Pretty windy in places here yesterday, but except for a small tournament going on, was not crowded. My first time here, but I'll be back...scenic beyond description. Staff was exceptionally courteous in all areas. I was a bit worried after I climbed to the driving range as I had doubts my cart would make it all around this steep course, but it did without incident. Greens were exceptionally firm, probably due to normal windy conditions and lack of recent rains. For $39 (plus Golfnow.com booking fee), it was a steal. The only negative aspect I found are rocks in some of the bunkers and traps...otherwise the sand quality was very good.

I hadn't been back to Northstar in over 15 years, and that's my mistake. It's a very good mountain track with two very distinct and very different 9's. The course once again plays as originally routed...the front 9 is out in the open of Martis Valley, while the back 9 leads you on a journey through the forest...the game changes noticeably at the #10 tee. Very good customer service from the front desk to the marshals on the course. Early and late season will offer some decent discounts off the rack rates, and it's a course you should consider if you enjoy a real challenge to your game.

If you have the chance, and the $$$, Coyote Moon should be on your list of mountain courses to play during their season. NCGA offers some pretty good discounts off the rack rate, so if you're able, you can take advantage of that. This course is in fantastic shape from tee box to green and the staff treats you like they appreciate your business. I only have two knocks about Coyote Moon: (1) Lack of a driving range...they have a 4 station tee box where you hit into a net, which for me, only leads to a so-so evaluation of what I think of the shot. But upon looking around, they really don't have any room for one as as the property drops sharply on the south & western flanks and the rest of their area is taken up by the course itself. (2) The lack of hole and/or course layout on the scorecard...you can purchase a yardage book for about $4, but it would be nice to be able to see the hole shape & routing on the card. If you decide to play there, do yourself a favor and review their website for hole details ahead of time.

I was disappointed in the overall condition of the course, especially the greens. They obviously haven't been cut in who-knows-how-long and were fairly bumpy, the fairways/rough could use an over-seeding during the growing season before it gets too hot, and the tee boxes on most holes are in sore need of some major work to get rid of the "clumpy" grass and fill in the bare spots. The course is not worth the green fees currently being charged and today reminded me all-too-much of the last time I played Southridge, over 6 years ago. I hope River Oaks doesn't go that route, because it has the capability of being a good course, but it's going to take some concerted effort to get it back up to even what it once was.

Chardonnay has re-routed their front nine using a combination of 4 existing holes (1, 2, 5, 6) from the Vineyards 9, one new par 3 out of the former Vineyards par 5 9th hole, and four of the previous existing holes on the Lakes 9 (1, 3, 4, and 9). The back nine is what was known as the Meadows 9 in it's entirety with no changes. What had been the other holes from these two nines have mostly been converted into vineyards or are in the process of doing so. Construction for the modification is mostly complete and that which remains doesn't interfere with play.

The green for the new par 3 #5 is very narrow on the right side, higher than the left side which previously existed as the Vineyards #9 and can make for some very interesting putts. My personal feeling is that the right side of the green is too narrow for most golfers to bring it into play if the pin is located there and if you go for the fat portion of the green, you will have a considerable "up-the-shelf" putt.

The greens are still healing from their aeration process and were more slow and bumpy than not, but that's to be expected. Fairways, tees, and traps were all good to excellent with the exception of standing water in some of the traps that had not drained completely from the rain the past few days...actually, the course was amazingly dry all things considered.

Customer service is always above par at Chardonnay, from check-in to check-out and everything in between.

Played River Oaks in slightly more than 4 hours today with the breeze up a bit...could have been a little faster but for some slow foursomes ahead. One group had what appeared to be some ladies learning the game and this is a pretty good course for teaching someone golf, so that's ok...we weren't held up too much. Greens are slower and need a cutting, but they're holding well and it looks like they have multiple types of grass on the greens...not sure this is a good thing. Fairways are actually about the best I recall ever seeing but parts of the rough can be killer. Plenty of water on this course to test your nerves. The quality of sand in the traps/bunkers is better than it ever has been...a definite +. Great rates available at Golfnow.com.

If you ever get the chance, play Pebble Beach once in your life, for no other reason than to see the views and to say you did it. Played it today and luckily, the wind wasn't too bad...sure made #'s 4-10 interesting as it was coming from the northwest today but not as strong as yesterday. They'd plugged the fairways yesterday...earlier than scheduled, but didn't any problems...greens are scheduled for sometime in early April. All things considered, I have to agree with other posters who've said that for the money, Spyglass Hill is the better course, but part of the alure of Pebble are the water holes...take your camera!

Played Spyglass today on a reduced rate special ($185) and I'll add my vote to every reviewer who has said it's worth the experience...it's all that and a whole lot more. This is golf in one of best venues in the world...the course is absolutely immaculate, from tee to green. Was a little windy today (but not as much as yesterday, so I was told) and the wind penetrated into the Del Monte forest even after you teed off #5 away from the ocean and played some havock with the tee shots at #12 & #15...two beautiful par 3's. The service? Impeccable, as one might expect from a course of this caliber and cost. The special I played on came from Pebble Beach resorts themselves and Pebble is on the calendar for tomorrow...also at a reduced rate that includes the cart...guess the economy is impacting even these places. Anyway, this course would no doubt get my highest rating and endorsement to play so if you can possibly find a way to play it, even only once in your life, you should...you won't be disappointed. It's not an easy course...some long par 4's...the green on #4 is something to see...has to win honors for one of the narrowest greens in the world. If you want to challenge your game, this is a course that can do that for you.

Played the Meadows nine followed by the Vineyards nine today...a great day to be out on the course. The staff was finally able to get out and start cutting the grass today after all the wet weather of last week...the distinctions between the fairway and and first cut were not always easily discernible on some holes today...should be terrific later in the week. Overall, while soggy in some areas, the course is rebounding well. Staff treatment towards guests is always first rate.

RS is in very good shape at the present time. Fairways have a few divots, but the course is trying it's best to clean up after negligent golfers. Greens and T-boxes are excellent. Was only in one trap today so can only judge the sand quality by what I played and it was good. The staff are always helpful and friendly which makes this a great play to play. Huge greens with lots of..."character" and today had a few pin placements I have never seen before in almost 20 years of playing there, which made the round all the more interesting. Highly recommended.

Played a very quick round today...it's now known as RIVER OAKS and not Rio La Paz. Greens are S-L-O-W & bumpy at times. Some fairway dry spots (WATER US...PLEASE!!!) & grass on many tee boxes is actually too high, even with higher tees. Staff very courteous and their new clubhouse is finished...nice. Good value if you go thru Golfnow.com.

Rancho Solano is in great shape right now...play it if you get the chance.

Got out earlier than my time slot and it was all good...from tee to the next tee the course is looking real good...of course there is the damage from unrepaired ball marks and people trying to shred the fairways, but those didn't cause any problems in the round today. Things like that aren't the staff's fault...just inconsiderate golfers who should know better. Don't know how many ball marks or fairway sod strikes I repaired today, but my Dad always taught me to fix my own mark and as many others as I had time to. Now if some of those clowns would grow up, it would be better all around for everyone.

RS is a good course and a fair test that can be enjoyed by all handicap levels.