jeffdebalko

My son and I are on a two week So Cal golf trip. He picks all of the courses and chose this one I had never heard of. From the check in, to the golf course, to the pace of play, and especially the incredible Big Rock Pub, we were blown away. Fun course, quirky routing, and the best course conditions we have found on the trip. The Pub service and food were outstanding. Rarely do we play a course twice but we’ll be back for sure.

Overall I enjoyed the course. I'll start with the staff who across the board were friendly and accommodating. The setting is very nice with the red rocks. Most pictures of the course make it seem that it is very remote but the course is surrounded by houses which are always in view.

From a design standpoint I would say the course uses the land well. The holes are fairly isolated from one another although they do cross back and forth. A few too many uphill holes for my liking, several of which are severe. The Par 3 13th is stunning but for the most part, none of the other holes really stand out.

The course had received an enormous amount of rain prior to our play and was clearly saturated with balls plugging in the fairway. Given how the course played, I would expect it to be in excellent condition during normal circumstances.

$145 was a lot for this course but perhaps the going rate for similar courses in the area. I wouldn't play it again at that price.

Getting to Makaha is the beginning of a really nice golf experience. Coming from the Pearl Harbor area, much of the drive is right next to the coast. Traffic is always an issue in Honolulu but we made it to the course from Turtle Bay on the North Shore in about an hour and 1/2.

When you arrive at the course, you may be taken aback by the facilities which appear pretty run down, because well, they are pretty run down. No restaurant and a barely functioning restroom by the cart barn. The staff was very nice and seemed to enjoy their jobs.

The course itself is in excellent condition, especially the greens and tees. The landscape is constantly rolling with every hole having either an elevated tee, green or both. Throughout your round you are treated to views of either the ocean or the stunning mountains surrounding the course. We played from the back tees at 6200 which was a bit shorter than what we might normally play. Real long hitters might be left wanting although accuracy does pay a premium on most holes.

We loved the course, the setting and the old school vibe of the place. A tremendous value at less than $100.

Echoing the majority of reviews, this course is very difficult. While the fairways offer plenty of room, you have to hit them and often have to shape the ball to have any chance on your second shot. If you can't control your golf ball off the tee, this is probably not the course for you.

Don't be a hero in terms of tees you play. We played the White tees from 5800 yards. At our club we play 6400 and 5800 here was more than enough. Many par 4's are short but difficult and strategic which accounts for the shorter yardage.

Almost every hole has forced carries, many have more than one. Off the tee is not a huge issue but lay ups and approach shots can be incredibly challenging. Greens play very firm for approach shots but do not putt as fast.

It's a beautiful setting, the staff is very nice and the course in good condition.

Formerly Salinas Country Club, Crazy Horse still maintains Country Club conditions and vibe. Located in a beautiful, pastoral setting (don't let the drive through Salinas deter you), the course features numerous elevation changes and small, hard and fast greens.

The front 9 is consistently up and down and lacks much character. The back 9 is mostly level with a few elevated tees, the 14th and 15th holes standing out with wow factor from the tee and significant strategy and challenge.

The course is only 6100 from the blues with a slope of 130. Enough for an enjoyable round of golf with doglegs limiting long hitters in some cases.

Overall, I thought this would be a one and done but the conditions, pace of play, service and beauty of the place will definitely bring me back.

The Ranch tends to be a course you'll love or hate. Fairways are narrow and often slanted so driving the ball is an absolute premium. Almost every hole has a forced carry either off the tee or on approach, sometimes both. Carts are path only which is not as bad as it could be due to the narrowness of the fairways.

On the plus side, landing areas are reasonable if you drive it in the right spot. Views are spectacular of downtown San Jose and beyond. The course also features a great collection of Par 3's, all of which are very fair if played from the correct tees. While the front 9 can be brutally tough, the back 9 is much more playable. The elevated 10th hole is a short par 4 that may be one of the most spectacular in the Bay Area.

A mid-high handicap will struggle here, even from the correct tees. 5700 and change is more than enough challenge from the white tees. We played on a. Monday for $45. A great value for the views alone.

This is one of the best 36 hole facilities you will find. Blackhorse is one of my son's favorite public courses in the area so we play it often. Great variety of holes including Par 3's of different length and character and a couple of great short par 4's. Conditioning is excellent and I would rate the greens as medium-fast.

Bayonet and Blackhorse used to be very similar. After the redesign of a few years ago, a significant number of trees were removed from Blackhorse opening up the course and the views. I would rate Blackhorse as more fun and interesting, Bayonet more challenging. Both are superior to the renovated Poppy Hills which I also enjoy not to mention much more affordable.

Practice facility is excellent.

The course doesn't look like much upon arrival. Small clubhouse and practice area. First couple of holes are across the street and run along houses. Once you cross back and play #3, the course heads out into the orchards and wetlands which are gorgeous. Each hole is pretty unique and the par 3's stand out playing to different lengths with some sort of water or forced carry in play. My favorite hole is #17, a short par 5 with a carry off the tee over the wetlands. Like most holes on the course, it gives you plenty of room to hit the ball but rewards you for a well struck shot. Overall conditioning of the course is very good. The greens are large but with nice subtle breaks not crazy swales. They were a bit soft and average speed. Pace of play was good but we finished the round behind a five some which I'm not a fan of. My guess is this course could get windy but played calm for us. Definitely worth playing.