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 remove... » More

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.
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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... » More

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.
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