Arg's Travel Log

[Argonne69]

5 hours ago, SnowbirdTom said:

Currently in Palm Springs loving these courses. Most are just coming out of overseeding and are CPO. Played PGA West’s Nicklaus (5 stars!) and today was an Indio neighborhood track Shadow Hills South (2 stars at best). Tomorrow is the Dye Stadium course and it looked great from what I could see at the clubhouse.  
 

You could do worse if you haven’t been here. lol

 

I played the Nicklaus and Stadium courses on my first visit to Palm Springs in 2013. Yeah, both are worthy of a visit. Try to play Classic Club or Eagle Falls while you're there.

 

 

[mci711]

3 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

I played the Nicklaus and Stadium courses on my first visit to Palm Springs in 2013. Yeah, both are worthy of a visit. Try to play Classic Club or Eagle Falls while you're there.

 

 

 

Classic Club is my favorite Palm Springs course. Really enjoy it. 

[Argonne69]

A very enjoyable morning. A little cool, but plenty of sunshine and no wind made for a pleasant round. Played the ground squirrel capital of the U.S., Shoreline Golf Links at Mountain View. Seriously, one could easily break an ankle out there stepping in a ground squirrel hole. While flat, the prairie/marshland layout has a lot more character than Tony Lema. There are trees out there, but they rarely come into play. The final six holes are fairly meh (except for the par 3 17th), but up to that point it's a good mix of holes. Too much back and forth on the home stretch. Fairway bunkering was light. Greenside a little better. Water in play on 8 holes, including forces carries on three of the par 3s. Half the holes had left/right movement, with five of them being doglegs. 

 

Easy off the tee with generous fairways and light bunkering. A couple of short forced carries were no issue. Minor misses would find the generous rough, or a squirrel hole. Big misses were playable from adjacent fairways for the most part. Approaches were a little tougher. A handful of holes had trouble in front including the watery par 3s. Greens had gentle contouring, but a good amount of slope. Putting required some a good eye for the breaks. Up and downs were tough prima due to the crummy turf conditions. A good lie was rare. 

 

Par 3s were solid with plenty of trouble. Decent mix of lengths, but could use a long one. Par 5s were OK. The short 16th was reachable, but little risk. The dogleg 9th could be reached of one risked cutting the inside corner. The Z shaped 10th was the best of the bunch. Reachable with a risky 2nd over the pond. Short 4s were meh. 

 

Conditions tee to green were pretty bad. In addition to the squirrel holes, the turf was iffy at best. Plenty of crummy lies in the fairways and patchy rough. The 2nd and 12th holes had temporary "greens" as the green complexes were being renovated. Green is being nice. Basically a flag in the fairway. The goose droppings didn't do much today add to the enjoyment. Bunkers had little sand. Greens were quite nice, though. Speed was a bit slow early due to the morning dew, but were rolling at least 10 by the turn. 

 

Played the Diamond (Blue/White) combo at 6318 yds (70.7/124). Decent day off the tee, but irons were spotty. Wedges were little help off the poor lies. One birdie and seven bogies. Highlight of the day was meeting @aloha b.after the round for brunch. Always nice to meet a fellow WRXer in person. Had a nice chat about work and travel. 

 

Was initially thinking five, but in this case I have to ding the course for the conditions and go with 4 cows. Not a bad looking layout, and it does have some good holes, but dodging holes off the green is no fun. Needs more bunkering, and better short 4s, but the conditions need to be addressed. The $68 weekend walking rate was fine for the area. With some TPC it could be worth a visit, but currently it can be skipped. 

 

Edited November 10, 2024 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Shoreline Golf Links at Mountain View, Mountain View, CA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/098whx5vl1tzpdx4q7dax/APtnDVBpqmG-Y-CHtizfZAg?rlkey=u4fevwa9kdr2m59n85uhwo5af&st=r8lcnlcc&dl=0

 

Edited November 10, 2024 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Was considering a drive north to San Francisco, but my RV park is 20 minutes south of San Jose. I was looking at a 50 minute drive from the course to Ferry Terminal, and at least 1:20 coming back. Didn't feel like spending the afternoon on US-101. I haven't been to exciting San Jose, so I made a brief trip through the downtown area on a sleepy Sunday and settled down at Market Beer in San Pedro Square Market. Interesting collection of food vendors and bars. Market Beer has 30 taps with a nice mix. Ordered a pour of the Third Window Brewing (Santa Barbara CA) Belgian Tripel. 

 

 

[Argonne69]

Lol. Looking to fill out my tee sheet for next weekend in Moss Landing. I moved my tee time at Poppy Hills to Sunday, as the weather forecast looks a little better than Friday. 

 

I booked Pajaro Valley for Saturday. 

 

I checked out San Juan Hills for Friday. Odd, but the teesheet is wide open in the morning. They don't allow singles to book, so I can't grab one of the open slots. Now, the $175 rate might just be a reason the teesheet is wide open. No? Seems the locals know a ripoff when they see one. Saturday and Sunday look similar. Don't see too many courses with empty teesheets Friday through Sunday. 

 

[Double Mocha Man]

If they can't fill the tee sheet over the weekend maybe they should look into allowing singles.  Closed minded management.

[aloha b.]

4 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

A very enjoyable morning. A little cool, but plenty of sunshine and no wind made for a pleasant round. Played the ground squirrel capital of the U.S., Shoreline Golf Links at Mountain View. Seriously, one could easily break an ankle out there stepping in a ground squirrel hole. While flat, the prairie/marshland layout has a lot more character than Tony Lema. There are trees out there, but they rarely come into play. The final six holes are fairly meh (except for the par 3 17th), but up to that point it's a good mix of holes. Too much back and forth on the home stretch. Fairway bunkering was light. Greenside a little better. Water in play on 8 holes, including forces carries on three of the par 3s. Half the holes had left/right movement, with five of them being doglegs. 

 

Easy off the tee with generous fairways and light bunkering. A couple of short forced carries were no issue. Minor misses would find the generous rough, or a squirrel hole. Big misses were playable from adjacent fairways for the most part. Approaches were a little tougher. A handful of holes had trouble in front including the watery par 3s. Greens had gentle contouring, but a good amount of slope. Putting required some a good eye for the breaks. Up and downs were tough prima due to the crummy turf conditions. A good lie was rare. 

 

Par 3s were solid with plenty of trouble. Decent mix of lengths, but could use a long one. Par 5s were OK. The short 16th was reachable, but little risk. The dogleg 9th could be reached of one risked cutting the inside corner. The Z shaped 10th was the best of the bunch. Reachable with a risky 2nd over the pond. Short 4s were meh. 

 

Conditions tee to green were pretty bad. In addition to the squirrel holes, the turf was iffy at best. Plenty of crummy lies in the fairways and patchy rough. The 2nd and 12th holes had temporary "greens" as the green complexes were being renovated. Green is being nice. Basically a flag in the fairway. The goose droppings didn't do much today add to the enjoyment. Bunkers had little sand. Greens were quite nice, though. Speed was a bit slow early due to the morning dew, but were rolling at least 10 by the turn. 

 

Played the Diamond (Blue/White) combo at 6318 yds (70.7/124). Decent day off the tee, but irons were spotty. Wedges were little help off the poor lies. One birdie and seven bogies. Highlight of the day was meeting @aloha b.after the round for brunch. Always nice to meet a fellow WRXer in person. Had a nice chat about work and travel. 

 

Was initially thinking five, but in this case I have to ding the course for the conditions and go with 4 cows. Not a bad looking layout, and it does have some good holes, but dodging holes off the green is no fun. Needs more bunkering, and better short 4s, but the conditions need to be addressed. The $68 weekend walking rate was fine for the area. With some TPC it could be worth a visit, but currently it can be skipped. 

 

After I mentioned the goose droppings to you, sorry that I forgot about all of the ground squirrels and holes on the course. It was definitely a pleasure getting to meet you today Arg for brunch as I enjoyed my time chatting with you.

[Argonne69]

Ugh. Near disaster late this afternoon. I need to extend Bessie's awning regularly to let it dry out, as rain somehow manages to get into it even though it's rolled up. Don't need mold forming on the fabric. 

 

I extended the awning this afternoon, but the stupid tree that's also blocking the satellite managed to wrap around the end of the awning. I was able to retract it, but several branches got caught in the roller. 

 

Dug out the extension ladder, and climbed up to pull out the branches and leaves. Apparently I don't know how to properly anchor a ladder, as it fell while I was there up at the top. Took a tumble on the concrete, and managed to sprain my right wrist, cut one finger on my left hand, and possibly sprain another finger on the same hand, as it's swollen. Nothing appears to be broken, but I bet it's going to be tender in the morning. What a dumb A. 

 

Edited November 11, 2024 by Argonne69

[tad950]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

Lol. Looking to fill out my tee sheet for next weekend in Moss Landing. I moved my tee time at Poppy Hills to Sunday, as the weather forecast looks a little better than Friday. 

 

I booked Pajaro Valley for Saturday. 

 

I checked out San Juan Hills for Friday. Odd, but the teesheet is wide open in the morning. They don't allow singles to book, so I can't grab one of the open slots. Now, the $175 rate might just be a reason the teesheet is wide open. No? Seems the locals know a ripoff when they see one. Saturday and Sunday look similar. Don't see too many courses with empty teesheets Friday through Sunday. 

 

Fri.-Sun. and Holidays are weekend rates. Mon.-Thu. $125. San Juan Oaks. 

Edited November 11, 2024 by tad950

[aloha b.]

13 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Ugh. Near disaster late this afternoon. I need to extend Bessie's awning regularly to let it dry out, as rain somehow manages to get into it even though it's rolled up. Don't need mold forming on the fabric. 

 

I extended the awning this afternoon, but the stupid tree that's also blocking the satellite managed to wrap around the end of the awning. I was able to retract it, but several branches got caught in the roller. 

 

Dug out the extension ladder, and climbed up to pull out the branches and leaves. Apparently I don't know how to properly anchor a ladder, as it fell while I was there up at the top. Took a tumble on the concrete, and managed to sprain my right wrist, cut one finger on my left hand, and possibly sprain another finger on the same hand, as it's swollen. Nothing appears to be broken, but I bet it's going to be tender in the morning. What a dumb A. 

 

I hope that you’re okay and your injuries not too bad! Please take care of yourself!

Edited November 11, 2024 by aloha b.

[JungleJimbo]

5 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

A very enjoyable morning. A little cool, but plenty of sunshine and no wind made for a pleasant round. Played the ground squirrel capital of the U.S., Shoreline Golf Links at Mountain View. Seriously, one could easily break an ankle out there stepping in a ground squirrel hole.  

 

Easy off the tee with generous fairways and light bunkering. A couple of short forced carries were no issue. Minor misses would find the generous rough, or a squirrel hole.  

 

Was initially thinking five, but in this case I have to ding the course for the conditions and go with 4 cows. Not a bad looking layout, and it does have some good holes, but dodging holes off the green is no fun. 

 

 

5 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Shoreline Golf Links at Mountain View, Mountain View, CA 

 

 

 

I have a mental image of a cranky @Argonne69 going "full Caddyshack" on those pesky ground squirrels

 

  

  

Edited November 11, 2024 by JungleJimbo

[cassel191919]

9 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Ugh. Near disaster late this afternoon. I need to extend Bessie's awning regularly to let it dry out, as rain somehow manages to get into it even though it's rolled up. Don't need mold forming on the fabric. 

 

I extended the awning this afternoon, but the stupid tree that's also blocking the satellite managed to wrap around the end of the awning. I was able to retract it, but several branches got caught in the roller. 

 

Dug out the extension ladder, and climbed up to pull out the branches and leaves. Apparently I don't know how to properly anchor a ladder, as it fell while I was there up at the top. Took a tumble on the concrete, and managed to sprain my right wrist, cut one finger on my left hand, and possibly sprain another finger on the same hand, as it's swollen. Nothing appears to be broken, but I bet it's going to be tender in the morning. What a dumb A. 

 

Hope everything is alright, but can't have you hurting yourself and ruining my daily reading while I'm supposed to be working.

[TBD203]

As the season ends on the East Coast I will be living vicariously through you - so protect yourself! 

[Argonne69]

Well, I guess it could have been worse. I could have broken my neck, leg, ankle, or split open my head on the concrete. Funny that I managed to to walk close to 700 courses on this trip, many of them quite hilly, and drive over 70,000 miles, without serious injury, but instead I wipe myself out on a ladder. 

 

I canceled my round at Bay View this morning. Going to head to an urgent care center for x-rays. I don't think the right wrist is broken, but it's very sore and swollen. I can hold a coffee cup, but not a gallon of water. I might be able to swing a driver with a ball on a tee, but taking a divot with an iron would be scary at this point. 

 

Oh, and in addition I strained my already bad lower back. Pretty sure walking 18 would be dicey. 

 

Not that I'm much of an optimist, but if there's any silver lining at least it happened late in the first leg of the journey. I'd be distraught if this happened a couple of days before Bandon or Maui. Hopefully the swelling goes down and I can function by the weekend for my round at Poppy Hills. 

 

[islesmb]

Get well soon Arg.

[bellken]

We are hoping for the best. 

[aloha b.]

Arg, hopefully the x-rays are okay and you heal quickly!

[StoutKing]

Dang Arg we know you are a tough guy so no need to prove anything to us.  Be well

[Argonne69]

Good news and some meh news. Nothing broken in the wrist. Probably some stretched tendons. No golf until the weekend at the earliest. Gotta cancel tomorrow's round at Spring Valley and Wednesday's round at Baylands. Thursday is a travel day, and I haven't booked anything for Friday, so we'll see how it goes. Going to be wearing a splint for a few days to immobilize the wrist. 

 

I guess I just might be making a drive up to San Francisco tomorrow. Lol. 

 

Edited November 11, 2024 by Argonne69

[Double Mocha Man]

Heal baby heal!  And stay off ladders.  I have a friend who died falling off his ladder.   Radio DJ, TV weather guy, then spokesperson for our County Executive.  Died young.

[Argonne69]

Drowning my sorrows at IBU Taproom and Bottle Shop in Milpitas. Sporting my latest accessory. Lol. 50 taps with several Belgians and imperial stouts. Also serve half pours, so I'll check out a couple different regional brews. 

 

 

[Mullenboy]

Get well soon brother!  Yeah it's pretty amazing you avoided injury until now.  Heal up.  You really didn't miss much in the courses you are skipping.  I am living in fear now though as you have booked another one of my personal faves - Pajaro Valley - I've played there many many times and love it - it has a special place in my golfing heart.  This means almost for sure it gets 4 cows or less.  😉

As for San Juan Oaks... there's a reason why it has an open tee sheet, I think.... it's quite overpriced.  Theres been discussion about it in the CA sub-forum... it was recently renovated.  I have't

played it since the reopening... reviews have been mixed.

Hey be glad you didn't play today it was could and pouring rain.

 

 

[StoutKing]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Drowning my sorrows at IBU Taproom and Bottle Shop in Milpitas. Sporting my latest accessory. Lol. 50 taps with several Belgians and imperial stouts. Also serve half pours, so I'll check out a couple different regional brews. 

 

 

Looks like a good time to catch up on beer drinking.  Plenty of time to walk those calories off when you return to golf.

[Argonne69]

1 hour ago, Mullenboy said:

Get well soon brother!  Yeah it's pretty amazing you avoided injury until now.  Heal up.  You really didn't miss much in the courses you are skipping.  I am living in fear now though as you have booked another one of my personal faves - Pajaro Valley - I've played there many many times and love it - it has a special place in my golfing heart.  This means almost for sure it gets 4 cows or less.  😉

As for San Juan Oaks... there's a reason why it has an open tee sheet, I think.... it's quite overpriced.  Theres been discussion about it in the CA sub-forum... it was recently renovated.  I have't

played it since the reopening... reviews have been mixed.

Hey be glad you didn't play today it was could and pouring rain.

 

 

Yeah, I actually got a bit lucky with the rain today. The AccuWeather forecast called for rain at noon. At 9:30 am it was coming down pretty hard. Drove to the immediate care facility for a noon appointment in the pouring rain. Walked out 75 minutes later and it was sunny. Would have been a wet morning on the course.

[hammergolf]

4 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Good news and some meh news. Nothing broken in the wrist. Probably some stretched tendons. No golf until the weekend at the earliest. Gotta cancel tomorrow's round at Spring Valley and Wednesday's round at Baylands. Thursday is a travel day, and I haven't booked anything for Friday, so we'll see how it goes. Going to be wearing a splint for a few days to immobilize the wrist. 

 

I guess I just might be making a drive up to San Francisco tomorrow. Lol. 

 

Glad nothing is broken. Heal up soon!

[aloha b.]

12 hours ago, hammergolf said:

Glad nothing is broken. Heal up soon!

I agree and don't overdo it!

Edited November 12, 2024 by aloha b.

[mshills]

I hate ladders….not sure if I should not climb one or cannot climb one now but I am certain I will not ever be on a ladder again.

 

Heal up soon, glad it wasn’t more of any injury.

[ZephyrS4]

I hurt my wrist years back when I was playing every day……took some time off to get to where I could swing a club. When I thought I could hit a ball, I teed up every shot as to not take a divot. Took a while, but eventually got back to normal. Be careful not to hit the ground until you’re out of the woods…..it’s easy to get back to square one with a dodgy wrist and golf. 

[Argonne69]

Not much to do today, so I took a long 90 minute drive up to San Francisco. Instead of taking US-101, I took I-280. Wow, that was different. I expected to see nothing but sprawl, but instead it was quite scenic. After a brief drive through Golden Gate Park I stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge. Had to get some steps in today, so I walked out to the midpoint and back. It's been over 30 years since I've walked on the bridge. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://dl.dropbox.com/scl/fo/m70p4ny4xgdtpg8ex2nmy/ACSjuCcwcKjaLyZntGyHWkk?rlkey=9hvfkgfo4jnhcmm5cv0aqofab&st=8d7lafhr&dl=0

 

Edited November 12, 2024 by Argonne69