Lives
Santa Clara, CA
Handicap
0-4
Age
35-44
Gender
Male
Skill
Advanced
Plays
Once a week

About

medium.com/@duke2001

Review Statistics

Average Rating

4.5
4.5
Total 8 Reviews

Rating Breakdown

8 Reviews
5 Stars
5
4 Stars
2
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Recommended Courses
7
Not Recommended Courses
1
Helpful Votes Count
8
Not Helpful Votes Count
0
First Review
04/19/2015
Last Review
11/03/2019

Reviews Map

Reviews

4.5
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Pasatiempo Golf Club

Played On 09/29/2019
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Walked

A Course You Need to Experience More than Once.

I've been fortunate enough to play Pasatiempo dozens of times over the last several years, and it's one of those courses that you really need to play multiple times to get a full appreciation for it. It's also one of those courses that is more fun the more you play it, and it never gets old. The first time I played Pasa I was a little in awe of the course - you just don't play very many courses like Pasatiempo. From the variety of holes, to the elevation changes, to the bunkering, to the green complexes, it's just a very unique golf experience.

One thing I realized is that you can't play Pasatiempo without a strategy, and expect to play well. The key to scoring here is having the right angles into greens, knowing where the tiers to the greens are, and knowing that you HAVE to keep the ball below the hole on most greens - especially when they're fast. Hitting some fairways are more important than others - #1, #7 and #13 come to mind for various reasons. The general rule of thumb on most of the driving holes is that you can't miss left.

There's a great variety to the Par 3's in particular - ranging between short holes like the 15th to the long par 3 3rd hole, and everything in between.

My favorite hole is probably the par 4 16th. It reminds me of a par 4 version of 13 at Augusta. If you're able to hit a draw off the tee that flies about 250 yards, you'll have a wedge left to a very difficult 3 tiered green, where you have to be precise if you want to score well. If you're on the wrong tier, you can 3-4 putt pretty easily. Just a great challenge from the drive, to the 2nd shot to the green - you can't fall asleep on any of them.

It's a unique/memorable golf experience - every hole has character, and you'll probably remember every hole and every shot on each hole. A must play, no question.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Walked

One of the Best in California, if not the US - Underrated Greatness.

I've been angling to play Cal Club for quite some time. When I first moved to the Bay Area, I lived close to the golf course, drove by it every day, and hoped that I'd be able to play it one of these days. That day finally came this summer, and it definitely did not disappoint.

This is one of the few courses in the Bay Area that plays hard & fast year round (from what I've been told) and it was certainly that - which makes it very challenging. Most of the elite courses in SF that I've played (Olympic, Lake Merced, Harding Park) are a little damp, and you don't get much roll out on your drives and approach shots, but Cal Club is the exception. It's very green, but has a brown patina that championship golf is known for - so you know you're in for a test.

The bunkers and undulating greens are the primary defenses of the course for sure. The greens were hard and rolling out when I played, so even getting a wedge to stop quickly was a challenge that took some getting used to. And with greens running that fast, you never want to be above the hole. That being said, I love this kind of golf, and played pretty well, despite the challenges. The fairways are relatively forgiving, but there's definitely a fair amount of tee shots where you need to be strategic, so it's not just bombs away every hole. Luckily I played with members that had played the course many times, so that was very helpful. Great variety of holes, very memorable, very challenging but enjoyable. The perfect combination. Lots of standout holes, but The Par 5 1st, Par 4 7th, and Par 3 16th are probably my favorites - that may change the more I play it, who knows.

This course has quickly moved into my all-time favorites - right up there with Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, LACC, Pinehurst #2, etc. Golf Digest doesn't even have it in their top 100 courses (not even in the top 10 in CA (no way), which is insane to me. I'd put it in my top 10 for sure, no question. Can't wait to go back!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging

Corica Park - South Course

Played On 12/15/2018
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Walked

One of the best Muni courses I've ever played!

Finally got a chance to play the new South Course @ Corica Park and I was really impressed. The greens are pure - probably the best public greens in the Bay Area - better/faster than most of the privates or destination courses I’ve played. And the fairways/rough are high quality and interesting.

It’s a really interesting course too - lots of variety - I hit every club in the bag which is always a great barometer. We’ve had a lot of rain in NorCal the last few weeks, and the course seems to drain really well - it was still relatively firm even with the rain. You had to allow for some release on the greens - the ball just won’t hit & stop unless you have a wedge.

If I lived closer, I’d play here every week, no question. Reasonably priced for NCGA members and is a steal for Alameda residents. Every part of the country should have a muni of this caliber. Probably in the top 3 munis I’ve played, next to Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black. Will be interesting to see how the course ages, and if it continues to be maintained as well as it is now - always a challenge with munis but I’m optimistic.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Golf in its Purest Form!

I grew up on Long Island, but haven't lived there since HS, so I've only played the Black Course a handful of times since the remodel. But every time is a special experience. I just played last week during their preparation for the Barclays PGA event, and I've never seen the course in such great shape! Everything was in perfect condition.

This course should really be on the "must play" list for any serious golfer. It's easily in my personal top 3 that I've played - right next to Pebble Beach and Shinnecock Hills. Every hole/shot here is memorable. I can recall every shot I've ever hit here - every hole has its own personality. Even the different parts of the course have their own feel. Holes 10-12, 15/16 have somewhat of a links feel, while others are a more traditional parkland American golf feel. Every hole gives you options which is my #1 requirement for a great course. Granted it's VERY difficult and if you're a beginner, you should aspire to play here eventually. The minimum yardage is about 6300 from the forward tees, with some challenging forced carries, so it's a very hard course for juniors/ladies/seniors. But the way the course is laid out, you probably won't lose a ball unless you find one of the few water hazards or go REALLY far out of play on 4, 5, 6, 11 or 13.

The fact that everyone has to walk is really how golf was meant to be played, honestly and adds to the character. The only drawback is the long 5+ hour rounds, but it's a quick 5 hours because you're in golfing paradise! I played in 90+ degree heat, carried my own bag - even though I was exhausted by 14/15, I didn't mind. It's a real treat getting to play here. I could play here every day and never get tired of this course - it has that much character.

It's also not nearly as hard to get on as everyone thinks. If you walk up during the week, there's a very good chance you get on as a single. Anything more, you'll be playing late in the afternoon as a walk up, so make a tee time for sure. Maybe you'll get lucky and only pay the resident rate like I did as a former resident! But even for the $100-150 it's more than worth it to play this great track. Find a caddy if you can so that you can save some energy for those last few tough holes!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good

Carolina Golf Club

Played On 09/06/2015
3.0
First Time Playing

Typical muni with the smallest greens in South Florida

I've been on a variety of websites, and for some reason the ratings of this course are always really high. After finally playing here, I'm not exactly sure why that is. Maybe the restaurant is skewing things in the 5 star direction? Maybe I'm spoiled by the other courses I've played in South Florida? But I can honestly say this course is average at best.

I'll start out with the pros:
- The service really was great from start to finish. Staff was extremely nice and courteous. No complaints there.
- The pace of play, especially for a Sunday was amazing. I barely saw anyone else on the course and finished playing in less than 3 hours. That is always a major plus.
- Also, no matter how you book your tee time, you'll almost never pay more than $40 to play this course. BUT when you live in South Florida, have a premier card, why would you play here when you can play Plantation Preserve, Jacaranda, Melreese or Miami Beach for virtually the same price?

Cons:
- The course itself is average at best. There really isn't a lot variety to the holes. Great courses it's really easy for me to go back through the round and remember every hole and every shot - not the case here. The only thing that really sticks out is how small the greens were here. Some of the smallest I've ever played for sure.
- I played after a brief rain shower, and the course just doesn't drain that well. The fairways and greens are OK - what you'd expect from your local muni.
- The houses/apartments are a little too close to the course in my opinion. Definitely a disruption - on several holes I felt like I could hear every detail of several conversations happening in adjacent homes. I don't want to sound too much like Shooter McGavin (Happy Gilmore) but how am I supposed to chip with all that background nonsense going on?

Anyway, if you're looking for a cheap round of golf, with a great pace of play, and you live within close proximity to this course, you should definitely play it. However, if you're looking for a tour quality, championship course (which I usually am), this isn't the one for you.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 01/28/2016

Baby Lama I've got a 4some coming down feb 4-8 same area you down there? We all suck but we can do some small stakes best ball.

Default User Avatar
Commented on 01/18/2016

thanks for the review.. me and a couple of friends are going down in a few weeks here to play in that fort Lauderdale area.

this is our second annual trip and we like to play new courses each year. We always try to look for deals whichever way we can. Like you we like to play the best courses available, but we like to once again, play them at the best price available too.

we're looking for a good course for our "warm up" round.. would you say for $40, that this would meet our needs? last year we played Heron Bay for our first round, and for the price, we thought it did the job

also if you have any other hidden gems in the area that you know about, let me know.

The courses we would like to play this year include:
-TPC Eagle Trace
-Hillcrest (one more time before it closes)
-Jacaranda (East or West)
-Inverrary (east or West)
-Osprey Point (tough to get decent tee times if you don't have a frequent player pass or are a florda resident)

we have also played plantation before

Thanks for your help

Diplomat Resort Country Club

Played On 05/30/2015
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Good Course, Great Value - Country Club feel

The right rating for this course would be 4.5 - I can't quite give it a 5 (have to reserve that for a select few), and it's better than a 4 - but its definitely one of my favorite courses in the area.
Played the Diplomat on a Saturday afternoon and it was very enjoyable. There weren't a ton of people on the course, so managed to get around in about 3 hours - always good. A slower couple let us play through - everyone we came in contact with was very friendly. Course is in great shape - greens are in great condition - not perfect, but very good.
It's somewhat of a classic design - walkable if you choose (assume they allow it but not sure). Fairly short course even from the tips, but still wound up hitting most clubs in my bag. I wouldn't say it's extremely demanding, but there are a few trouble spots that you may not see if you haven't played it before. Course has GPS which helps, but still the water is more in play on a couple holes than it appears. #16 is a perfect example. Reachable par 5 , dogleg right with OB right. That would suggest you hit down the left side of the fairway, but there's a larger than it appears pond on the left. So I hit what I thought was a perfect drive in the left side of the fairway and it kicked into the water. A little unfair, but I'll remember it for next time. Most of the other holes, the trouble is more obvious.
$60-70 is very reasonable for the quality of course, which is what I paid. Even up to $100 is say is worth it.
Anyway, definitely a course you have to play in the area. Gives you country club feel, without the exclusivity.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good

The Biltmore Golf Course

Played On 05/09/2015
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Classic design, still a great course

I've played the Biltmore about 20 times over the last year - it's my home course since I've moved to Miami. Always have a great time playing here. It's a classic design, so you'll see more people walking this course than pretty much any course in Miami. Everything is pretty much right out in front of you. No gimmicks or tricks.
Very diverse clientele here - members, South FL residents (who also get a discount), as well as hotel guests from around the world. The course also hosts college and amateur tournaments annually as well as the Jr Orange Bowl Classic in December that attracts some of the best junior golfers in the world. Needless to say it has a great resume.
Course is always in good condition - not great, but good. Certainly worth paying up to $100 (resident rates usually don't exceed that). Course is mostly Bermuda grass which is in great shape generally, but there's also a lot of St Augustine grass around which is really tough to play from - but if you've hit it in that stuff you deserve to be penalized.
Depending on the day, you can also fly around the golf course. I played in a two some today and played in about 3 hours flat. That said, busy days on the weekend in the afternoon can run 4:15 to 4:30. But I've never had a round last longer than that.
I love the layout of the course as well. Favorite holes are probably #1, #17 and 18. Course starts and finishes with short reachable par 5s, but they aren't gimme holes if you hit it in the wrong spot. #17 is a long par 4 over water to a tricky green. Toughest hole on the course.
The Biltmore is definitely worth a try if you're golfing in South Florida. There's so much history there, and the vistas with the hotel in the background are unbeatable. $200+ might be a little too much to pay but even if you do pay that much you'll enjoy your round!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great Addition to a Great Facility!

So my review is mostly based on having played the "old" version of the Red course at Doral several times in the past. It's really unrecognizable now, in a great way. The Gil Hanse design team and the Trump group did a great job on the redesign, and it's a very memorable and challenging experience. This is in stark contrast to the old Red course which was short and not very memorable.
I was really impressed by the condition of the course - which is right up there with the Blue Monster. No question it's 5 out of 5. Fairways, tee boxes were in great shape. Greens were as well, but very firm - playing conditions are firm and fast overall. A lot of holes you have to bounce it onto the green to hold - and luckily the course is designed to allow you to do that on most holes.
There are a lot of water hazards and bunkers that makes it even more challenging as well.
My favorite holes are probably the Par 5 5th hole and Par 4 15th hole. #5 is a risk/reward par 5 that plays around a large lake. I played it aggressively and only had 150 left. Play it safe, you can have 250 left to a peninsula green. Lots of options! I love courses that allow for creativity. The 15th is a par 4 that also plays around a lake. Bailed out right but still had 160 left to a green fronted by water on the left. You could choose to play it safe since there is a run up to the green if you favor the right side. Again, options!
Lots of variety to the holes as well - a little bit of everything. Can't ask for more than that. Lots of tee boxes for golfers of various abilities. I'm scratch, played from the tips and it was very challenging - #18 is one of the toughest finishing holes out there - almost right there with 18 at the Blue Monster.
Course knowledge will definitely count for a lot my next time back.
Book your tee time on golfnow and you can get a really great deal. Anything under $150 is a great price for this course, relatively speaking. I've paid more for courses that haven't been nearly as nice. Also I played in a little over 3 hrs on a Sat afternoon! I'd highly recommend!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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