Torn between two courses... Help!

[cb24]

So i thought i had fully committed to becoming a member at Talega Golf Club in san clemente and checked out a Private course nearby called Bella Collina before diving in. Course looks pretty nice (havent played it yet), 27 hole layout with 3 different 9 hole courses (all par 36's) that are designed with links style. My question is this, this course looks nice but has a lot of elevation changes and smaller greens while Talega is a little longer with a more traditional layout as far as elevation changes and green sizes. What would be the best for game improvement? Are significant elevation changes going to cause too much home field acclamation? The 3 different combos are as follows:

6800 yds 73.5 rating 141 slope

6600 yds 72.4 rating 137 slope

6400 yds 71.5 rating 136 slope

 

 

There are a small number of members and the course is not supposed to be very busy being a private course. So if given the choice, and having to pay a bit more money (not crazy but definitely more) which would you choose? Also the Talega is for Monday thru Friday while the other course is for 7 days a week.

 

thanks a lot in advance my fellow WRX'ers

[outwardnine]

Forget about the course. What are the members like? Whobwouldbyou be playing with? Are there competitions? How easy is it to get a casual game that fits around your lifestyle, work commitments etc?

I jade this exact dilemma a few years ago. I faced the choice between a high spec 36 hole club and a far cheaper 18 hole layout. I went with the high spec club and found that there was no social side. No club atmosphere and I didn't enjoy going there. The course was fantastic but that became less important over time. Eventually I left and joined the other club. It has become like a second home and I've made loads of friends there. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

[cb24]

[quote name='outwardnine' timestamp='1349506817' post='5757839']
Forget about the course. What are the members like? Whobwouldbyou be playing with? Are there competitions? How easy is it to get a casual game that fits around your lifestyle, work commitments etc?

I jade this exact dilemma a few years ago. I faced the choice between a high spec 36 hole club and a far cheaper 18 hole layout. I went with the high spec club and found that there was no social side. No club atmosphere and I didn't enjoy going there. The course was fantastic but that became less important over time. Eventually I left and joined the other club. It has become like a second home and I've made loads of friends there. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
[/quote]

thanks for the reply, its good to think about. My #1 goal is to golf as much as possible and I am looking for a relaxed atmosphere (seems very down to earth especially for a private course) and low traffic. That might be what really brings me to this course. The extra $$$ might be worth it just because time wise it would save me quite a bit.

[outwardnine]

I hope it works out for you.

[cb24]

thanks i played the private course today and it is decent but a lot of ups and it really screws up the yardage so I am not sure about that course.

[Swisstrader98]

I would actually play each before joining. Would also agree, it's all about the membership. Spend some time in the dining room, the sports bar, pro shop and just walk around each place to really get a feel for the members.