still prefer the Player's course but the Classic is pretty fun too.