A little late on my review, I played in a fivesome (intentionally) last Mondy, 5/24, at Knollwood. With no one ahead of us, or behind us initially, we were allowed to tee off about 15 minutes early. I... Continue »

A little late on my review, I played in a fivesome (intentionally) last Mondy, 5/24, at Knollwood. With no one ahead of us, or behind us initially, we were allowed to tee off about 15 minutes early. I have played here once before some years back and always wanted to revisit it, but it never happened. One consideration, and I warned my buddy about what I had seen as aconsistent theme reported here, was the slow pace of play. While that may be a problem later in the week and on weeekends, on this particular Monday afternoon it was wide open. We had a couple of singles blow through us early, and a fivesome catch up to us in the middle of the back nine so, as a group, we were probably the dogs of the bunch. As munis go, I like the course and it has a DeBell-lite-like quality with some hills, wrap arounds, and elevation changes, but generally more length. It is also has a fair share of pine/fir trees which give it a bit of an alpine feel, particularly interesting as it sits just above the SFV -- not a place you would associate with that kind of ambiance. I felt the weak point of the course is the fairways. The grass is certainly maintained as to mowing, but is otherwise allowed some inconsistencies of character. The visual impression is mottled with color caused by mixed grasses. The mix can also cause a thatched effect where one tuft of grass grows a little faster than a different species next to it. There was the occasional tight, firner than average lie and infrequent baldish spots. Generally quite playable but with a slightly rough-hewn aspect to it. Oddly, I found it consistent with the off-hand charm the course does have. I was in one bunker, and I felt it was a fair test. The rough could be anything from thick to dirt to woods chips. By consensus, the best quality was the greens. They had contour and/or slope, they were moderately quick, and the putting surface was in pretty nice shape. It was a cool-sh day and I walked, so I was happy to get on before the Valley Summer heat kicks in. I was disappointed in my score, but the course convinced me that I need to come back a little sooner next time, probably on a Monday afternoon. It averages out to a reasonably solid muni experience.