RMJepsen

I'm a bogey golfer and my BIL hadn't played in a year. I chose this based on the slope from the whites (116) and proximity to downtown Sonoma (as well as previous reviews here). We started early on the range (nice to hit from grass) and were invited to start a few minutes early by the pro shop, allowing us to play by ourselves. I've forgotten his name, but in several ways, he made us feel very welcome. Course was in good shape, with fair lies and manageable rough. course contours made the game fun and interesting. We had to think on each shot which made it fun, but missed locations weren't terribly punitive. we played in 4:15, even though we waited a tiny bit on several holes for the foursome ahead of us. The pro shop building is so small, I thought I was at a driving range rather than a full golf course.. but, they stuff a ton of resources into that small space so we wanted for nothing. at the turn, could use more restroom options (or, perhaps, better signage?) You know if I'm reaching for restroom suggestions there was little to complain about!

Very windy day (30+MPH at times) but course was in good shape, with only a few hard pan areas.. exceptional considering the drought we are in. played in 4:15, even though we are mid-handicappers. waited on the tee box on a couple of par 3s, otherwise groups ahead kept up. Grill service was OK, but it did take 20 minutes for one of our foursome's club sandwiches to show up at the 19th hole. that was anomalous.. usually food comes quickly.

Only reason I didn't give this course a five star rating was the inexplicable excuse for having the range closed until 830 AM for 'mowing'. I realize this isn't your average HI resort course, but there needs to be a review of that policy. OTHER than that very nice people, course was fun, well maintained, nice vistas and quite windy. Played havoc with a few shots but kept us cool in the tropical conditions so made the round very pleasant.