- Lives
- San Francisco, CA
- Handicap
- 5-9
- Age
- 55-64
- Gender
- Male
- Skill
- Advanced
- Plays
- Once a week
About
FYI: I am not female (never have been to my knowledge), but the GolfAdvisor system changed my profile for some reason and doesn't provide a way to correct it. Whatever. Probably won't be providing any more reviews, since most of the content wouldn't make much sense.
Review Statistics
Reviews Map
Reviews
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club
Played On 12/02/2022No more Bambi.....
I'll continue playing Hiddenbrooke weekly, but as stated before I'm not happy about them removing so many bunkers. I know it was to save money on bunker maintenance (and to make the course easier so as to get more play), but I don't believe it should still be called a Palmer design. The great layout is still the same, but the strategy required has been reduced, since avoiding bunkers is really not much of an issue any longer. True, the few remaining bunkers are now better maintained and they're putting more money into repariing the teeboxes, but I am (and will continue to be) missing the true, original Arnold Palmer 4-5 Star design. Oh, well. It's still a fun, challenging course to play in beautiful, natural surroundings. Though, I'm afraid the deer that fled during the digging/dirt movement and removal of their natural habitat (many trees) will never return. That's also a shame. Bye-bye Bambi.
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club
Played On 09/01/2022Bunkers Go Bye-Bye. Breaks My Heart.
It's been my go to course the past 20+ years, because I've loved the layout and difficulty. Also, the greens are pretty much always in wonderful condition. However, the condition of the teeboxes and bunkers has always left a lot to be desired.
So, the new owner's answer was to begin work on the teeboxes a few months ago....nice......and to REMOVE THE VAST MAJORITY of the bunkers rather than repair and maintain them.
There might have been a very few (3-4) bunkers that rarely, if ever came into play, so those...not a great loss. But the literally dozens and dozens of other bunkers that have been and continue to be removed have been an intricate and key part of Arnold Palmer's
original 5-STAR design. Arnie has to be "rolling over in his grave", and I know would agree with me when I say it is no longer his Hiddenbrooke. To me, it's "sacrilegious" to do this to an award winning Palmer course that once hosted (for 3 consecutive years) the LPGA's Samsung World Championship. I will continue to play Hiddenbrooke for it's topography, naturally beautiful surroundings and quality greens (though maybe not as often) and when I do I will always shake my head as I FEEL THE LOSS OF AN ORIGINAL Arnold Palmer 5-star course that once existed in all it's original glorious design.
Tilden Park Golf Course
Played On 08/26/2022Too tough to carry....
Course in nice shape, especially greens which are in prime condition. Last time I played here it was 98 degrees. I carried my bag and had to quit after 9. Due to exhaustion. This time w/ forecast of 68 degrees high, figured I'd give it another try. Despite the temp actually hitting 80+, I finished, but suffered the last nine and faded horribly. What walkers need to know: Despite it being beautiful scenically, it's an insanely hilly (every hole) course. No matter that I'm in great shape for my age (66), I recommend riding no matter your age. You will enjoy yourself more, and almost certainly play better. I will play Tilden (but NEVER WALK it) again.
Redwood Canyon Golf Course
Played On 08/20/2022Scenic and fun.
I play1-2x /wk. Usually full length (6800+ yds). But, I really enjoy this little course (roughly 6200 from tips), for its natural beauty, pleasant weather, NICE GREENS, and fun layout (nice variety of holes). I personally feel it plays tougher than it's (116?) rating..and enjoy the number of different club selections required. It can sometimes present slow play, but due to its length, even slow play often results in a <4hr round. Lately, there may be more "novices" playing, but they almost always make an effort to play as rapidly as they can. A lot of course improvements completed and ongoing lately (new drainage, new and repaired tee boxes). All good stuff. I'll continue playing there every 3-4 weeks on weekends, because I feel it's very good "bang for the buck".
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club
Played On 06/22/2022On the whole, good changes outweigh not so good.
Have always loved this course for the awesome layout, and the natural beauty...both of which have made it a constant challenge. In my opinion the many changes taking place the past 6+ months (w/ new ownership) are mostly for the good. The almost always healthy greens, are as good as ever. The bunkers (those remaining) are finally being cared for, as are the long neglected teeboxes. All good. But, I'm a bit concerned that the ongoing removal of trees and bunkers is being overdone. True, some of both were in extraneous locations and rarely, if ever came into play. But, I fear the course will be losing some of its challenge ie. becoming to forgiving in allowing recovery from poor shots. For me, time will tell if the improved maintenance outweighs the reduced challenge. But, I'll still love the course for its wonderful (conforming to the terrain) layout and natural beauty.
Whitney Oaks Golf Club
Played On 06/01/2022Only played it a few times
I've only played Whitney Oaks a few times.....only because it's quite a distance from my home (226 miles round trip).
But, I really like this course (especially the back 9). It's a great layout w/ a lot of variation and creative holes. I like the fact that it flows w/ the natural topography, and has many beautiful trees (old oaks etc.) and boulders. Very scenic....my kind of course.
Can say, whenever it works w/ my schedule, I will play it again in a "New York minute"......and again, and again.
That's about all I can say.
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club
Played On 01/10/2022Still a bit wet from storms
I had planned on waiting a few more days (all forecasted sun) but my biz schedule forced me to play earlier. As expected, the course, mainly fairways were still soggy. I lost my enthusiasm, after losing my 5th & 6th ball (all of which were in the fairway) due to plugging, the white unmowed clover blooms, or a combination of both).
I do mot and can't blame the course as they hadn't been able to mow for about a week. The greens were beautiful though. Pristine, still firm, and fairly quick.
I'll be back for my usual weekly round next week after things have dried out, and been groomed. One thing, though. The new owner is taking out an innumerable # of trees, which honestly bums me out. Seems like no one is really monitoring the "arborists" or visualizing how much this might negatively effect the course's flavor. I wish, if they'd felt the need to remove something,y they would (or would have unfortunately) concentrated on removing the massive swaths of poison oak and some of the overgrown blackberry bushes. Honestly, my feeling is "better off left alone". I loved the "natural wildness" of the course, and now it appears they'll be trying to turn it into some sort of groomed resort course, of which there are already way too many. My personal opinion/preference anyway.
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club
Played On 07/15/2021My BayArea Public Fave
Play Hiddenbrooke pretty much every week. Never tire of it as a true test, because I love the layout. Every hole is a challenge in it's own way, and a treat to take on. This round, the pace was great, and the breezes were a factor, but not a big hindrance. It was a cool (for July) day, but pleasant.
Eventually the tee boxes and bunkers will be improved (I hope), though historically the greens have always been excellent...both in difficulty and condition.
But, I do now worry about the greens, as within the past few weeks, it appears a fungus is propagating on practically every green and affecting the true roll quite a bit.
I hope this can be gotten under control very soon, or things could become dire. I wish the greenskeeper all the luck in the world. My fingers are crossed.
Shoreline Golf Links at Mountain View
Played On 03/27/2021Forgot Greens Were Punched
I'd forgotten they'd sent out an email regarding greens being punched last week. Oh well. Was able to go off early, and got in 18 just before dark. Carried, so got in some nice exercise in beautiful weather and witnessed a gorgeous FULL MOONRISE while playing the last few holes. So, though greens were really PUNCHED (BIG holes and gobs of sand), I still struck the ball well and enjoyed the 3 strangers I played with.
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club
Played On 02/24/2021Front 9 twice
Everything was the usual. We love playing here because of the challenge (from the tips) and the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. This day was no different except for the fact we had to play the front nine twice (as they were punching the back greens at the time.).
Thank you for your feedback! We will share your rating with the staff and we appreciate your response! We hope to see you at the club on your next visit.
Sincerely,
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club Staff
Peacock Gap Golf Club
Played On 08/05/2020Acceptable Round
Considering how full the course was, the pace of play was decent. Greens were in good shape, though recently sanded (so a bit slow). Windy, but nice weather. Acceptable round overall.
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club
Played On 07/29/2020Wonderful, as (almost) always.
We were a 2-some behind a 3-some and many 4-somes, but finished in 3hr 30min. Weather great (a little breezy but tha's OK). Greens mostly in good condition, despite getting a lot of play lately. We play here once a week (or more) and love it. The layout can't be beat. Every hole is unique (and even special). Nothing boring here. Never get tired of the challenge or the beauty of the course and it's surrounding.
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club
Played On 02/12/2020Spring/Summer in Feb.
Perfect weather, near perfect greens, perfect pace of play, perfect service, and a few "nearly perfect" shots....all with a good friend, made for a perfect day.
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club
Played On 02/20/2019Dry 9....Wet 9
After mucho rain and only 3 days of sunshine...we decided to give it a shot (well numerous shots), and despite "cart path only", the fairways were very acceptable and the greens surprisingly fast and firm.. Weather sunny and a bit windy on front nine, but rain hung over and pelted us holes 10 thru 17.. But we toughed it out and the sun reappeared on the 18th tee. It was well worth it, and the babbling brooks and waterfalls were a nice addition.
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club
Played On 12/12/2018Never get tired of this one.
It's my favorite SF Bay Area public course. There may (I repeat "may") be a couple others that rival the layout (although not all 18 holes) and natural beauty......but they are exorbitantly priced in comparison. I just love the course and will never tire of it. It's not the longest by any means, but the challenge, especially from the tips is wonderful. You must think and hit good shots. Very unforgiving but fair at the same time. If you play it for the first time, you'll have to overlook the less than quality bunkers (good sand is needed in most) and many of the teeboxes. They need work, but what you get for the money in terms of the course is too good to complain
Blue Rock Springs Golf Course - West
Played On 09/28/2018Enjoyable round.
Got matched w/ another couple singles. One on his phone over half the time. The other a beginner.
However, both were very nice guys, and despite what I've stated we played at the allowed pace and finished in 4hr20min. The greens were in excellent shape....and very springy (very difficult to get approach shots to bite. Was quite windy, but not unbearable.....just required more strategy. Played the older, classic West Course, which I favor alot over the newer East layout. It was an enjoyable round despite the "struggling newbie". I am not one to offer swing/shot advice but he was open and it was fun to see him follow my swing suggestions and execute them successfully. A couple nice guys, and I often recommend this short (6100 tips) but fun course to others.
Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park
Played On 05/07/2018Deforestation.....so sad!
Used to play this course about once a month (ten years ago), and liked everything about it.....except the greens, which were fuzzy and way too slow. But the layout was interesting and the scenery beautiful and calming. Many, many mature trees, lots of water, and postage stamp (mostly elevated and slightly domed) greens: So played yesterday (introducing a good friend to the course) w/ mixed expectations. Expecting the beautiful trees everywhere and also expecting (but hoping not so much) the slow greens.
I was wrong on both counts. The greens were in great condition....and, to my surprise, firm and pretty fast. However, I was and am greatly saddened by the massive number of trees they've lost (and are in the process of losing). All of them, it appears, are pines that died (are dying) do to the drought of 2 years ago and/or disease brought on by the drought. I feel so badly for Napa County and the course management that are having to experience this. It's truly heartbreaking to behold. That said, there remains quite a number of healthy mature trees (non-pines mostly) and I hope the county will be quick with plantings of fast growing, hearty species that will return some of the course's lost beauty......although it will take many, many years, as most of the pines lost were likely close to 100 years in age and older. I still recommend this course for it's creative, classic layout and wish Napa County and the management all the best in it's ongoing battle w/ nature.
The Metropolitan Golf Links
Played On 02/22/2018Froze my Tookus off!
Never, and I mean never, have I played in wind that bad. It was a steady 30-35 (w/ occasional 40-45 mph gusts) bringing the wind-chill factor down to below freezing. The cool temp was bad enough but the absolutely biting (steadily 5+ club) wind was unbearable. However, since booked on GNow, and knew I would get no refund, I "played" (and I use that term generously) 18. The greens were so smooth and firm that balls were blowing completely off them from a standing start. Anyway, sad I couldn't enjoy the fact that the course was in great shape, and no one else was on it for my entire back nine. Will never do that again. Course fine. Weather.....MISERABLE.
Canyon Lakes Golf Course & Brewery
Played On 10/11/2017SMOKIN' !!!!!
Played in the heavy smoke (was only super bad the last few holes.......wore our NIOSH N95 masks the last couple holes.....funny, sorta.).
Greens in good shape, fairways just OK. We like the layout. Pace a little slow first few holes, cuz NCGA group (4 guys) out there taking course info. for the annual rating (difficulty: stroke/slope). But, after got thru them, we flew. Had one of the brewery craft beers afterwards in the new bar/restaurant. Their doing alot of work/improvements to the facility which should start to pay off soon.
Brentwood Golf Club - Creekside/Hillside Course
Played On 09/20/2017Much TLC needed, but like the layout.
We like the layout. It's truly interesting, especially the green surrounds/complexes. But the course--every part--was in dire need of major rehab. Good news is they had fertilized and seeded and were watering the course heavily in front and behind us as we played. They will also be punching the greens next week. I really hope they can get the conditions up to what this course deserves.
Hello, u000003835256. Thank you for visiting us at Redwood Canyon Golf Course. We appreciate your 4-star rating and review. We hope you join us for another round soon.