Played Talega on 5/18. Had heard good stuff lately, so I was looking forward to getting back out here for the 1st time in 6 months.

We follow... » More

Played Talega on 5/18. Had heard good stuff lately, so I was looking forward to getting back out here for the 1st time in 6 months.

We followed a 5-some off of #1 tee. We asked the starter if 5s were allowed, and he said it was not a 5-some, it was 2 threesomes. Looked like 5 people to me. And we stayed behind the 5-some (with a ghost for #6 I guess). Waited on every shot. But they were always 1-1 1/2 hole behind but keeping pace, so it was acceptable.

I need to get my ears checked. Course was not in good shape. Greens were soft and bumpy everywhere. I don't remember a putt over 5 feet that didn't have a bounce or two. Most fairways were turning yellow and had some rough spots. Bunkers were all over the place, but the majority were packed and crusty.

Very disappointed for what they are charging now. The cart return guy asked "how are the conditions today?" and seemed shocked when I said not good at all.

Still, POP was good at 4.5 hrs, and I was paired with a couple of good guys and a nice Korean woman who made putts all day. Made for a fun day, but not because of the course.
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Played Arroyo Trabuco on 5/13. They had a US Open qualifier on 5/12, so we were warned about2 the greens - but I didn't find the greens to be at all b... » More

Played Arroyo Trabuco on 5/13. They had a US Open qualifier on 5/12, so we were warned about2 the greens - but I didn't find the greens to be at all brutal. They were quick, but not so quick as to be penal.

The course is in really nice condition all around. Firm fairways, wide, not much rough and it is pretty much fairways or gorse. I suggest staying out of the gorse. Greens in very good shape with not many ball marks. Fairways in very good shape, although still a little tighter and firmer than I like. Bunkers in good shape.

Staff was great.

Usually I come out from the >$100 courses thinking "how can they charge that much for this?". Not the case for Arroyo, this course is just really impressive.
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Played Tijeras on May 6. I tend to avoid this place, as the conditions are often a challenge. After hearing a recent report saying it was in great sha... » More

Played Tijeras on May 6. I tend to avoid this place, as the conditions are often a challenge. After hearing a recent report saying it was in great shape, I decided to give it another go.

CORRECT! The course is in great shape right now. Greens are soft, smooth and quick. Leftover ball marks are a challenge due to the softness, but they weren't too abundant. Fairways and rough are great. Tee boxes are good, with the normal areas of overuse as the tee boxes can be small on some holes.

The only negative for the day were the sand traps. They looked nice, but that was just the tiny laver of sand on top. Wedges quickly hit the hard bottom and send balls flying. Luckily I was only in 2, but my playing partners also noted the lack of sand at times.

In all, very nice at Tijeras Creek right now.
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Played Navy Destroyer on 4/29. Conditions are good all around. Greens almost completely recovered from aeration, certainly playable now, and should be... » More

Played Navy Destroyer on 4/29. Conditions are good all around. Greens almost completely recovered from aeration, certainly playable now, and should be really good in a week or two. No issues with conditions at all.

Has to be the flattest course in SoCal. Still, the layout is good, and it is a fun track. Lots of players not in a hurry, POP 5:15.
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