Day Two of a Two-Day Getaway…

Moving further North, Black Gold was next on the agenda. Probably my favorite Orange County course, it’s been some 20 years since I last played here…and I’m so thrilled I returned.

It’s the type of course where a look at the scorecard may lull you into thinking it’s a pushover…Black Gold is not all that long by modern standards…yet is a true shot-maker’s delight. Multiple elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and some wickedly diabolical, yet fair, greens will demand your best if you hope to score well here. Rarely do you find a perfectly level lie…and throw in some 20 MPH gusts for good measure; well, you get the idea.

This is such an outstanding layout: it asks you to work the ball both ways, demands restraint on certain holes while allowing an aggressive mindset on others, requires precise approach shots in order to score well, and is just an absolute blast to play. I really don’t feel there’s a weak hole to be found on the course; each one possesses its’ own unique characteristic.

Conditions were top-notch…

>Tee Boxes: Good Shape
>Fairways: Plush and Tight Lies
>Rough: Thick and Punishing
>Bunkers: Firm and Well-Maintained
>Greens: On a Different Level

I’ll devote my attention to the putting surfaces: I can’t recall playing greens where approach shots…regardless of length…stuck like darts on a dart board yet putts rolled so fast. It’s not often I’m able to back up a 7-Wood. With that being said, I found myself fixing at least 10-12 ball marks on every green…and they were fresh. Shame on you ignorant idiots!

I have no idea what the Stimp reading was but the greens were definitely quicker than the ‘12s’ I encountered at Rams Hill last month. Took just one putt on #4 to realize what I was up against but I was able to adapt fairly quickly.

The putting surfaces are generously large with many subtle slopes so as a general rule, you simply cannot afford to be putting from above the hole. And the greens seem to break a little more than your initial read may tell you so speed and start line must be spot on in if you hope to convert a few putts.

Teed off as a foursome @ 12:20 and finished in four holes flat despite a slow down over the final three holes. Was treated to a fantastic rate of $66.00 thanks to a friend who secured the tee time and I must say it was a steal. Cannot wait to return; if I lived close by, no question Black Golf would be my home course.

I do want to add that the Par-3 10th hole is still impacted by the sinkhole issue that took place in 2023. Delays in permit approvals kept things at a standstill until this past November, when the reconstruction project finally got under way. Bureaucracy…go figure.

As a result, a temporary tee box has been set up along the cart path adjacent to #18 fairway, where you approach the green from East-to-West, as viewed from the clubhouse patio. Hole plays about 100-110 yards and this is the only blemish as far as I’m concerned yet I feel management addressed the issue as best that could be expected. Ther’s also another temporary box adjacent to the 18th green that allows you to play the hole straightforward as originally intended but it was not in use today.

I was told they’re hopeful the project will be completed by July of this year; let’s hope things proceed without any further delays or issues as it is quite an extensive operation. I’ll also add that the driving range continues to be impacted by the Solar Panel Project, although much closer to completion.

Still, I would not let either of these caveats impact your decision to play Black Gold. While some courses in the Orange County region may carry a little more ‘cachet’…and much steeper price…Black Gold checks all the boxes when it comes to presenting a challenging, fair, and fun test of golf at a more than fair price.

Day One of a Two-Day Getaway…

Played Temecula Creek (Stonehouse/Oaks) for the first time in ten years and found it to be well worth the $40.00 Walking Rate. Despite running up against a few delays between holes 7-11 and again on 14-18, I still managed to complete the round in under four hours (teed off @ 1:00PM)

Conditions were pretty solid but the golf course is lacking a good mowing at this point. Fairways were a bit ‘glitchy’ in spots…turf level in the landing area on Stonehouse #9 was extremely uneven…and I noticed way too many divots on some fairways that need attention.

To be fair, the recent heavy rains gave the course a good soaking, thereby hindering the regular mowing schedule. Tack on the warm weather we’ve experienced since then…which has accelerated the turf growth…and it’s easy to see why things are a bit ‘scruffy’. I expect the playability issue to fall back in line as things dry out even further in the next few days.

In addition to presenting a challenge to play from, the rough makes it d%mn near impossible to locate one’s ball…even in the fringe areas around the greens. In addition to the problem it caused on my behalf, I noticed other groups dealing with the same issue, spending WAY over five minutes attempting to locate their tee shots, approaches, etc.

As far as the greens are concerned, they were in outstanding shape. Given the soft conditions, I would have expected a ton of ball marks to contend with but that simply wasn’t the case at all. Surfaces were smooth and rolled true at a medium-fast pace. I was very impressed with how well they held shots and rolled.

Had dinner on the bar patio following the round and it was quite good; a perfect way to end the day where the temperature managed to creep into the low 80s. All in all, couldn’t have done much better for such a fair rate…and having the option to walk/carry is an added bonus.

Also want to give a ‘shout out’ to Jay in the Pro Shop: the absolute epitome of the most pleasant and welcoming staff member you could ever hope to interact with. I stopped in for a brief chat following my round and was greeted by name as soon as I entered the Pro Shop. It was a perfect way to bookend a great day on the course.

Played Admiral Baker-North yesterday for the first time since a September Scramble Event and the golf course is in tremendous shape. From the tee boxes to the fairways, the turf is full, healthy, and green throughout. What an absolute pleasure to be out there; for a $46.00 walking rate, it can’t be beat.

As for the greens, well, I cannot recall ever seeing them in better condition. Not only did they roll true and with consistent speed…I’d say medium-quick…but the amount of unattended ball marks was as few as I’ve observed out there. It was quite a surprise when you consider that they take quite a beating due to the heavy play.

Far too often, putts on ‘AB’s greens have a tendency to be affected by the imperfections and fail to hold their line. Was certainly not the case yesterday as I holed a total of 130’ of putts on the day.

Due to the recent rain, there wasn’t much rollout off the tee and quite a few shots did pick up some mud but the greens held beautifully. You could go right after the pin and be assured that the ball would basically ‘drop and stop’.

Pace of play, for some reason, was slow; teed off as a walking foursome @ 11:54AM and finished #18 @ 4:50PM. We never waited on any hole yet the round felt sluggish. We finished about a hole behind the group in front and the one following us did have to wait on a few tees. Was paired with a couple of guys whose pre-shot routines were a bit too methodical…and time-consuming…so I’ll attribute it to that.

In summary, Admiral Baker-North is delivering on so many counts at the present moment; I highly recommend it in its’ current state.

Took advantage of a ‘Golf Now’ Hot Deal and headed out to Rams Hill on Thursday. The savings were noteworthy…$50.00 off the rack rate…which I found too tempting to resist. Weather forecast pointed to a high temperature of 92 with 17% humidity and just a breath of wind. The day before Halloween? Sign me up!

Absolutely love the layout…can’t say enough good things about Fazio’s redesign vs. Ted Robinson’s original routing. I have more fun playing here than anywhere else in Southern California and couldn’t wait to see what kind of shape it was in since their maintenance process was completed back in July/August.

Well, the golf course is in impeccable condition. Full coverage on the tee boxes and fairways, relatively short yet healthy rough, consistent sand to play out of, and greens that I feel are the best around. This combination is about as good as it gets.

And speaking of the greens, they are beginning to soften up compared to my experience earlier this summer. Shots were stopping right by their ball mark, which meant a more aggressive approach into the pin locations could be undertaken compared to May/June.

But don’t be fooled…the greens rolled at a posted ‘12’ on the Stimp…and were every bit that quick and smooth as glass. Yet, nothing outrageous…totally fair…even with the challenging contours one must navigate if on the wrong side of the hole.

The new surfaces are definitely sturdier than the ones they replaced. I can’t recall seeing a course with so few ball marks…you literally had to search for them…despite being so receptive. They are indeed a pleasure to putt on.

Also want to mention the fairways; they’re cut short and tight lies are the order of the day. Solid contact produced shots with the proper amount of spin, which assisted in controlling shot trajectory/distance. It is so satisfying to flush fairway woods off this turf.

Customer service level continues to shine. As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, everyone is committed to guaranteeing one’s experience exceeds all expectations. So many courses talk about providing that type of vibe yet far too many of them fall short. Not so at Rams Hill.

So I walked away with another positive memory, which was boosted by a solid ball-striking round (it’s about time), and being paired up with three other guys who were great company. I’m looking forward to a couple more visits planned for December but wouldn’t be surprised to find myself out there again this month. Weather will be much different…or maybe not…but I expect playing conditions to be top-notch if the course continues to be treated with this level of TLC.

Participated in the GOLF MOOSE/VIVID Private Club Event (my first) @ Dove Canyon on Monday and was happy I elected to do so. As is always the case when Johnny is involved, it was a well-organized affair with the club staff providing a welcome, hospitable atmosphere. A tip of the hat to everyone who made this day possible.

And I was blessed with great company…having been paired up with Johnny, Ron, and Mark…which elevated my level of enjoyment. Got to witness a number of high-quality shots from the boys as well. And much appreciation for Mark’s guidance throughout the day since this was my initial visit to the golf course.

Expansive, warm, and inviting clubhouse that’s conducive to relaxing with a drink and trading stories following a day on the course. Large practice range facility with a short-game area off to the side provides the opportunity to work on all phases of one’s game. Although we were relegated to hitting off mats, they were in good shape as I didn’t notice any signs of excess wear…and good quality range balls I might add. Practice putting green overlooks the picturesque finishing hole and was pretty close to mirroring what I encountered on the course.

As for the course itself, I’d rank it as one of the more demanding layouts I’ve played. Typical Nicklaus design: it demands precise iron play in order to score well. Having the ability to hit high approach shots is a huge plus…particularly when the pins are tucked in the far reaches of these devilish greens, many of which are on the narrow/shallow side and run diagonally to the fairway. And Jack’s bunkering has them well-protected. For a guy who was never known for his sand play, I get the impression this is how he’s chosen to exact his revenge.

While I personally feel some of the contours and segmented sections of the surfaces ‘push the envelope’, there is a perverse sense of pleasure one experiences if able to navigate those challenges successfully. Adventuresome and mentally-stimulating are appropriate terms when it comes to describing the pitching/chipping and putting experience at Dove Canyon.

And with that said, the golf course demands full engagement from start to finish; it’s an exciting layout and the word ‘boring’ never comes into play. I found the elevation changes, rolling fairways, and general scope of this design quite pleasing to the eye. There are a number of excellent holes out there but it’s tough to top the dramatic tee shots you face on the Par-3 10th and 17th holes.

Course conditions were very good; tees, fairways, and greens in solid shape for this time of year. Took note of a few bare spots on a couple of greens but didn’t have to deal with anything that compromised play. Rough was just long enough to create an issue but that was dependent upon the lie: if the ball sat up, not much of a problem…but a different story if it burrowed into the turf.

Greens rolled at a quick pace but nothing unreasonable…especially given the contours and slopes…and were very receptive to well-struck shots. Yes, the approaches are challenging, but if you hit the mark distance-wise, the ball did settle down nicely.

Bunker sand had good texture…a bit on the heavy side…along with plenty of depth, with just about all of them requiring lofted escapes as the ones I was in sat below the putting surfaces and featured steep faces.

Having no previous experience at Dove Canyon, I felt I was at somewhat of a disadvantage…which wasn’t helped by a sloppy ball-striking round. But now that I’ve gotten a look at it, made some observations, and taken notes, I’m looking forward to a return at some point down the road.

Thoroughly enjoyed the day @ Classic Club from all aspects…but it was my playing partners, Johnny G. and Mark E., who really made it extra special. Couldn’t have asked for a better duo to be paired with.

Classic Club is one of my favorite courses in the Palm Desert area and for many reasons: outstanding layout…challenging yet fair…full-featured practice facility, professional/outgoing staff, and a meticulously-manicured, ambient setting that blends in so well with the property.

Course was in very good shape tee to green but it was difficult to not be disappointed with the overall quality of the greens. Possibly attributable to the time of year, they ran slow, grainy, and not as true as I had anticipated.

But what really caught my attention were the frayed and ragged edges around a number of cups…which led me to believe they elected to not cut fresh hole locations that morning. It’s not something I would expect from a high-end course such as this…especially after having already come out of aeration.

With that aside, this is a well-run operation; every staff member I interacted with was pleasant, courteous, and on top of their game. They genuinely make one feel welcome here…and that isn’t always the case at many other venues.

I opted to have dinner at Bellatrix at the conclusion of the GK raffle and the food/service were excellent. The generous meal credit is a nice touch and provided added value to the day’s entry fee.

I highly recommend Classic Club as a ‘must play’ if you’re in the area. The facility checks all the boxes when it comes to an enjoyable and satisfying experience, from start to finish.

And thanks again, Johnny, for organizing and making this all possible. It was great to have the opportunity to tee it up with you!

Played Shadow Ridge for the first time in 12 years…a self-imposed seven-year exile from golf was a major contributing factor…as a warm-up for the Classic Club event. It didn’t take long to be reminded why this course is my top choice in the Coachella Valley; the layout demands the best from all aspects of one’s game yet is fair and totally devoid of gimmicks.

Course conditions were very good as far as the tee boxes, fairways, and rough go. The greens? They were slow and grainy…but I did manage to make a few putts once I was able to dial in the speed so it turned out to be a relatively minor issue at the end of the day.

I had the last time on the tee sheet…2:00…and the course to myself so I played two balls the entire round. 36 holes on the books in three-and-a-half hours? I’ll take that every day of the week.

Practice facilities are second-to-none and the staff rates high as well. Having access to the locker room for a quick shower…after playing in the rain over the final four holes…was a welcome perk.

Also nice to FINALLY see an on-site restaurant (‘Giuseppe’s) open for business adjacent to the pro shop. Stopped in for dinner after the round and it was packed. Food and service were excellent…and they offer a pretty extensive menu.

Going back to the golf course, I believe the greens will be undergoing aeration next week, with a full course-closure scheduled at the end of October. With that in mind, I’d recommend holding off on playing there until they reopen late November.

Getting a bit repetitious here but with a high temperature forecast to be a mere 95 degrees, I headed out to Rams Hill yesterday, just six days removed from my last visit…and 112 degree heat. I simply could not pass up the opportunity to play on such a benign mid-June day so it was a very easy call.

Course is still in good shape but there are some isolated areas showing signs of slight heat stress. Nothing widespread but I did notice a couple of spots here and there…predominantly on the perimeter of the fairways…that may need some attention.

With that being said, the maintenance crew was out in force when I teed off @ 11:30 and a couple of fairways were being watered as I approached. I expect things to dry out a bit as we get deeper into the summer but it appears the staff is committed to maintaining conditions at a high level.

Tee boxes and fairways were great; laser-sharp level platforms to tee off from and the Par-3s are not torn up with a bunch of old divots. You’ve basically got a ‘blank canvas’ to work with and the turf is cut tight.

The greens…which I consider the true highlight of the course, both in design, scope, and condition…were once again flawless. 11.0 was the posted Stimp and they were pretty quick. I’m definitely getting spoiled out here; I’m not used to seeing the ball track exactly along its line…and the consistent green speed that carries over from one hole to the next is something that cannot be overlooked either.

As I’ve alluded to in my previous two reviews, the putting surfaces are quite firm but will be aerated as part of an extended maintenance period that will run from July 7-17, with the golf course remaining closed during that time frame.

There is a secondary maintenance period scheduled for August 11-13 that will be less aggressive but it’s just another indication that management is ‘all in’ on making Rams Hill a ‘must play’ destination course.

Unless another sub-100 degree day pops up over the next couple,of months, it may be a while before I get to play here again. December is already on the calendar, however, and I’m looking forward to seeing how different the course plays…and looks…at that time.

Made a return trip to Rams Hill (played there on Memorial Day) to take advantage of their generous FREE Birthday Round offer…and the course is in very solid shape.

Had a most enjoyable time as my daughter played alongside me. The course was empty…temperature hit 112 degrees as we finished up the round…so we were able to adopt and maintain a relaxed, leisurely pace from the opening hole.

Won’t get into much detail here…my previous review still stands on all accounts…but I thought the conditions may have been a notch higher. They’re keeping the course watered as we encountered a couple of fairways and areas short of the greens that were damp from a recent dousing. The end result? Healthy turf that provided excellent lies to hit from.

Fairways didn’t play as fast as they did on Memorial Day but we still saw some roll out. Coloring is a healthy green with no signs of any burn-outs and the rough was in good shape as well. Bunkers are well-maintained but due to the heavy sand, it’s tough to get an appreciable amount of spin on the ball as it has a tendency to ‘settle’ in the sand.

Greens still firm but playable; you must take that into account when deciding where to land your approach shot. Going long into the back fringe areas of these sloping greens will really test your resolve and short game shot-making skills so distance control is a must.

Putting-wise, as was the case a few weeks ago, they were awesome. Devoid of ball marks and smooth as glass, the posted Stimp number was 11.5. Didn’t feel overly quick but you most certainly must respect the sloping, downhill putt.

Tee boxes were a bit softer this time around, which was a welcome improvement. The aeration that’s taken place since the end of May has helped alleviate that issue.

Had new woods and wedges…and golf ball…in the bag since that last round so I was able to make a fair comparison between the ‘Old vs. New’. Happy to report the upgrades provided some measurable improvement from the tees/fairways and around the greens. That will make the upcoming credit card bill somewhat easier to digest. Maybe…maybe not.

I’d like to close by thanking Rams Hill for continuing to take a proactive approach to providing the best possible experience to their customers. From course conditions to the positive vibe exuded by their staff, they’re doing an excellent job. Already looking forward to my next round.

First round here since the end-of-year GK Event in 2016…and subsequent expansive/ambitious turf project that was initiated in 2023…so I’m long overdue for an extended review.

Decided to take advantage of an attractive Memorial Day promotion…along with ideal weather conditions…so I made the trek from San Diego with equal parts anticipation and trepidation.

Overall, course conditions were solid, especially when taking into account the relative ‘newness’ of it all. While there were some isolated, very small patches of sand in a couple of fairways where the turf was bare, I didn’t encounter any lies that ‘compromised’ my ability to strike the ball. Seems they’re continuing to fine-tune things so I’m more than willing to grant some slack in that regard.

Took a little effort to tee the ball at my preferred driver height as the tee boxes were very firm. A few did show signs of recent aeration but I opted to employ my shorter ‘iron tees’ when necessary.

Fairway coverage, other than the occasional bare spot, was good. Had consistently healthy lies the entire day but I think the turf may need a little more seasoning. Had no issues at all regarding club-head-to-turf interaction as I was easily able to create some nice divots.

Rough was relatively short and somewhat wispy but with full coverage. You might find the golf ball might sitting up one time but settled down just a bit the next. Gives the option of still going for the green rather than having to hack the ball out into the fairway, which is a nice feature of this thin-bladed grass.

Was in one bunker for the day and found the sand a touch heavier and not quite as firm as I’m used to. One thing you cannot do here is ‘quit’ on the shot; keeping the speed up and using plenty of bounce is the key to success.

What really caught my attention was the greens: they were absolutely flawless. Still on the firm side…it took some effort to locate my ball marks…but putting was akin to rolling a ball on a pool table. While I expected to see putts roll at a quicker pace…I’d characterize the speed as medium-plus at best…I haven’t played on greens this true and consistent in quite a long time.

Given the firmness of the greens, firing at the pin was a basic no-go. It wasn’t like hitting to concrete-hard surfaces…I was able to get some wedge approaches to settle down within ten feet of their ball mark while longer irons rolled out a few more feet…so I found myself playing for the front third of the green when the pin was located in the middle of the green and mid-point if it was towards the back.

When pitching from the fringes, I was able to impart a good amount of spin on the ball…lies were tight…but made sure to allow a little more run out, especially when forced to navigate the slopes on the greens.

In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t allude to the outgoing and personable staff: from the gate person to the bag drop/cart attendants to the snack bar and restaurant employees…they are the best. Each and every one I encountered seems to genuinely enjoy their job. The golf course stands on its’ own merit but the people here elevate the experience to another level.

Ventured out of my comfort zone (Admiral Baker-North) for a rare ‘Away’ round yesterday…accompanied by an even rarer course review…as I was looking to get some extra golf in this week. Took advantage of a ‘Hot Deal’ on a warm, desert-like day while being able to stick close to home so it was a win-win proposition. Last played here in 2014 and given the beating the golf course took during this year’s rain storms, I was apprehensive as to what to expect.

Stepped onto the first tee and immediately began to have second thoughts: namely, “What am I doing out here?”. The tee box was overgrown with splotchy, wispy turf and the general overview of the course didn’t look all that encouraging. Kept that same mindset through the first trio of holes but things markedly improved as I continued onward.

While there are remnants of the water damage that wreaked havoc earlier in the year, I have no major complaints regarding the overall conditions. Tee boxes have been over-seeded…thus explaining the extra long turf…but should be fine once mowed to a proper height.

Fairways were in good shape but soft; my ball picked up mud on just about every tee shot…with no rollout whatsoever. As a result, the course played much longer than the 6700 yards on the card. There were a few muddy spots in some fairways…some bare ones on others…but, on a grand scale, the turf was healthy and provided excellent lies.

Fringe areas on some holes were extremely thick due to the over-seeding, making shots from those spots quite challenging. Nothing unfair though…you just need to have the game to handle those scenarios. But be aware there were also areas where the lies were a little thin and tight.

Greens were the highlight…despite their speed being on the slow side, especially when putting uphill. And given the fact that there aren’t a lot of steep elevations on their putting surfaces, that says a lot. Still, putts rolled true but didn’t break as much as anticipated. Another positive point: I saw very few ball marks that hadn’t been attended to.

Only drawback was the bunkers; they were hard-packed, like concrete, making it just about impossible to hit any sand shots with even a hint of confidence. It was a ‘chunk and run’ kind of day…which is not the preferred method if you happen to short-side yourself.

Teed off as a single @ 1:00PM and wrapped things up three-and-a-half hours later. Was waved through a twosome on #2 and a group of three on #5 but ran into some extended waiting over the final six holes as things began to back up a bit. Want to mention that I walked and carried my bag; pace-of-play would have been much worse had I been in a cart.

At the end of the day, I was pleased with the overall playing conditions, in spite of the transitional maintenance taking place. May have been a bit of an annoyance but I applaud the effort and investment being put forth into improving course conditions.

Carlton Oaks will always rank as one of the toughest courses I’ve played and that experience is much more enjoyable…and fair…when the playing conditions are kept to an elevated standard. I’m hopeful the staff will continue to take the steps necessary in order to maintain playing conditions at a consistently high level.

Wow...what a disappointment. Played this afternoon...Monday... and can't recall ever seeing this course in such poor condition. Biggest issue is with the greens but let's begin with the tee boxes. Stepping onto #1, I received a preview of what was to come: quite a few of the boxes had bare spots that were filled in with sand...and teeing off on #2 felt as if I was standing in a bunker. While it was the worst of the group, many of the boxes were uneven with spotty turf coverage.

Contrary to the remainder of the course, the fairways were very good; no complaints there. Consistent turf coverage from tee-to-green and tightly mown, so club-to-ball contact had to be precise. Fringe areas were a bit of a challenge as there were different strains of grass encountered in certain areas. Wasn't in the rough but based on my cursory observations, it seemed pretty playable.

While the compromised condition of the tee boxes won't necessarily have much of an impact, if any at all, on one's score, the greens are an entirely different story. Numerous edges along the perimeters were sanded due to turf issues and the 'hearts' of a handful of greens were also severely damaged, with #3 being the worst. I know this sounds clichéd, but having to putt through that portion of the green was akin to rolling a ball over a washboard as mine quickly bounced and veered off line like you wouldn't believe. In hindsight, I'd have been better off using a wedge vs. putter.

But, as if that wasn't enough to contend with, the greens were covered with thousands of miniature spores that had been blown off the surrounding trees. So in addition to the badly damaged greens, I now had to deal with putting over these 'peppercorns', which basically eliminated ANY chance of keeping putts on line and up to speed, regardless of length.

Damaged greens are one thing but the stuff that has been allowed to collect on the putting surfaces is unacceptable. Unless you happen to carry a Shop-Vac or broom in your golf bag, forget about brushing them out of your line; there are simply too many to deal with. While this may be a seasonal problem, having the course maintenance staff out there with blowers would go a long way towards alleviating the problem.

The 18th hole has been shortened by about fifty, sixty yards with a temporary green cut in the middle of the fairway that features an 8" cup. Have no idea as to how much longer the green will be shut down but it's quite obvious they have their hands full re: maintenance and upkeep.

Teed off @ 12:15 as a single and finished up in about 3.5 hours or so. Played through a couple of threesomes on holes 5 and 13 but got held up from 14-18 by a slow foursome. Still, I was in no rush and enjoyed being able to play in solitude.

Mt. Woodson's rate...$47.00 with a cart...is a solid value under normal circumstances but I doubt I'll be returning after today's experience. I was so put off by having to deal with the junk on the greens that I felt putting was a complete waste of time. Certainly can't offer any endorsement at the present time...but 'buyer beware' definitely applies.