the first indication that this course was going to be a problem was when i couldn't find any signs directing you to a bag drop. there wasn't one to be seen nor was there anyone to direct or help off l... Continue »

the first indication that this course was going to be a problem was when i couldn't find any signs directing you to a bag drop. there wasn't one to be seen nor was there anyone to direct or help off load.
the 2nd indicator of a problem was when i checked in at the pro shop. i did my thing and then asked the woman behind the counter, where do i pick up the range balls, please (which are supposed to be part of the greens fee)? here's how that exchange went: her answer, we don't have any. i'm sorry- no range balls (meanwhile i saw the range which had lots of them out there), i asked? nope, don't have any. how does that happen, i asked? it happens when i'm the only person who has worked here the past 7 days and i haven't had a chance to get out to the range to pick them up. hmmm, ok i guess....
the starter was a very nice guy who did a great job. he gave us detailed and helpful instructions on the nuances of the course. i never saw a ranger which was ok and not necessary because our 4some played in 4 hours.
the greens were better than good- decent speed and in more than ok shape. the fairways were just ok. not many golfers have been replacing divots. there's no walking this course as the cart path takes you through several neighborhoods. there were plenty of signs directing you to the next tee which was more than helpful. good job there.... the course has water everywhere and it comes into play on LOTS of holes. i wish they had the edges of the water marked better. more than once i hit to a spot that i thought was safe only to find the water came further into the fairway than was marked by stakes that can't be seen down the fairway. a "resort" course has lots of newbies, to the course, out there and with all the water jutting into the fairway they need to do a better job defining the water's edge.
after hearing from the woman in the pro shop i'll give the maintenance crew the benefit of the doubt. there doesn't seem to be lots of maintenance going on (greens in good shape notwithstanding). i had a hard time finding one tee box because it was covered by leaves (this is the desert in January, not Vermont in October). there were dirt piles everywhere. trash barrels were spilling over on multiple holes. there were probably 6 holes, for folks like me that are math challenged that's 30% of the course, that had tree limbs extending into the space that you'd be hitting to. that's just inexcusable and i believe reflects too small maintenance budgets. when you're playing a course with water extending into the fairway having your path to safe spots impeded by tree limbs that shouldn't be there just ain't right.....
i've played 6 courses since i arrived on 1-1 and this one is the worst far and away and won't see me back.