Wine Valley

[bilabong32]

Walla Walla,WA

Has anyone played here before? I will be up in the Walla Walla area and was looking at playing there and was wondering what people think of it.

Thanks

[dan360]

It's windy, but fun.

I'm not a course ho so I can't comment on grass type, sand fluffiness ratio, or stimp of the greens, but I had a good time.

The price was reasonable and from the tips it can kick your butt. I played from the blues as I was there on a work trip and saw no reason to punish myself. A couple of the par 5's from the tips are pretty long...IIRC it is hole #10 that plays into the wind 610 from the tips.

Cheers

[bilabong32]

Oh I hear you on that windy one. I have been up there a few times and it has been quite gusty a few times.

Well I am not either so it's no biggie. I am just looking for how courses play.

I am always up for reasonable prices. I enjoy a challenge and from what you are saying it can provide one if you want it. Thanks for the input, I think I will be playing here as apposed to Veterans.

[teejaywhy]

I've never played it personally but it got very good reviews from people whose judgement I trust.

[oregongolf]

It's a great track with tough greens. In 5-10 years, it might be one of the best courses in the state.

 

It played very firm and fast when I played it last summer. I'd play Palouse Ridge before it all day though (at least for now). That might be my favorite course on that side of the state.

 

 

 

 

[bilabong32]

That is a great looking course. I will have to check out Palouse Ridge sometime as it doesn't look incredibly far from Walla Walla.

[TheGeekGolfer]

[quote name='bilabong32' date='28 June 2010 - 12:52 PM' timestamp='1277758350' post='2542640']
That is a great looking course. I will have to check out Palouse Ridge sometime as it doesn't look incredibly far from Walla Walla.
[/quote]

A little background - I grew up in Walla Walla and used to live only about 5 miles from where they built the new Wine Valley course. I also went to WSU (Pullman - Palouse Ridge), but graduated in 1990 waaaayy before they finished / built Palouse Ridge.

First -

I've played the Wine Valley course twice, both times in the summer. I really like it, my only complaint is that the bunkers up by the greens were not maintained AT ALL. The sand in them was hard and/or non-existent. Hopefully they fixed that issue! If not, stay out of them at all costs. The fairway bunkers are the same, but then again, you aren't trying to 'flop' one from there, so that's not as big of a deal.

The course is long, but you get alot of roll on the undulating fairways. I played the black tees (second from the tips) and shot 81 and 80. It's a links style, so you can run it along the ground and use the slope of the fairways to your advantage. Also, the greens are HUGE, so if you are a good putter, you will like it alot. The greens are fast, too. Pay attention to the surrounding slope and put your imagination cap on, there are often different ways to play your putts depending on hole locations. For example, #14 (or maybe #8?) had the pin the front left portion of the green and I was in the middle of the green. I played it right of the pin about six fee and got my birdie putt to stop just left of the hole for a tap in par. After that, I putted from the same spot at a 90-degree angle to the left up into the fringe and it rolled down to within inches of the hole.

My brother hated the course, but then again, he wasn't playing well and was putting bad, so thought it was to 'silly'.


Second -

Pullman is about a 2 hr drive north of Walla Walla, the road isn't the greatest, you feel like you are out in the middle of nowhere (which, you are! ). Watch the area around Colfax, it can be tricky your first time through if you aren't paying attention.

Third -

Another fun course is the golf course at the Wild Horse Casino in between Walla Walla and Pendleton, OR.

Fourth -

Check out the local wineries, there are about 20-30 of them up by the airport, all close by for easy tasting. Close to the golf course is Three Rivers and Cougar Crest, both great wineries. A little further West of the course is Lowden, home to Waterbrook, Woodward Canyon and L 'Ecole No . 41 (a cute old school house).

For food, check out T. Maccarone's and Creektown Cafe (great food and desserts made daily).

[bilabong32]

Ah good to hear from a WW native. It will be a nice course to give a shot. I am a big fan of links courses for the most part, it is time to pull out the backup driver for some low bombs with lots of spin.

Have you played Wild Horse by chance?

Oh I can agree with you on the wineries comment. It seems like every time I go up there more pop up. The wine culture in the area has really grown since the first time I was there.

Ah T. Maccarone's is a place I always want to try when I am up there but never get a chance. My sister tells me that the Truffle Mac&Cheese is amazing there among other things. I always get distracted with other places there. A Walla Walla visit is never complete without going to Clarette's and The Iceberg though.

[TheGeekGolfer]

The Ice Burg is a 'must stop'... the ONLY PLACE I've been able to get a 'Lime Milkshake' - try it, it's a great flavor.

Yes...I've played Wild Horse a few times, I like it alot, and a good value!

[bilabong32]

Hmmm I will have to give the Lime a shot next time.

How does Wild Horse play?