backseat

Generally, enjoyed the challenge this course offered; and I will definitely be back but play it much differently. The rough is unforgiving and the hazards are tight to the fairways and greens. There are pockets of rough and native areas that you can't see from the tees. Since it was a two hour drive and I went immediately to the first tee, studying the illustrated yardage guide more thoroughly would have been a big help.

On the negative side, there was a lot of fairway maintenance in progress with areas being reseeded and sanded as well as numerous bare spots. I thought the course was very wet in most of the fairways; but, playing in the morning, that could be the usual condition. The greens were somewhat inconsistent, some damp and slow, some dry and fast. The sand in the bunkers was crusty and chunky and not very deep although the bunkers were deep...

Overall, I would recommend the course, but, probably, not to beginners; and I'll be back again...

Interesting course...a number of 90 degree dog-legs, a couple of perplexing par 3's and rolling fairways. I definitely enjoyed the course and will play there again; however, I will play a number of holes differently now that I've experienced them. The course overall was in very good shape and appears to be well maintained. The greens were firm and fast; and some were steeply sloped. The bunker sand was soft and well worked. There's plenty of room to avoid the water hazards...

Diablo Grande is tucked into the foothills west of Patterson, CA, about 12 miles from I-5, about a 75-90 minute drive from the bay area. This course has a number of forced carries, making those holes a particular challenge. Most of the greens are protected with one feature or another; so approach shots need to be precise, not short or long. The course was dry; so we had a lot of extra yards on drives and long irons; so you would need to consider that when laying up to a fairway hazard. All in all, we had a good time.

Great location and views of Monterey Bay...course was in very good condition. Greens are rolling, making a good read somewhat challenging. A few narrow fairways but, generally, forgiving as long as you stay out of the numerous, well positioned bunkers.

Greens are in great shape, somewhat fast, and many are steeply sloped. Choosing the right approach shot would be essential to a low score.
Many fairways are narrow and those that aren't are either sloped to one side or steeply rolling.

All in all a fairly good challenge and a pretty venue.

Tees and greens in great shape, greens can be surprisingly fast even though they look soft...fairways were pretty dry (water conservation) but are mostly open and easy to hit. Some green fronts are guarded by trees, making the approach shot challenging....good course layout, elevation changes make you think about most shots...fun round...food in club house was also good...

There are several challenging holes with steep uphill fairways and raised greens or severe dog legs with short landing areas for the tee shot. So you have to be aware, pick the right club and not go for too much. Plenty of trees, some rocks and some narrow fairways are good indications that you must keep it in the short grass (wouldn't you anyway?).

The only detraction, on the day I was there, was that there were quite a few wet, really wet areas.

The wind is a big factor on several holes, both for and against you. Makes you think about what club to use, particularly on a couple of par 3s. I would say that most of the greens are slow but the few that are fast are a big surprise, really have to pay attention to the cut and slope on the greens. This is a course that appears easy but can make it tough if you can't stay in the fairway.

My only complaint would be that the marshals don't really do anything about slow play. Although we managed to play in about 5 hours, there were several times we had 2 groups waiting on the tee.

This is a challenging course. Played it for the first time and, I think, it's obvious that club choice, particularly from the tee box, requires a few more rounds. For me, this was a very enjoyable challenge. I learned what not to do in several situations (ie, driver off the tee at hole #3) and look forward to playing there again soon. it is a target course with narrow fairways on many holes and smallish greens. Lots of up and downs (some big downs) and situations that I've not encountered before.

Deep Cliff is great for iron play and practice. There really isn't any hole, except, maybe, 12, where you would hit a driver or 3 wood. The greens were generally in great shape and can be challenging. The bunkers were not so great, pretty hard and, some, rocky; and most of the tee boxes were very crowned and mostly bare of grass.

That said, if you need to practice your irons, this is the place to do it.

Had a good time on the Valley course. Fairways were generous for the most part and, in general, the course was well maintained. I played in the afternoon and there was a steady 15 mph NW wind that gusted much higher at times, making it difficult, of course, for club selection and picking targets. All in all, I will play there again.

Very cold, windy and wet conditions plus the frost delay. Only made it through 8 holes starting on the back 9. #12 has water all down the left side and a very narrow fairway. Apparently, they've gotten complaints and put up a barrier on the left side of the fairway so that balls can't roll into the water. They've also, across the course, removed many bunkers (per the golf shop) but there are still an overwhelming number of bunkers on some holes. Holes 14 to 17 (for me) were nightmarish, deep ravines, overhanging trees, bracketing bunkers and big ups and downs...As my hands were frozen and my mood as well, I stopped play after the 17th...Maybe I'll try again in the summer.

There was a frost delay which made for a longer day than usual. Even so, once on the course, the greens were fast and consistent and the course, largely, drained well from the previous night's rain and hail. If you have a tendency to miss fairways, particularly, a slicer, this will be a real challenge as most holes are unforgiving in that regard...

For me, this is not a course to play in the early morning. 5 of the front 9 look directly into the rising sun and the glare is daunting. Lots of doglegs and sloped, multi-tiered greens, so the course is challenging and the greens an adventure. Probably would have been a better experience with a mid-morning start...will play there again.

The course was well maintained. For me, it was the first time playing there and I found it pretty challenging due to the many changes in elevation on the back nine. Overall a fun experience and will definitely play there again.

It had just rained, off and on, all night but the course was firm. The Diablo course has a lot of variety in terrain features and was certainly challenging for me. One of the better maintained courses I've played. Will definitely play there again. My only complaint would be that some of the tee boxes are crowned...

Very challenging with some holes with tee boxes 70+ feet above the fairways or holes and some with the hole up to 70+ feet above the tee box...plenty challenging. Most of the greens were on pedestals with little forgiveness even for near misses...Many eye-catching vistas...