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Southern California Trip Report February 2019


Argonne69

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I'm in the LA area for 4 days, and hopefully 7 rounds of golf. My plans were to play Olivas Links, Angeles National, Tierra Rejada, Rustic Canyon, Oak Quarry, Black Gold, and Trump National. However, the weather appears to be throwing those plans to the wind. I'll post reviews as I go, and pics when I get home.

 

I started the day at Olivas Links. I had the first tee time of the day, but after 45 minutes, nobody showed up to open the course. I called a few local courses, but all were closed due to the rain. I wound up a mile away at Buenaventura. It was cart path only, but at least I got out on the course. Not much of a course mind you. Conditions of the fairways and rough were about as bad as you can get. Bare spots. Saturated turf. However, I must say the greens were in excellent condition, and had some serious undulations. Although wet, they rolled with good speed.

 

The course is very short at barely 6000 yds. Not much to look at. I thought the par 3s were decent, but otherwise it was forgettable.

 

It's been 3 weeks since I swung a club, but the rust came off quickly. Playing in a steady rain seems to get me focused. Well, at least for 9 holes. I drove the ball well on the front, hitting every fairway, but I started leaking oil on the back. I couldn't keep my grips dry, and I struggled. Limped home to a decent 81.

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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My 2nd round of the day was supposed to be at Angeles National, but they were washed out. After a few calls I wound up back at Olivas Links. It seems that someone managed to get out of bed. It was walking only, which was tough given the wet conditions. Quite a workout. Other than a squal that blew through on the 7th hole and soaked everything that had started to dry out, it was dry and breezy.

 

As the name implies, the course is a links layout with very few trees on the property. Of course the big tree on the long par 4 16th comes into play unless you have a 300 yd drive in your bag. Lol. I imagine the course plays firm and fast most days, but today it was wet and slow. Conditions were spotty, but playable for the most part. I only had to take relief from casual water a few times. I generally liked the layout, but I thought there could be more fairway bunkering to help frame the holes. For the most part there isn't any trouble off the tee, and the fairways are quite generous. The greens are fairly large, so getting a GIR is not a guarantee of an automatic 2 putt.

 

I thought the par 4s could use more variety. There aren't many short ones that require less than driver. The 5s were fairly uninteresting. A couple of the par 3s had some character, but otherwise fairly benign.

 

Decent round ballstriking with 12 fairways and 11 greens. With the generous fairways and greens, it's not a big accomplishment. Two nice birdies offset nine bogies. A couple of three putts hurt the cause.

 

Overall I thought it was a decent course. 'Definitely would have liked to play it in dry conditions. Tough call on a solid recommendation. I'll say it does have a unique look for the area, so if you're tired of parkland golf, give it a shot.

 

Hitting a few brewpubs on the way to Simi Valley. I'm hoping Angeles National is open in the morning. If not I'll likely wind up at Tierra Rejada. Rustic Canyon is on the schedule for the afternoon.

 

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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The par 3 17th at Olivas Links

 

20190214_143159.jpg

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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I've played both courses at PH, and TN. I chose TN due to its proximity to LAX. I may reconsider. I thought TN was decent, but both PH courses are better no doubt.

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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I got lucky with the weather this morning. Heck, I even saw some blue skies for a few minutes. I wound up at Angeles National. It was cart path only, but the turf was in fairly decent shape. The bunkers were wet, and had standing water in some of them, but for the most part they were playable. The greens rolled nicely with moderate speed.

 

The course winds its way through a valley with picturesque hills on both sides. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed with the flat terrain. On the drive up I was expecting a little elevation change on the course. It's a Jack Nicklaus design, and it has his signature elements. The fairways are generous, but there are still plenty of deep fairway bunkers to make you pay for an errant teeshot. The greens have a lot of character, but less undulation than many of his designs. Still, getting the ball close to the pin is no easy matter, and two putts are far from automatic. I thought it had a very good mix of long and short holes for all pars. As expected, the short holes were no pushovers. A good example is the 18th. A good drive leaves a short iron, but the green looks like it's hanging out in the water. A definite knee knocker.

 

Off the fairways is rocky terrain with cactus and other native plants. Don't go there. Lol. It had the feel of a desert course at times.

 

Great round ballstriking. It's so much easier without rain gear. I found a few fairway bunkers early in the round, but straightened things out after a few holes. 11 greens were nice, but I only carded 2 birdies. With this being my first visit, I wasn't pin seeking on the tough greens. I'll gladly take the six over and head to Rustic Canyon.

 

Overall I enjoyed the course. Yeah, some elevation change would be nice, but that's nitpicking. Solid test of golf.

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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Angeles National

 

20190215_091713.jpg

 

20190215_092742.jpg

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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Rustic Canyon this afternoon. I must say this is quite a unique layout. Similar to Angeles National, it routes through a valley. That's where the similarities end. The course is basically a links layout. It has an extremely natural look. Groomed it is not. The greens are humongous. I don't think I've ever seen greens this big. Heck, there are sprinkler heads in the middle of most of them. While the greens are not crazy, they have some serious undulations. A GIR is only half the battle. The front is fairly flat. The back has a modest elevation change on 16 and 17. There were a good mix of long and short holes. It rained for most of the back nine, so the long holes played really long. The short holes had more challenging greens, so birdies were hard to come by. The holes were fairly straightforward for the most part. What you saw is what you got.

 

Conditions were decent. It was once again cart path only. The greens were rolling fine, but slowed as the rain accumulated.

 

Given the generous fairways it's no surprise I hit 12 of them. Greens were also gettable. Unfortunately the three putts came in buckets. I don't recall ever having so many putts over 60 feet. Lol. I limped home in a heavy rain with an 82.

 

I'm definitely giving this one a solid recommendation. If you like your golf natural, this is the place.

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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The traffic here never ceases to amaze me. My hotel tonight is in Fontana, and it's 3 hours from Rustic Canyon (80 miles). Going to be a long drive.

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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Rustic Canyon.

 

20190215_142257.jpg

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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I got lucky with the weather this morning. Heck, I even saw some blue skies for a few minutes. I wound up at Angeles National. It was cart path only, but the turf was in fairly decent shape. The bunkers were wet, and had standing water in some of them, but for the most part they were playable. The greens rolled nicely with moderate speed.

 

The course winds its way through a valley with picturesque hills on both sides. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed with the flat terrain. On the drive up I was expecting a little elevation change on the course. It's a Jack Nicklaus design, and it has his signature elements. The fairways are generous, but there are still plenty of deep fairway bunkers to make you pay for an errant teeshot. The greens have a lot of character, but less undulation than many of his designs. Still, getting the ball close to the pin is no easy matter, and two putts are far from automatic. I thought it had a very good mix of long and short holes for all pars. As expected, the short holes were no pushovers. A good example is the 18th. A good drive leaves a short iron, but the green looks like it's hanging out in the water. A definite knee knocker.

 

Off the fairways is rocky terrain with cactus and other native plants. Don't go there. Lol. It had the feel of a desert course at times.

 

Great round ballstriking. It's so much easier without rain gear. I found a few fairway bunkers early in the round, but straightened things out after a few holes. 11 greens were nice, but I only carded 2 birdies. With this being my first visit, I wasn't pin seeking on the tough greens. I'll gladly take the six over and head to Rustic Canyon.

 

Overall I enjoyed the course. Yeah, some elevation change would be nice, but that's nitpicking. Solid test of golf.

 

When a course is designed by the Nicklaus Design group, owned by Jack Nicklaus, you can be sure Jack never stepped on the property. I believe Steve Nicklaus designed the course but I could be wrong. That piece of land was sitting there for years and it was well known that Coore/Crenshaw really wanted the job but unfortunately they didn’t get the job. Nicklaus design swooped in and got the bid. Courses done by Jack are designed by Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus Design group is owned by Jack but generally speaking done by his kids or other relatives, with very little input from Jack himself.

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OK, this is more like it. A beautiful, sunny morning at Oak Quarry. It was cart path only, but the rain has passed for now. I'll admit. I'm a sucker for elevated tees, and panoramic views, and this course has them in bunches. I'll let the pictures do the talking, but let's just say it's a visual treat. There is a good mix of holes, including a couple of reachable par 5s if you manage to find the speed slot. The bunkering was well done, especially around the greens. The greens were very challenging without being brutal. Multiple tiers on many holes made it tough to stick approaches close.

 

Conditions were spotty. Very good on many holes, but very wet on others. The greens were rolling nicely though.

 

Very good round with the driver hitting 11 fairways. I found the speed slot on two of the par 5s, and was able to reach each in two, leading to birdies. Iron play was so so. I hit a few sweeping draws that missed left, but the majority got the job done. A few three putts were disappointing, but I'm very happy with the six over round.

 

I was very excited impressed by the course. Besides the excellent views, it's a solid test. Definitely recommended.

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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Oak Quarry.

 

20190216_082540.jpg

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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Your trip reviews are always very well done and please keep the pictures coming. I too live in SoCal and have not played some of these courses so your write ups are helpful both ways...allows me to see the ones to avoid and the ones to add to my list to play. Sounds like you’re getting the full experience with our horrible traffic? :). I know you’re a beer guy so have you tried any of SoCal’s local breweries? If you’re near LB try either Beachwood or Brouwerij West. You won’t be disappointed.

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Thanks. I'll post full pics on Monday.

 

Oh yeah, I've hit 6 brewpubs on this trip. I'm currently enjoying the leisurely pace of weekend public golf at Black Gold GC. Lol. We're on pace for a 5 hour round. I get spoiled with my early morning tee times.

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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I finished the day with a (long) round at Black Gold GC. Maybe it's the fatigue, but after Oak Quarry the course left me wanting. Yes, it had the nice elevated tees, along with plenty of elevation change. However, the course was uninspiring. They could have done a lot more with the terrain. For starters the housing is a bit too confining. The front feels very tight. The back does open update a bit, and is definitely the better of the two nines. There were a couple of short par 4s, but they were far from challenging. OTOH, the par 3s were tough, including two that played 200 yds. I'm a big fan of fairway bunkers that help frame the hole. Nope, not here. The bunkers are there, but they're barely visible. I thought that the green complexes were very good. There were some very subtle breaks that left you stratching your head.

 

Conditioning was once again spotty. It was cart path only again. Plenty of wet spots, but generally playable. Sadly, the bunkers were a mess. Standing water in most of them.

 

The gas tank is on 'E'. As is the norm on my extended trips, the lower back tightens, and it's brutal. I got off the tee OK, hitting 11 fairways. However, when the back goes, the shoulder drops, and the irons become obese city. I managed only 7 greens. A few good scrambles couldn't salvage the round.

 

Overall I'd have to say skip this one unless you're simply looking for a 2nd round of the day to fill out your schedule. Playable, yes, but it's not a destination course.

 

Edit: OK, I think it's the fatigue. I looked through the my pics, and the course is not as pinched as I first thought. I still think they could have done a lot more with the terrain, but it's not as bad as my first impression.

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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Black Gold GC.

 

20190216_145716.jpg

 

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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Cinque Per Amici and Exercise in Lunacy, just two of the delicious stouts at Bottle Logic Brewing in Anaheim, CA. Heaven.

 

20190216_165729.jpg

 

20190216_165200.jpg

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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I finished my trip at Trump National. I played the course last February, and my opinion hasn't changed. If you like great views, this place has it big time. Conditioning was very good, even though it was cart path only. Fairways were lush, and the greens speedy. The bunkers looked great, but they could use more sand. A number of them were nearly hardpan.

 

Given the slope of the terrain, I'm not sure what more could be done with the layout except the back and forth that we got. Many complain that it's monotonous, but I think there's enough variety to keep ones interest when your not looking at the coastline. With the northwest wind, the course played very long on half the holes, and very short on the others. I do agree that it's a tough driving test, as anything off the fairway is pretty much lost in the thick scrub. Gotta have your A driving game here. I really like the greens. They're not crazy, but they sure aren't boring. I think the bunkering is spot on for the most part, although a few holes could use some additional ones in the fairway. Par 3s are excellent, with a good mix of length. I hit a gap wedge on one of the short ones downwind, but also it a fairway wood on one of the long ones playing into the wind.

 

Besides mother nature dumping rain on us mid-round for 3 holes, I had two complaints that should not occur at an expensive course. First, get the d*mn GPS right. 'Hate firing at pins that aren't there. Second, I like to take care of the course. Would it be asking too much to have sand/seed in the sand bottles?

 

I didn't have high expectations for the round, and I wasn't disappointed. Once again I got off the tee OK, hitting 11 fairways, but the combination of wind and wet left some very long approaches. Greens were MIA for the most part. However, I did manage to reach one of the downwind par 5s in two, leading to a birdie, and I followed that up with a birdie on the next long downwind par 4. Otherwise, hey, look at the nice scenery. Lol.

 

Overall I really like this course. Yes, it has some downsides, but I certainly believe it's worth a visit. 'Just remember to bring the straightest driver you own.

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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The tips on the 18th at Trump National playing 512 yds into a headwind. Umm, no I didn't play from here. I hit driver/5h playing from the blues at 390 yds.

 

20190217_133824.jpg

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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I was hoping to hit a final brewpub before heading to LAX, but the cart path only 4.5 hour round spoiled those plans. Enjoying a tasty North Coast Old Rasputin RIS at Rock & Brews at the airport. My body aches, and my feet are blistered. I don't think my feet have been dry since I stepped foot on Buenaventura. 6 rounds of cart path only, and one round walking is almost like work. I'll post full pics tomorrow, and my final comments and rankings on Tuesday.

 

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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Buenaventura GC. 'Not much to look at.

 

20190214_072851s.jpg

 

20190214_075759s.jpg

 

20190214_080927s.jpg

 

20190214_095031s.jpg

 

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Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

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