Took advantage of an invite to play an early morning round at Rancho. Despite the early tee time, it took forever to drive there from south OC. I have... » More

Took advantage of an invite to play an early morning round at Rancho. Despite the early tee time, it took forever to drive there from south OC. I have always felt Rancho was a true barometer of what a golfer shoots. It is challenging but fair, and provides a stern test on enough holes to create scoring stress, but a few holes where birdie opportunities are still available.
Conditions were about what I expected based upon the most recent review, although the greens rolled even better than I anticipated. Still some issues with the fairways, but overall, decent shape.

The group I played with wanted to play the blue tees, which at one time was my norm, but as I approach 80, they are simply just too much for me now. Remembering holes I used to reach with middle irons, are now two woods at best. Despite that, enjoyed a great day at one of my favorite old style traditional golf courses. Wish we had some of these in Orange County.
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Another beautiful autumn morning, on a very uncrowded day. Have to piggy-back on Cotoman's most recent review. Course is in very nice condition and a ... » More

Another beautiful autumn morning, on a very uncrowded day. Have to piggy-back on Cotoman's most recent review. Course is in very nice condition and a pleasure to play. I was particularly impressed with how quickly the greens recovered from the recent aeration. Nice to enjoy carts off the path, which has been what I've been accustomed to on the South course
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First out Tuesday on a beautiful, but cool autumn morning. The course remains cart on path, which will continue for at least two more weeks, which is ... » More

First out Tuesday on a beautiful, but cool autumn morning. The course remains cart on path, which will continue for at least two more weeks, which is appropriate because the new grass is still growing and has not yet completely filled in. Much of the fairways look good, but there are still areas which are struggling to take hold. The greens rolled very well, with more pace than before, yet still very receptive. Bunkers, tee boxes and rough are fine. Just have to be patient before I make a final call as to the success of the overseeding.
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With the South Course being closed for the next three weeks, all play is directed onto the North Course, which makes getting tee times a bit more comp... » More

With the South Course being closed for the next three weeks, all play is directed onto the North Course, which makes getting tee times a bit more competitive. Able to get out first on a beautiful autumn morning, so no issues with pace of play. Course is generally in rather nice overall condition. Greens roll true with decent speed and are very receptive. Fairways have fine coverage. Tee boxes and bunkers are very good. I hope that the volume of play does not take too much of a toll on the current conditions, which are a pleasure to play
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Out first on a very mild end of summer morning. This is the last day the South course will be open for at least three weeks, and they will be punching... » More

Out first on a very mild end of summer morning. This is the last day the South course will be open for at least three weeks, and they will be punching greens and most critically, overseeding the fairways. I am praying the overseeding resolves the issue with the fairways, as they are presently the worst I have seen in my 35+ years here as a member. Greens, tees, bunkers are all acceptable, but the fairways are beyond description. I am cautiously optimistic that the course will return to the condition I have learned to enjoy over the past decades. Time will tell.
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