Played the FRONT NINE ONLY of the Cove course after we finished Classic today. We started around 3:55, so we were flying around trying to play as many holes as possible. We caught a threesome ahead on... Continue »

Played the FRONT NINE ONLY of the Cove course after we finished Classic today. We started around 3:55, so we were flying around trying to play as many holes as possible. We caught a threesome ahead on one hole, but they quickly let us play through. Then on another hole someone was seemingly practicing putting on the green for a few minutes before they noticed we were on the tee. Finished nine holes in probably a little under an hour. We still had enough sunlight to probably play at least 3 or 4 more holes, but didn’t want to press our luck with having the carts out too late as grateful guests invited to play more after our first 18 of the day.

Conditions were very similar, although it seemed some of the rough on Cove wasn’t overseeded quite the same as on Classic. I saw some dappled yellow spots here and there. Otherwise, medium-fast, smooth, firm greens (although accepting of full shots). Fairways great. Tee boxes and bunkers both very good.

While the Classic course has more history, the Cove course (at least the front nine) is arguably more fun, with wider fairways, a more modern look, and beautiful mountain backdrops on many holes. (Classic mostly looks like a 50s/60s Palm Springs course, while Cove looks like an 80s/90s Palm Springs course.) I’m anxious to play the back nine sometime!