This is another of several very recent reviews of Soule so all I really have to add is they are spot on. The conditions were all around very good, the... » More

This is another of several very recent reviews of Soule so all I really have to add is they are spot on. The conditions were all around very good, the place is well run and the setting is awesome. After not having played the course in about 30 years, I found an excuse on Monday 5/26 for my second trip back in the last few months. If you are headed up the coast from LA to Ventura and points North, it is worth the diversion to Ojai on the way to play this course. Plan on a drink and bite afterword to get the whole experience.
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Out Thursday 5/1 as a threesome with an 11:24 start close to on time. Conditions first, comments later. Conditions were overall pretty nice. Teeing gr... » More

Out Thursday 5/1 as a threesome with an 11:24 start close to on time. Conditions first, comments later. Conditions were overall pretty nice. Teeing grounds had healthy coverage, most were appropriately level but at least one was side hill enough I elected to tee from next to it than in the more sloped box. Fairways also had good coverage and hitting surface. I don't recall any outstanding exceptions to this. Rough varies a lot here from quite playable to dense brush. It just depends where you are in the route. Bunkers were in good shape with generally clean surfaces. Green surrounds played well enough, sometimes on the tighter side for chipping. Greens were in good shape, reasonably clean and true, at a medium pace. From the conditions, layout and aesthetic perspectives it was a pleasure to play.

As to commentary, I had not played Knollwood for years because of how slow it can get. But one of the group suggested it and, liking the layout a lot, I figured I'd go for it and prepare for the worst. Pretty close. Five and a half hour round. I still enjoyed it because I was mentally prepared and focused on the positives of the day. I'd recommend the course enthusiastically based on conditions, but the reality is it will probably be a good while before I return. Sadly, because while there is a lot about this course to like, the long rounds just seem to be too much of a sure thing here.
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Late but quick review because playing only 12 holes the previous outing, I wanted closure and went back to play 18 on Thursday 4/24 with a 12:30 start... » More

Late but quick review because playing only 12 holes the previous outing, I wanted closure and went back to play 18 on Thursday 4/24 with a 12:30 start. When booking, I overlooked the fact that the greens had been punched between rounds, so my previous review pretty much stands except for a greens update. They were mostly lightly sanded with what I consider medium punch holes, but I thought they ran surprisingly true and on the slower side of a medium that didn't feel overly sluggish. No need for a big compensation for speed, and I made putts. In the end and despite the surprise, I had a good round and wasn't disappointed. Greens were pretty clean before the aeration so give them another week and, despite any visual remnants, they should be performing quite well.
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Made last minute 4:20 tee time at Woodley yesterday, raced cross town and arrived into the pro shop as they announced my name on the tee. I joined a t... » More

Made last minute 4:20 tee time at Woodley yesterday, raced cross town and arrived into the pro shop as they announced my name on the tee. I joined a twosome and another single, all pleasant guys. For Woodley the conditions were solid and typical for this flat, open course. Tee boxes here skew large and level with good coverage. Fairway grasses are mixed but were pretty consistent as to decent lies on the day. Rough here is usually very playable, less often a little thicker and costing some distance. Bunkers were clean, nicely groomed and on the firm side so the ball tended to sit up. Green surrounds were in good shape and I had success getting up and down on numerous holes. Green's surfaces were pretty clean at a reasonably quick speed that were enjoyable to putt on.

It is what it is, which is wide open and pretty forgiving so it compensated for a rushed, last minute, no warmup start late in the day. Pace was slow due to the group in front of us and I got through 12 holes before walking in, a little while after sunset. Without the group in front of us, probably would have gotten through 15 holes. Bottom line, with appropriate expectations, I was not disappointed and glad I got out.
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