Early out with Alex326 Tuesday morning with a deal from a national reseller. So the value was there to travel in with great late winter weather. Mostl... » More

Early out with Alex326 Tuesday morning with a deal from a national reseller. So the value was there to travel in with great late winter weather. Mostly sunny breeze 42-55 degrees right in the range of our 9 hole scores.
Great fun and challenging but fair. Without water hazards I kept the same ball all around which was different to other recent rounds.
from course website:
"With the removal of the Kikuyu and poa annua, all of the new turf is Jacklin T1 Bentgrass, a type that is superior in density and performance that will allow not only for better roll, but will harmonize with the state-of-the-industry drainage and irrigation systems installed on all 36 holes." The renovation was 2007-2010 range. So the course is mature and plays well.
I usually play in early November annually. Fun to play a different time of year. The greens while challenging are not as tough as then. IMO
Alex did a dandy description of conditions. I will add that the some areas of rough is being loamed and over-seeded in the thin spots and sprouting. Growing out will provide lush greenery this spring/summer. These areas of unmarked "gur" helped me with drops from the large trees edging most all fairways a couple times. They removed thousands during renovation. Still many many left.
Home lot prep / construction on some holes as well as tree chipping, pruning seems to be a regular procedure.
A high caliber tournament ready venue that has always had a thumbs-up from me.
Played with a couple gentlemen with LinkSoul connections. Good time.
» Close

Played Friday 3/12 under pleasant late winter weather. Mid-morning POP 4 hours exact. Two days before was heavy rain and hail. The bunkers under mostl... » More

Played Friday 3/12 under pleasant late winter weather. Mid-morning POP 4 hours exact. Two days before was heavy rain and hail. The bunkers under mostly effected. Puddled muddy. Didn't affect my game didn't visit there.
Greens nice healthy but rolling med/slow a few unrepaired ball marks. Fairways some areas tight dormant, others green, nice lies either spot. Rough is getting healthier day by day. 2"+
Overall what I expected hadn't played here in awhile. Good muni-track. Like previous review hole #5 weird double dog with unseen hazards in fairway and front of green. Power lines above. I know the hole hate it and would blow it up. #11 short dog left par 4 needs some thought to play well.
Great round with good friends I don't play enough with.
$49 rack rate was ok. Beer $25 w/tip for a 6 pack of American named lager.
» Close

Oh boy what do I do here? Only Gk reviewer since 2018.
Here goes: tournament play 2/27 8:20 #1 tee. Great drive second in the bunka blast out mak... » More

Oh boy what do I do here? Only Gk reviewer since 2018.
Here goes: tournament play 2/27 8:20 #1 tee. Great drive second in the bunka blast out make a par. 2nd over the top drive left into junk lost ball #1 of day partner in play makes double with a stroke. # 3 par 5 great drive push 2nd right lose ball #2. Shoot 48 on front we're in contention in flight and eClub qualifier.
Partner bogeys 10 and then it's all over rover. Wind kicks up to 15-20 and the tight Johnny Miller design eats our lunches. Play it down I lose 9 balls on the back and I was trying. UGLY. Johnny Miller design he didn't make it easy.
Course conditions excellent for dormant tight lie fairways fast firm greens and low cut rough.
Read one of my reviews read all of them. You will have an accurate review for the time of year here from me. Consistent conditions year to year depending on season.
Respectfully submitted and beware. Be on your game here or it could be humbling. Bring a few of your favorite balls and a few to lose going for it. It's just fun.
Still recommend.
» Close

Quick drive over from DD to Rancho Mirage for the afternoon 18 on 2/16 a blustery day in the desert when much of the lower 48 (Texas for sure) in the ... » More

Quick drive over from DD to Rancho Mirage for the afternoon 18 on 2/16 a blustery day in the desert when much of the lower 48 (Texas for sure) in the grips of winter. Here this day that meant long pants windbreaker in the morning to shorts for the afternoon.
Great conditions overall here golf wise. Didn't go in or use the CH facilities for covid safety.
Joined gurus Ron, Gary and Pedro for a fun afternoon of play. The housing is spaced nicely away from the course itself. The open feel and sight lines are encouraging to the higher handicapper to try and get it out there off the tee. Gary Player provides much mounding and most bounces come back into play. Snow on the mountaintops and cactus and palm trees bordering the course. Read JohnnyGK review below for full details. I concur with him. Score wise the back 9 here was my low 9 of the day.
The fairways are very green over-seeded growth this time of year and the rough dormant brown. I enjoyed that contrast and would like to see it in summer mode too. Bermuda fairways and green rough but the play from there would be much more penal I'd estimate.
Enjoyed and recommend.
» Close

Played Tuesday 2/16 with the GK meet-play group. It was windy before sunrise and knew going in that today wind was a large factor. Oscillating ball o... » More

Played Tuesday 2/16 with the GK meet-play group. It was windy before sunrise and knew going in that today wind was a large factor. Oscillating ball on the putting green. Blow you hat off on the tee box kind of wind. Hoped the architect had factored in the wind in their design tracking. He did and I enjoyed the Robert Trent Jones Jr. track more because of that.
The par 3's had cross winds and difficult to gauge this day even as the fourth to tee off. 35-40 yards of movement on the 5th hole.
Detailed conditions look to the other reviews. Greens healthy a closer cut and roll and they'd be a real challenge. Bunkers need some tlc. Off the course edges thick with desert brush near impossible to extract without a drop.
I enjoy a course set out in nature without housing bordering holes. This is Desert Dunes. Good golf and more potential for the future. I'd support them with another round of play when I'm back there.
» Close