Golf Top 18 - Golf Top 18 Recent Courses Blog

A Dream (Partially) Deferred

8/18/2019

Streamsong Golf Course Review Picture

My personal best for golf holes played in one day is 54, at Saticoy Country Club as a MUCH younger man. When I took a family trip to Florida recently and escaped for one "alone day" of golf, I toyed with the idea of going to the Streamsong Resort and playing all three offerings, Black, Red, and Blue. It was tempting as I knew that I would be in a cart for all three rounds (walking in Florida in June is a fools errand). I also worked out the tee time situation and thought it would be possible as I was there on near the longest day of the year. A friend had told me the biggest problem would be any afternoon thunderstorms, which are prevalent in that area for much of the summer. So, after working the numbers (and my current age), I elected to take the more reasonable approach and play just the newer Streamsong Black course (pictured above), followed by the generally better thought of, although only slightly (red vs blue) Streamsong Red Course (pictured below).

Both courses were amazing in their own rights and quite a bit varied, which I enjoyed. I'd heartily recommend any serious golfers stop by or stay at this resort Also, as an aside, the thunderstorms predicted by my friend did not disappoint and I only ACTUALLY got in 34 holes before the rain sent me packing.

Top Florida Golf Review Picture

Reunion Squared

8/4/2019

Reunion Golf Review Picture

I recently journeyed with my family to have a theme park filled adventure in Orlando, Florida. This was our third time to the area and we elected to reunite with our favorite resort in the area, the Reunion resort (hence the Reunion squared...sad isn't it). I promise I'm not affiliated with them, but the condo unit we stayed in is one of our favorites and the on-site pools and water park are really fun. Of course, let's not beat around the bush too much. It doesn't hurt that there are three golf courses on site. I'd played the Independence (Tom Watson Design) and Legacy (Arnold Palmer design) on my last trip but was able to also play the Nicklaus Course this time around. All three have their reviews finalized as of the latest trip.

A couple of "Local" Updates

7/25/2019

Los Angeles County Golf Course Review Picture

Knowing that I golf, people often ask me where I play. They then regret the long answer I give as there really isn't a lot of feasible/convenient options nearby. The choice for the Los Angeles "basin" golfer is between 5.5 hour rounds at cheaper public options, a few high-priced options that might get you a 4.5 hour round (maybe) or country clubs usually are beyond the means of the average golfer.

So, heading "out" is the norm and I recently updated a couple of reviews: one in Ventura County for the Vineyard Course at River Ridge (about 75 minute drive north and west) and one for Black Gold (about 75 minute drive south and east). The former is from my old "home town" so I play it more often but the latter is having it's first update in about a decade.

Portrush (update for the Open...from afar)

7/14/2019

Although I could see only the routing of the new 7th and 8th holes at Royal Portrush Dunluce Links Course when I played in 2016 (they were still being formed, not ready for actual play), based on where they were on the property, I could tell they would be a welcome improvement to the docile 17th and 18th holes that I finished on. To be fair, the drive on the 17th did have to avoid one of the largest bunkers I've ever seen, but these new holes should signal a massive improvement for the Open Championship that is held there this upcoming week, and the former 16th hole, now the 18th hole, is a more appropriate, tough finish. I'm very excited to watch this week and I'm extraordinarily curious if anybody will hit a shot long and OB on the short, par four 5th hole, which would be a massive, and likely, championship ending error. The Open Championship 2019 Golf Course Review is updated to reflect the new routing, and scorecard.

Open Championship 2019 Golf Course Review Picture

I Almost Forgot...

7/2/2019

Arroyo Golf Club Review Picture

Although not a ringing endorsement, I almost forgot to post my review of the Arroyo Golf Club near Las Vegas, Nevada, which I played a couple of months back. The golf course was quite tough, and in good shape, with kind staff and nice amenities, but wasn't the most memorable golf course, which, given how this site works, means it's not my most thorough golf course review.

First in a Long Time

6/29/2019

Shadow Ridge Golf review Picture

To be honest, starting this golf course review endeavor was something that started in my 20s and hit it's frenzied stride in my 30s. By now, well into my 40s, I've found, at least locally, that I've been fortunate enough to play many of the golf courses I've wanted to. Thus, the pace of new golf courses has slowed as I truly enjoy re-playing several golf courses near my home.

To that end, the quintessential weekend golf trip where I live means heading to the Palm Springs area. Over the past few years, my golf out there has been mostly limited to repeat performances, but that string is now broken with adding my review of Shadow Ridge Golf Course. Enjoy!

Twice in One Year

6/15/2019

Terra Lago Golf Review Picture

These days it is not often I do an update to a golf course twice in the same year. However, this is the case with the Terra Lago North Course, which just had another hole added. I also updated my review with three new golf holes added to the Terra Lago South Course, which I played on my recent annual golf trip with my friends.

Just a minor Tweak

5/31/2019

PGA West Stadium Course is great and a long-standing fixture on the GolfTop18 list for both the course and individual holes listing, so my review was already very positive. However, my first golf round out there in 9 years allowed for the opportunity to update with some better pictures and add two holes.

Running out of Holes

4/20/2019

Rustic Canyon Golf review Picture

I recently played Rustic Canyon Golf Course for the 21st time and it was as good as ever. I do have to say, at some point, either through focus on the golf itself or, more likely, just having already added most of the "best" holes on the golf course to the review, I have a hard time making meaningful updates to a golf course once I've played it 10 times or so. This time, I was able to snap a picture of the 15th hole, which I've come to enjoy more and more over the years.

When a bad round is still good

3/16/2019

Los Verdes Golf Review Picture

I recently played golf at Los Verdes golf course with my brother-in-law. I played terribly. However, it was the first round I'd played in over a month and my 2nd since Thanksgiving. Also, beyond he and I having a good time catching up, it was the clearest day in memory where we could see some of the Channel Islands not usually visible, even from the amazing spot this golf course is located. Finally, on a Saturday, this was the quickest round I've ever experienced on this course, as a five-some, and the golf course was in top physical condition for what it is. So, normally, on a day where my score would have made me ill, the experience was good enough for me to just enjoy the concept of playing golf, which I lose from time to time getting wrapped up in the result. It was a good reminder to retain perspective.