Tough these days to get a tee time on the weekends if you haven't reserved early. So having played 18 at Santa Anita on Friday 8/7 and wanting to get out and reinforce the positives, I opted for late 5:15 Sunday afternoon round at the Arroyo. I hit the range there periodically but hadn't played the course in some time. I wasn't actually up for another full regulation round and I knew I could get around this 18-hole, par-3 course in a couple of hours or so. The other, more practical consideration was that almost no place has short game areas or putting greens open and this was a rare opportunity to focus on those skills.

Reservations are required and they have been pretty busy. Put out as a single, on the first tee I invited the two guys behind me to join me. Yardages range from mid-80's to just under 150 yds. for the longest hole. The conditions hold up pretty well under the circumstances. Tee boxes are mats, so unless you find a little patch of grass off to the side from which to tee off, you get a consistent start since the mats are all level and in decent shape. Otherwise, the course is healthy and green. Even though it's par-3 and the fairways theoretically don't come in to play, for the average skill set out there, they usually do. They are lush and cut so as to be good for playing your approach shots. The rough is good and can be thick in places, and there is a little stream that runs through the middle of the course. There are no bunkers, so that is an area of short game you won't get to exercise, but the area around the greens is healthy and consistent for chipping. The greens are generally small, a little elevated, soft and receptive but surprisingly quick, most with some slope to them and they make for good practice and a nice little challenge.

With the lushness, many trees integrated into the layout, and inherent compactness of a par-3 course, the place really feels like a mini-oasis. The venue also has a miniature putting course and a mats-only regular range, both open. In non-Covid times, there is a putting green and short game green with bunkers and chipping area. While the pace was slow but steady at 2.75 hours, the end always seems to come quickly. It was the perfect, golf-lite, change of pace to finish my weekend.

At my buddy's instigation, went out as a twosome plus a single for a late Friday 4:10 tee time, walking for $23. The recent reviews seemed underwhelming so, while I like SA, I'd been inclined to stay away. Perhaps because I had negative expectations, I was somewhat pleasantly surprised. Yes, there are flaws, but the overall experience was good.

Teeing grounds were consistently one of the better aspects, being level and with good, appropriately cut coverage. They are on the larger side, so they have room to move them around. The fairway and rough conditions were both mixed as to consistency. There are definitely some extended patches of dry, thin areas, sometimes to the point of hardpan — some in the fairway but more often not so much in your main target areas. The main areas of fairway I more often found to be in nice shape with a good hitting surface. I definitely had a few shots I had to play off thin coverage or hard ground, but I managed and was generally happy with the lies I was presented otherwise. Was in a couple of bunkers — one rather firm, the other reasonably playable, but I'd guess they are probably more on the firmer side overall. The greenside areas were generally in good shape for executing the short game. The basic condition of the greens was OK, but overlaid with a fair amount of pitch marks late in the day and they ran medium slow. They looked appropriately cut, but putts consistently seemed to put on the brakes in the last quarter off their run. Now, I like greens on the quick side and I know this is a deal breaker for some, but I found them pretty consistent and so think part of the game is calibrating yourself to the conditions. Wouldn't want to play that speed regularly, but for the round I was good with it and no excuses for missed putts. Similarly, the number of pitch marks is ultimately not relevant. Fix the ones in your line properly and get on with it if the greens are otherwise true.

Pace was a tad sluggish but steady and we were probably the second to last group to get off 18 with enough light to finish. Didn't know with our tee time if we would have a chance to finish so I was happy to and considered it a bonus. My report on the conditions might be influenced by me having one of my better rounds, but it also suggests that the conditions were good enough to let me execute a good round. Late in the day was nice and with the views of the mountains, it can be a surprisingly scenic venue. The course is reasonably challenging and with appropriate expectations, quite enjoyable. There is enough contour through the course to make it a good workout. The late day rate I got made it a very good value. Your call.

With a buddy and a single, we went out for a late Friday 4:50 start to see what we could get in. It helped that they let us go early, so actually more like 4:35. Overall conditions were nice. Tee boxes were generally flat with coverage but you had to pick your spots on the more sparsely covered par-3s. Fairways were pretty good overall with the occasional dry or thin patch you will find at this time of year. I had a couple of tight lies close to dirt, but I managed to play them well and was happy with the more general fairway conditions. Rough was mostly green and playable with some variance between more juicy and bare spots — pretty normal. Area around greens was good for chipping and all three of us had reasonable or better success playing out of the bunkers, so they were pretty decently firm, not hard and not overly disheveled. Greens were pretty clean, always with some subtle breaks, and running medium quick — nice to play on.

We had no one in front of us and a line up behind us after the second hole, moving along unhindered until we caught up to the herd at the the 7th. Thereafter it was slower but steady. I had to cut out after 13 and my guess is that the remains of out group would've made it through 16. Since we knew going out that 18 was not assured and probably far from likely, I was OK cutting out but had to leave on a 5-par streak. It was a nice time of day to be on the course and a really pleasant experience while it lasted. No short game or putting open, but the driving range is. Finally, a shout out to the customer service here. They are unfailingly pleasant, seem to care about what they are doing and that you enjoy your experience.

Two buddies and a single joined me for a 2:10 tee off on Saturday, 7.18. I had not been to Encino in many years and was curious to revisit it. The most recent review was positive but a bit dated so I was hoping it would hold up. I actually had my start time wrong and so arrived a couple hours early. Fortunately, the range was open, but every-other-stall. The matts were in good shape and there was grass covering the target area which surprised me because it was pretty much just hard dirt back in the day. I had time to kill, but because of the lack of spaces, there was waiting to get a station. Check-in was smooth and Covid-spaced with no congestion or delay on the first tee. Two of us walked, carts and hand trolleys were available. As to the course, I was not disappointed as conditions were better than any from my recollection. There seems to be a current effort keep this place greener and better maintained. Tees were generally level with good coverage. It is worth noting that the course has length, tees here include a black set and there is a real separation in the tee yardages between all the monuments — consistently more than I'm used to seeing. The fairways had the occasional drier, thinner patch, but these were minor exceptions to an overall nicely green surface that offered good lies and some runout. Rough was mostly green and cut to where it was not overly punitive. Bunkers were not groomed but not bad on average as to playability. The grass around the greens was healthy and appropriately cut, with wider than average fringes and the caveat that it is kikuyu. Greens were pretty clean, receptive and rolling about a medium pace. Quicker would have been nice, but they were consistent, pretty true, and enjoyable.

We were not the fastest group, losing touch with the group ahead, but only getting pressure from the following group middle of the front nine and the last few holes — finished in about 4.5 hrs. Senior discount walking, I got out for $26. The course is generally flat and good for walking, long but reasonably forgiving in it's wide, tree lined fairways. Strategically, mostly straight ahead muni golf, but a nice setting in good condition. Temps were warm but the breeze kept it reasonable, and by the time we sat down for a beer afterwards (yes, bar still open for patio drinking at 6:45!) the lowering temperature and sun made for a really nice, comfortable post round chat. Weird things were going on with my swing and I didn't play particularly well, but I still had a good time and no regrets for my choice — rather, a nice, fatigued sense of having had an afternoon well spent. Recommended.

Nick's review is pretty right on, so I will jump in here to save typing and offer my perspective. Walking the whites, I found the tee boxes the same and frequently they were pretty close to the blues. Nick played better greens that morning at Soule and his view of Elkin's greens were colored by that comparison. I probably rate them as medium speed and didn't notice much bumpiness, but Nick is the more discriminating golfer between us and a subtle difference at best. All else was as he reported. I think he and I agreed it is a fair and playable course that you need to hit well to score well, but it's not overly punitive generally allows room to recover and avoid big numbers. I hadn't played at Elkins in well over 20 years and so had forgotten a lot of the layout. Some interesting holes on the front nine but also a sameness to a lot of them. The back nine is the more varied and interesting set with a lot of altitude changes. I got word from a local today that he heard the land will be leased out and probably end up as avocado orchards. They are keeping it in good shape so, until it closes, it is definitely worth playing and it will be the loss of a solid course when it does.

Beautiful day, nice setting, got to play in good company.

Went over to DeBell yesterday, 6/22, to meet kassper7 for 10:30 tee off. He and I were walking (a serious workout) and were paired with a couple of ladies in carts who were good company as well as gamers. Not sure why, but management was using the uphill 9th as the starting hole, reversing the nines on the day. When I refer to a hole by number hereafter, I am referring to it's normal position/sequence on the course — i.e I will still refer to the first hole we played as #ten. A number of things that I mentioned in my previous review as needing some improvement have improved, probably because of the C-9 break and some rain. Overall, and for what it is, I'd say the course is in pretty good shape right now. Areas like the par 4 fifth hole fairway, typically hard, dry and short on green grass, actually has a green fairway right now. Similarly, the second hole has had a chance to recover and is not nearly as chewed up as in my previous visit, although it is arguably the worst tee box. Tee boxes in general were mostly pretty level although most of them were devoid of significant grass coverage and a bit bumpy. Fairways had some anomalies, but were mainly green with good hitting surface. The rough, and off the fairways in general, can be a mixed-bag adventure that usually ends up punishing you. It helps define DeBell as a target golf course. Bring extra balls. Kikuyu could make chipping around the greens tricky but was usually cut appropriately. Bunkers were probably the weakest point. I was in three — one had workable sand while the other two were very firm with the ball sitting on top and difficult to apply the correct contact. Results could be short of escape or flying the green to the far side bunker— I did both. The greens were in very good shape, tricky and fast. Very few are relatively straight-forward and most have slope and/or levels to contend with.

Pace was fairly steady but sluggish, especially slow the first few holes of the back nine, and so ended up being a five hour round on the nose. While precautions are in place, the range and putting greens were open, I could find water in the course restrooms if not from the course fountains, and we were able to have beer on the deck afterwards. This place always chews my a** up and Tuesday was not exception, but I have to keep coming back periodically for the unique character of the course as well as the abuse. Definitely interesting and challenging golf with a nice clubhouse. If you are so inclined, and in it's current state, I recommend it.

Looking for tee times a few days before, the 18-hole courses were well booked so I played Roosevelt Friday, 6/12, booking a 4:10 tee time. While there were times available throughout the day, I elected to go out for the late afternoon experience. Once there, a sign indicated no walk-ups allowed and tee times had to be reservation based, but the sign also posted a phone number, so I think it would be possible to call while you are there and book if there was something available. Me as a single joining a foursome made five. This was only my second time at the course and I think it is a pretty cool 9-holes.

Overall conditions were good. Tee boxes were generally pretty level with good coverage. The notable exceptions were the sixth,which was getting more of workout, and the seventh, where the actual teeing grounds weren't being used and the makers were clustered off to the side of the white tee. The seventh was same situation when I played there months ago. The unused tee boxes look great, so maybe they were part of an upgrade that they giving time to mature. The fairways were nicely grown in and cut an appropriate length. Previous visit they were lush to the point of shaggy. The rough was grown in enough to teeter between punitive and playable depending on your spot. I avoided the bunkers so I can't comment beyond they looked OK. The areas around the greens were good length, but if you hit a kikuyu section, chipped against the grain, or the ball settled down a bit, it could be grabby and tricky. The greens themselves were a nice medium quick speed. With an abundance of trees,you get a bit more detritus and pine needles around, but the surface itself was good, true and with a minimum of pitch marks. Pace was a little sluggish overall but steady. The major exception being a backup of about four groups at a time at the sixth tee box — a narrow, downhill chute of a par four. You could see that wait coming from several holes away, so everyone was pretty chill about it when they got there. In fact, that vibe seems to be part of the character of the place. The four guys I was grouped with were relaxed and enjoyable company throughout the round.

No par-5s, so technically an executive course, there are only three par-3s and several holes you can pull out your driver if so inclined, it doesn't feel particularly executive. The contours, proximity to the Griffith park hillsides, and occasional urban and observatory views make the course much more interesting than the usual back-and-forth muni. I played a pretty mediocre round but had a really enjoyable overall experience. Because there is no range there and the putting green is still closed, the lesson I am finally taking to heart for these 9-holers is to stop somewhere on the way and get properly warmed up first — in this case over by Harding/Wilson. Warming up and figuring it out on the actual course in the space of nine holes is usually going to detract from the experience. My last two full swings were by far my best of the day, but a little late. That is a slap on me, not the course. After two rounds, I happen to think the course is a bit of a gem, but for most, it's certainly worth a one-time experience, at minimum.

Played Simi Hills with RGM2525 the other day, so I'm just going to add a snippet to his spot-on, concise review. (Can you tell we've been watching too much Downton Abbey?) Very nice conditions all around, pretty much as he described. He mentioned the greens were slower than he likes, but he plays at a high level and likes greens running around 12 — very quick. I'd guess they were running around at least 9-no-more-than-10 — still a pretty quick speed for the more average golfer and I liked them. So no contradiction to the previous report, just a clarification so you can set expectations accordingly. No cart service but otherwise good service all around. Nice course in good condition and got a good senior walking rate to boot. Glad we picked it for our match and definitely recommended.

Played a GK match as twosome teeing off at 11:00 on Thursday, 5/21. The short story is that the conditions overall were very nice. Tees were all flat and green, fairways had good coverage, nice lies and a good amount of rollout. Rough was well grown, had few bare spots and played anywhere from sticky to easy. Bunkers could be a touch firm under looser top layer, but generally played well. Green surrounds provided good chipping opportunities and the greens themselves were in nice shape, mostly running very true at a comfortably fast pace.

I was surprised to find that the range was available and the check-in was handled efficiently with barriers, etc. I like their bar, so was disappointed to not have access after the round, but expected. I only get to this course occasionally, but it's in as good a shape as I've seen it. Which is saying something since they keep it clean and feeling more like a private club than a public course. On top of it all, we got around in a touch under four hours, so pace was never an issue. Definitely recommended.

Trying to be brief. GK match teeing off at 10:50 as a twosome. Course is in nice shape overall. Teeing grounds all good; fairways nice with some runout to them; rough anything from underbrush to recoverable but overall well grown in; and green surrounds good length for short game. Bunkers were firm-ish and a touch damp to greater or lesser degrees and bit tougher to play, with some dry and more playable. There was grass sprouting in some, so upkeep was a little behind the curve. I'd say the greens were medium quick on average, which wasn't a bad speed but not near the pace customarily found here. Some were a little bumpy early on, but most tracked well enough.

Usual precautions, no cart service and no water stations, but course bathrooms were open. About a five hour round, started out grey with an inconsistent one-club breeze most of the time and nice clearing and sun for the last few holes. Not peak RR, but recommended.

I was out Thursday 5/7 with a buddy, joining another twosome, for a 2:40 start on a high 80's warm day. GDR just did a good write up only a couple of days before so this is supplemental. Overall very nice conditions. Playing the whites, consistently good coverage on the tees, most nice and flat with a couple that were a bit less so. Fairways here are never thick or cushy, but were well covered, generally green with a nice hitting surface and good rollout. Rough varied from natural waste and scrub brush areas to thick, green patches. With the extended fringes here, a lot of tight rollup area to putt from off the green. I actually saw enough divots in the extended aprons to wonder who is actually stupid enough to be wedging off that surface vs. putting? I was in a few bunkers, managed to miss any footprints and they played fine. They weren't difficult to get reasonably smooth with your foot and it seems most were cleaning up after themselves. The greens were in nice shape and running pretty quick. They didn't cross the line into scary or yippy quick, which I thought was good thing. Given the slopes and challenges of the greens, I thought the speed was spicy but appropriate. As an aside, the greens here are interesting and challenging, especially with the extended aprons. Between the contours of the greens and the overall slope of the valley I find the first few greens are particularly difficult because there is an almost funhouse mirror vertigo effect trying to read them. It also puts something extra into trying to land and hold your approach shot as well.

Check-in was straight forward at the desk in the clubhouse, the range was available and, not sure if the practice green was formally open but, there were some holes without the little flags and a couple of people were putting. I elected to putt at a tee I stuck into the ground. The course was continuously busy at a pace a little shy of five hours without really feeling particularly sluggish. Temps were warm but there was a light breeze through most of the round that made it tolerable, and it got cooler and still as the sun went down. No water available on the course but the cart girl came around regularly. Nice strategic course in optimal shape that can bite you in the butt. Definitely recommended.

Went over this afternoon as a single. Short story is that the greens have been punched with larger holes and sanded. Sand seems to have mainly dissipated, but bumpy, shaggy and slow. Like most places that haven't had a mowing with all the rain, the fairways are pretty thick also. Not ideal conditions, but I'm digging the rain for the longer term benefits.