Played Spanish Bay today with a great friend from West Virginia. A little bit wind-burned at the end of the day, but we enjoyed this challenging layout. The course was in excellent condition with the exception being the sand in several of the bunkers that we visited was quite thin. For the price, this really isn't okay - but we'll overlook it since our games are more flawed than the golf course.

We played from the white tees, so the course wasn't extraordinarily long, but remained plenty challenging. The rough was pretty deep and the ball really sat down. You can not be on the wrong side of the greens on this golf course or your score card is going to look like an SAT score. Putting greens were in really good shape (as they should be) and VERY difficult. There are 3-putts looming on every hole if you are in the wrong spot.

We were paired up with another golfer that had paid for a caddie. This was the first time I have ever played a round where anyone had a professional caddie, and I must say I think it was a complete waste of the gentleman's money. The caddie did not really provide the assistance I would expect - other than carrying the golf bag and giving a few pointers. He was terrible at reading the greens, was often not accurate with distances, and generally didnt seem interested in being there. On top of that, he was not exactly an eloquent conversationalist. My buddy and I had planned on tipping him at the end of the round if he had proven to be a value add in any way. Needless to say, that money got spent in the pro shop instead.

Played this course for the first time on Tuesday morning (7/10). I really enjoyed the layout and found it to be far less sinister than most Pete Dye courses. As a resort course, the landing areas were generous - but there was trouble to be found. Great use of mounding to frame many of the green complexes. The greens were extraordinarily slow - which is probably attributable to the time of year and the thunderstorm that rolled through the desert around 10pm the night before. There are residences lining some of the fairways, but they seem to be set further off of the fairways and less in play than other desert courses. Totally enjoyed the round and look forward to coming back out to play when the greens hold speeds more in line with what one would expect.

Played with a buddy on Sunday morning (6/24), paired with another two-some from San Diego. Pace of play was just fine all day long - which is to be expected with a 6:45 tee time and a rather humid morning. We played the whites, while the other two-some played from the blues.

Course was in excellent shape for this time of year, with flat tee boxes, nice fairways, speedy greens (but not blazing fast), and decent sand in bunkers. I was reminded, yet again, of how sadistic Jack is a course designer. The fairways are ample, but that gift is quickly off-set by Jack's incessant use of plateau greens surrounded by 15-foot deep bunkers. Missing the green is almost an automatic bogey (or worse). We didnt have time to hit balls before starting, so the front nine was a bit uglier than it necessarily needed to be. Was able to rally a bit on the back - including my first birdie on number 15 (Par 5 with the island green).

An average shot on this course can get you into a real mess pretty quickly... it rewards great shots, but punishes anything off of the mark. Pins were tucked on edges on quite a few holes which REALLY brought the plateaus into play. I dont recommend pin-chasing at NTC... shoot for the middle of the green and live with the results. Good scores can be had, but you better have your A-game.

One of the best club houses and pro shops (although pricey) around. Breakfast sandwich was pricey (but tasty), and cart girl came around several times (especially on the back nine). Stadium Course is definitely the trophy to be had at PGA West, but NTC has plenty of teeth and is equal parts frustrating and enjoyable to play.

Usually love this course... challenging and in good shape. Was disgusted last Saturday morning when it took us THREE HOURS to play NINE HOLES!!! No marshall in sight (which is not uncommon) and our mistake for not calling the pro shop several times. We started on the back nine and I walked off after the 18th - completely disgusted.

Looking for a positive, the course was in very good condition with the exception of the tee boxes which are always questionable due to undulations. Had it stretched out from the blue tee boxes to full scorecard length. I will go back because I have had so many positive experiences here, but not too many more chances if they dont address pace of play (might as well play a Long Beach course).

Played Hidden Valley for the first time this weekend and found the course to be in excellent condition. Fairways and greens were great (narrow of course, and incredibly challenging greens), not too much wind, and the customer service was fantastic. The team in the pro shop was very friendly, beverage cart came around frequently, and marshals kept pace of play was fine. Definitely recommend the course!

First time playing at Indian Canyons on 12/21/09 and was extremely impressed. The customer service was BY FAR the best that anyone in our group had experienced. From the parking lot, to the pro shop, to the cart service this course has it figured out! The golf course itself was in exceptional condition, pace of play was great, and price was very appropriate for "in-season". Course was appropriate for a resort... scenic, fair, well-maintained, and not obscenely difficult. We had an excellent trip to the desert thanks to the team at Indian Canyons South - put this one on your list of places to play.

Lack of clubhouse & driving range are a real drawback. "High-end" portable restroom lacked toilet paper and was obviously less than ideal.

I am not really sure why the architect didnt start everyone on what plays as the back nine (which is much more open) and let people warmup their game before facing the narrow holes that now constitute the front nine. Pace of play was brutal with 4 (yes, FOUR) groups waiting on #3 tee box with a group putting on the green and one waiting to chip on.

Definitely not worth the time/money with the likes of Eagle Glen and Trilogy a stone's throw away.

GREAT resort golf course. Excellent greens that rolled consistently, ample fairways, water hazards in play on multiple holes, well-groomed bunkers. Cart girl had an annoyingly squeaky voice, but came around several times. Played from the whites with a couple of vacationing gentlemen from Canada and had an absolutely great time. Definitely put this one on the list to play multiple times, although I am not sure what the rate was as I had a coupon for a free round from their golf school (which was also excellent) from the previous summer. Probably the BEST practice facilities I have ever seen.

Played for the first time on 7/19 and absolutely hated this golf course. Need some reasons... blind shots EVERYWHERE, ridiculous doglegs (was almost like they designer was on a 10-day bender), greens so slow that a 3-wood was the best club selection from outside of 10 feet, tee boxes like Indian burial mounds. and not a single flat lie to be found.

To its credit, the fairways were in good shape (although soggy in a few areas), rough was difficult but fair, and $44 to ride was a reasonable price. Still, someone would have to seriously twisted my arm to get me to play here again.

Definitely worth the long drive for the scenic views, quality customer service and outstanding golf course. This is a course that I am always ready to play - especially if there is a good deal available online!

Played the Babe on 25th Special... I have played the Ike on several occassions and his sister is just as tough! It was a little soggy on a few holes (mid-fairway drains on backside), but that is certainly to be expected since we are getting Seattle's weather. Playing from the blues, you would be well advised to take your long irons out on several holes (definitely on #2 & 3, as well as a couple on the back side) off the tees. Greens were running a bit slow, but held lines very well. Picturesque course with the exception of #9 that gives a glimpse of the community at the bottom of the hill. The guys I played with ran through about a dozen golf balls, but they had a good time doing so.

Shot makers course - no doubt!