On day two of my fantastic Bighorn golf weekend, my friend and I tackled the Mountains course from the blue tees. If you're interested in conditions of the course, then just see my review on the Canyo... Continue »

On day two of my fantastic Bighorn golf weekend, my friend and I tackled the Mountains course from the blue tees. If you're interested in conditions of the course, then just see my review on the Canyons course - they're equally perfect, although the greens on the Mountains course may even be slightly better - and certainly more challenging. What makes for great contrast on the Mountains course, especially the back 9, is the contrast between the verdant fairways and the rocky outcroppings, complemented by the beautiful flora that hugs the land. It's simply breathtaking. You also get gorgeous views down into the Palm Springs valley on one side, and the San Jacinto mountain range behind. Set amongst all this grandeur is some of the most beautiful architecture you're ever to see. The places around the course are just amazing, and that's essentially (according to the members) why the golf itself is so good. It's all about that real estate, but if you don't live there, you just get to enjoy a spectacular day hitting the sticks. Also wanted to note about how relaxed things are here. When we opened up our round, there was a group ahead of us, but in the middle of the first fairway, one of them drove down to us, told us his party would likely be slow and asked if we wanted to move ahead of them at the next tee. And when we were on 16, there was a guy playing solo (and very fast!) behind us, so we extended the same courtesy, not wanting to rush the day. No fuss, just golf. That was a nice characteristic of the people there. But back to the course ... while there are some elevations on the front 9 at Mountains, it's relatively similar to the Canyons course, only a bit less fairway to work with in many cases - but not by much. Holes 6 and 8 stand out as real stunners - just gorgeous tee shots to tantalize the senses. On the back 9, the elevation begins. After a gently sloping uphill par 5 to open the back, you hit the hills for a crazy par 4 that starts from an elevated tee to a very small landing area (lots of trouble to get into), then a sharp dogleg left straight uphill to a tricky green. After that it's uphill ravine crossings for the most part until the fabulous 15th hole which starts at least 300 feet above the fairway, which then cuts off abruptly yet again another 100 feet to the green. It's a wild tee shot. 18 is a very nice finishing hole, relatively flat but just as picturesque as all the others before it. And if you don't want to read about conditions from the other review - I'll keep it short and simple. Everything is perfect. If there's one knock it's that it's very difficult to catch up to the speed of the greens if you're used to playing Rancho or Alondra every week, but for those who get to play these types of courses all the time, you're in for a treat. Also would be nice to get a little spin on the ball on approach or the fast greens can easily take you for a ride. I am thankful that this is actually beginning to look like it might be a yearly trip every March so I'm already looking forward to 2016. I was fortunate enough to get to play for free both days (just paid caddies $80 each day), but whatever they're asking for if you can get on - pay it. Actually, that's probably unreasonable for many, but don't miss out if it's in any way, shape or form doable. Memory of a lifetime for me this weekend. Loved every minute of it and never wanted it to end.