TedZink

I have played at the course when it was Moreno Valley Ranch and now as Rancho Del Sol. I understand it must be tough to bring a course back to life after it sits idle for however long the initial closure lasted. As some of the other reviews mentioned the initial perception will usually paint the picture for the future impressions and patronage. The amount of scraggly, dead areas seems to be excessive, all the courses in So. Cal. have to fight the often arid and drought prone conditions, so IMO it would be wise to intentionally "rough up" the areas that make maintenance difficult and/or costly. Those areas can then be used to frame the fairways visually, at that point, more effective attention and maintenance can be placed on the actual areas that are in play. As it stands now, the scraggly areas appear to be encroaching onto the fairways, which does nothing positive for the course perception and is probably the biggest culprit to the more negative. comments. Some other courses have actually laid down artificial turf and over-seeded the high traffic areas to ease the strain on keeping those areas green. Secondly, I can't speak to any former, or possible current vandalism, but having a building with boarded up windows again just adds to the negative visual perceptions. Even if the interior of the building isn't yet functional, having the exterior look intact will increase patrons impressions to a more positive level. There are many positives about the course, the greens, staff, being a Dye design, the back nine, beautiful views, etc... I realize that I'm not a designer, greenskeeper, superintendent, or general manager, but I've seen these suggestion work at other area courses and hope they'll be considered as a way to get Rancho Del Sol to a more viable, profitable facility. We need all the good courses we can get. Thanks for reading this long.

Maps sent me to the wrong entrance which didn't get things off to a great start. Then there were the virus restrictions, no... driving range, sand for divots, rakes for bunkers, ball washers, on course water to drink. The snack bar gave us a bag of ice whch probably actually did saved our lives, way more than the stupid virus rules. What virus LIVES on surfaces in 115 degree weather? NOT Covid19. The arbitrary government resrictions are denying the science of the CDC and WHO.
The fairways and tee boxes were in great shape, the course was beatifully maintained. I was not fond of the greens. Not a grass expert, but I realize that it's tough in the extreme temps. to keep the greens up. I had a referrence point from a course in the area the day before, so the greens could have been a bit faster and smoother.
I played 18 holes as a single in just about 2:30, a foursome was kind enough (waiting) to let me pass, but they could have played the next hole during the multiple strokes I was expending in a trap and the impending 4 putt. once I was out.
The staff was great, both friendly, and nice.
Even though I didn't play as well as I thought I should have, it's a fun course and next time I'll hit the shots I'm supposed to.

I hadn't been to Desert Dunes in over 25 years and had really wanted to play there after moving back to So Cal.
The course is challenging and still has the old bones, but is must tough times, as it needs some work to regain the former glory. The fairways were dry, but the greens were good, the range was not great, I think there's a beehive in a light post, as I started getting buzzed while I was warming up. To be fair, It's a hot summer in the desert and water is expensive. Not to mention the devastation our government is reeking on independent businesses over this virus. That certainly doesn't help matters.
The course makes you think your way around, and I hope it doesn't suffer the the ultimate sacrifice.
I may have met the owner, he seems like a good, caring, level headed guy.

The clubhouse, range, and course was much nicer than I had expected. Lots of elevation changes on the front nine especially, and the greens had good variety with mounds, hollows, and break. Really have to focus playing here. This was my 1st time here and will be back.

This was my 1st time playing Candlewood. It was easy to find the entrance and the parking lot is close to the clubhouse and driving range. The mostly mats range is clearly marked for yardages and has an "irons only" area and a longer section for woods/driver. The course is very green, plays tight, not particularly long, and has good elevation changes. Greens are true and fast. I went out in the early afternoon and finished quickly. I would like to put the course in my rotation.

I usually play Mohawk River 4-5 times per year, it is a challenging course, even though it is somewhat flat. Is an easy walk if you usually walk.

The pro called me to let me know about the wet course conditions and that 8/5/18 was walking only. I cancelled the reservation since I was not going to be able to walk the course that day. I really like the course.