SkeezyWeezle

Pala Mesa was a personal favorite of the wife and I, when we lived in Temecula. Coming back to visit, we looked forward to playing her again. While the course was in overall OK shape, one couldn't help but notice that time is taking it's toll. Just a few updates here and there would really bring the course back on track. I would still play again though...just saying....

Arriving at the course, you find yourself, quite literally engulfed in the middle of ALL the hubbub of a busy resort..the pools and shopping are right there as you are at the bag drop. After, you make your way downstairs to the pro shop, through even more wandering guests..enough of that...the course...I found the driving range to be adequate, but really unimpressive for a resort course of this stature. The course itself was a traditional feeling layout, Not bad overall. As for conditions though, I really was kind of disappointed. The grass used in the fairways is very puffy and grabs your club. I felt like I was hitting out of light rough all day. The greens were quick and semi true...also slow and slower....meh.....I personally am glad I didn't pay the big bux to play!! If you want a premium course in the San Diego area...I can think of better choices.

Given the fact that Southern Cal. has been in a drought state for some time...we Zonies have heard horror stories of the dreadful fate that has befallen many course. I must say that was not the case here! Conditions were pretty good. Just as I remember from many years ago...a solid layout with a nice mix of different holes and plenty of elevation change to keep you interested. I will recommend to all my Zonie friends coming to Temecula.

I played this course a lot when I lived in Ca. It was always a good course to play. The layout is not bad. there is an odd mix of hole types on the course, but that is part of it's charm. Conditions were pretty good overall. Forgot how tricky the greens are to read on this course...didn't make a putt over 8 feet all round.

The course had a number of nicely designed holes. The mountains (and the rams) were right there in your face. Course conditions were pretty good, except for one hole with a lot of repair work in the fairways. It was August to be fair, summer takes it's toll. Overall, a very enjoyable course to play.

The location of the course is nice. Tucked back in the canyon, it is fairly well shielded from the typical Palm Springs winds. The layout was solid and interesting. It has the resort layout feel to it with great views. There are some tricky little holes, but overall, I would say very playable for all skill levels.

Tucson, for the most part has a pretty solid lineup of muni courses. Crooked Tree is one of the first ever "desert style" courses ever designed. Conditions were overall pretty solid. Greens were in good shape, fairways and rough were decent. The layout is not the hardest one you're going to find, but does have it's challenges. Overall, a solid choice for most golfers.

As always, conditions were very good...especially for late June. I am a big fan of Arnold Palmer designs. Bring your "A" game or double your handicap....simple as that.

Nothing special here. It is a decent layout that is kept in good condition. It's not a hard course. Central location in Tucson is a big plus. Everything you expect from the average muni course. I personally like the Del Urich course ( it's sister course) better.

Having reviewed the course before, I knew what to expect. No disappointments here....great course in beautiful shape. Challenging layout that makes you think carefully about shot placement. Misses can be punished pretty severely on some of these holes. The beauty of the layout is that it allows you to increase playability dramatically for the higher handicappers. Moving up a tee changes things quite a bit on that side. First time you play it, you should play up one tee, just to get the feel...cause she's got some sharp teeth in her layout!!

Talking Stick playing conditions always live up to the Troon standard for golf. The North course has a bit more of a "desert" feel to it than it's sister South course. Solid layout, with a good mix of risk/ reward, easy and bombers holes. You can't go wrong playing Troon.....

Conditions at Whirlwind are always above average to excellent. The course has a solid layout that will test you quite completely. Greens were a little slower than normal this time (10 instead of 12). As always, they hold well and putt smooth. One of my personal favorites in the valley!!

This trip was the latest in many I shall make over the summer. Conditions were very good. Looks like they are set up for things to stay nice through the heat of summer this year. No need to go into the layout on this one...It's an RTJ course..nuff' said.

Encanto is the 3rd oldest course in Az. It is a pretty flat, straight forward parkland style course. While not too exciting on the design side, it is kept in nice shape and is always very playable. This is a great course for seniors, juniors, families....etc,etc. The range, cafe and other facilities are what you expect from a typical muni course, all serviceable, but nothing fancy. It will give you a decent play, without breaking the bank........and did I mention, it's right in the heart of Phoenix?

Vistal is probably the best price in Phoenix this time of year for a "playable" course. Maybe, all that excess play is taking it's toll on the course. It doesn't help that the watering is kept to a bare minimum. I know that you never get really good conditions here, but now, it's teetering on the edge of disaster. I like the staff here. They have always been very nice to me. The food is not bad, a little pricey. I must say, that I hope they do something soon to correct the conditions and the ever increasingly slow play, before they make my goat track list.

I wanted to do another review of this course, because the first time I played it, the weather was challenging to say the least. This time, conditions were just peachy.... The course was in full tournament condition, in preparation of a large collegiate tournament later that week. There is little else you could have asked for out of a course. The greens were among the smoothest and most consistent I have ever played anywhere in the world. The layout proved to be a very tough but fair challenge to your game. Notah Begay did an outstanding design for his first one. I am personally VERY interested to see where he goes from here. This course is without a doubt, now the best course in the Tucson area. It also ranks in my top 5 in the state....Nuff said

I made a special stop on the way home from Vegas, just to play this course. It was a cool way to break up the drive. What you see of the course from the 40 doesn't look all that exciting. Surprise....the course is loaded with all kinds of good views and wicked cool rock formations. The layout is a lot more interesting than I expected. Course conditions were OK...except...they only seem to mow the rough every other week....so missing a fairway put you in 5-8 inches of grass....a few of the guys I played with never found a bunch of balls that were only a few yards off the fairway. That being said, it was reasonably priced and fun to play....

This course is a personal favorite of mine. it presents a number of very well thought out challenges to the player from tee to green. It is a tough but fair test of golf. Troon golf is always a guarantee of impeccable playing conditions.

The Ranch is always in good shape...even in summer. This was no exception. I found it quite strange though that on a morning tee time on a friday...there were only about 5 groups on the entire course.....hmmmm... Never the less....the course always provides a good play....and the range balls are included..a nice bonus these days where other courses want 5 bucks for 25-30 balls.

This course is starting to fall down the slippery slope. It seems to me that the maintenance crew is lost on what to do with grass....it is either soaking wet, bone dry...or totally burned out. the greens were acceptable for the most part. It is also evident that the person setting the pins is also the guy mowing the grass...!!!! The snack bar is weak at best...just like every other Phoenix muni. Soon this will be just another goat track...