koigarashi

Victoria has had quite a bad rap due primarily to the condition of the fairways, i.e., lack of grass, despite a number of prior attempts to remedy the situation at great expense. I hadn't played this course for at least 4 years, and was very pleasantly surprised to see less bare patches in the fairways than I remembered. Yes, the bare patches are still there in practically every hole, and yes, the weeds are still everywhere, but I found more grass covered grounds than ever before. The greens are in excellent shape as they always were, and there are plenty of challenging par 4's to test most players, especially when the winds are blowing hard in the afternoons. If you can get out there before 7:00 AM as a single, you'll be allowed to go out on the back nine first which can result in a great POP, like 3 1/2 hours walking. I'd imagine you could shave off another hour if you were to ride. When was the last time you enjoyed a fast round like that?! FYI, the renovated driving range is now open, and it looks fantastic, and the short game practice area continues to be a very good feature. Also, kudos to friendly staff at check-in. Overall, no, the course is not perfect, but it's still a fun course and a very good value especially if you are a senior walker with a country senior card. I'll be back for sure.

The course overall is in decent shape, with the exception of the tee grounds. Overrun with thick weeds, e.g., crabgrass, plus many deep divot holes. Greens were not cut too closely, making them a lot slower than I remember from my previous visits. Pace of play was not good, especially for a weekday afternoon, yet I never did see an on-course marshal to address slow groups. Staff personnel were all friendly and courteous - very good!

It's well known in L.A. area that Victoria's fairways are terrible, but their greens are usually in very good shape. The $21 GolfNow offering was a good deal for this course if you maintain a "golf is golf" attitude and don't expect a lush private club conditions. The starter in the pro shop (first name initial "A") need to be better organized. I checked in 30 minutes before my tee time and was told to wait until he called me back. While waiting, I saw that the course was not busy at all, and watched several twosomes and threesomes tee off. The starter was not paying any attention to the fact the first tee was open, and had I not gone back into the pro shop to check, the 11:30 foursome would have been sent out before me! Ended up going out with another single who was already on the tee and who happened to have walked on after I had first checked in...!