Arg's Travel Log

[Double Mocha Man]

6 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

Lol. Don't know what setting I accidentally set on my phone's camera, but this is a real beaut in the early morning shade. 

 

 

Probably HDR (High Dynamic Range).  It actually takes 2 photos, combining them to balance out the brightness/darkness.

[Double Mocha Man]

19 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

Splendid morning. Have I used that adjective before?

 

With so many courses it has to be difficult to find new adjectives.  I suggest using literary references.  Such as, "It was a dark and stormy morning."

[Argonne69]

Just now, Double Mocha Man said:

 

With so many courses it has to be difficult to find new adjectives.  I suggest using literary references.  Such as, "It was a dark and stormy morning."

 

Lol. I believe I've used:

 

"It was the best of times. It was the worst of times'. 

 

[cubuffs]

20 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Wow. Just wow. Lol. Booked my four nights of hotel in Maui. Gotta love the Google Maps hotel search function. Put in your dates, and you get dozens of reasonable prices. However, you start clicking on those "$198 per Night" results and your wind up with a price that's $300 or more. Taxes are a big factor, but it appears that they factor in additional optional nights that aren't needed into the average price. 

 

Wound up with a one night stay near Kapalua, and then 3 nights in a beachfront resort in Kihei. Average price for four nights is $310. Ouch. Like Alaska, it's going to be a pricey addition to the journey. Guess I can't take it with me. The Mana Kai Maui Resort looks decent. 

 

 

You should like the Mana Kai - have stayed there multiple times.  Nothing extravagant, but the location makes it and is an easy drive down the coast to Wailea.  Used to be partially owned by a group of United Pilots long ago.

[imkirby34]

3 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Splendid morning. Have I used that adjective before? Lol. A little cool at the start of the round, but the wind vest was off after a couple of holes. Nice workout walking the hilly (parkland?) layout. Went out as a single following what I thought was the lead rabbits, but waited on nearly every shot until the twosome waved me through on the 6th. Much appreciated. The wave through through seems to be a lost art. Had the course to myself after that. 

 

Darkhorse GC today, an hour northeast of Sacramento. While tucked in a housing development, the homes are generally up on the ridges and mostly out of sight. Very nice elevation changes with plenty of elevated tees, and more than a few uphill approaches. Fairway bunkering was OK. Greenside was very good. Water in play on half the holes, but many didn't really come into play. Six holes with gentle left/right movement. 

 

Fairly easy off the tee with generally generous fairways. Many of the holes played down the "valleys", so slight misses would often kick back towards the center of the short grass. Minor misses weren't much trouble except for the iffy lies in the patchy rough. Big misses would typically be playable. Really big misses would somehow find OB. Approaches were a different animal. Tough. Greens were moderate size, but most were protected by deep front bunkers. Many were elevated. Greens had a nice amount of contouring, tiering, and slope. Putting was no pushover. Up and downs were also tough with the addition of crummy uneven lies around the greens. 

 

Par 3s were decent. The pair on the back had nice, elevated tees, but the four didn't have a ton of trouble. Nice mix of lengths ranging from a gap wedge to a fairway wood. Par 5s were excellent. The short 7th and 18th were both solid risk/reward holes with greens protected by water. The two short 4s were also wxc. The uphill 2nd had excellent bunkering. The driveable 14th had plenty of trouble near the green. Laying up was no picnic with a big center bunker. 

 

Conditions were good, but not perfect. Fairways had a few iffy areas. Rough was patchy with plenty of opportunities for crummy lies. Bunkers were very good. Looks like they recently added fresh sand. Greens were very nice. Speed was at least 10. 

 

Played the Blue tees at 6364 yds (71.7/132). A couple of iffy drives, but overall it was a solid day ballstriking. Putter was cool, as I had a handful of decent birdie chances that went unrewarded. One birdie and five bogies. No real highlight, but I did hit a few hybrids that wound up better than average. 

 

Solid 7 cows here. Very nice mix of holes that never got monotonous. Homes didn't really detract from the visuals. I'd like to see a wee bit more trouble on the par 3s, especially the short 6th. Par 5s and short 4s were spot on. No walking rate, but the $70 weekday rate was crazy good. Had a few people, including the staffer in the pro shop, tell me that nobody walks the course. Lol. Not an easy walk, but seriously, people need to get their bottoms out of the Lazyboys. Don't consider it a must play, but it's worth the hour drive from Sacramento. Traffic near Auburn is a nightmare, so unless you're a local, I can't see it as a regular play, but I'd probably make the drive at least once a month. 

 

 

Although you don't typically mention them in your reviews, I was hoping you'd point out the clubhouse or lack thereof.  😁  Also, I'm guessing you got there from the Hwy 49 side (from the west) via Combie Rd, so you missed out on some of the "Deliverance" roads coming from the other direction.  There are also a LOT of ungraded home lots for sale in the other direction.

 

If Darkhorse rated a 7, I'm definitely interested to see your review of Yocha Dehe.  👍

[carrera]

Yocha Dehe is great.  Also looking forward to the review.

[Argonne69]

2 hours ago, imkirby34 said:

 

Although you don't typically mention them in your reviews, I was hoping you'd point out the clubhouse or lack thereof.  😁  Also, I'm guessing you got there from the Hwy 49 side (from the west) via Combie Rd, so you missed out on some of the "Deliverance" roads coming from the other direction.  There are also a LOT of ungraded home lots for sale in the other direction.

 

If Darkhorse rated a 7, I'm definitely interested to see your review of Yocha Dehe.  👍

 

Lol. Half the clubhouse was the restrooms. Don't recall seeing a "clubhouse" that small. Heck, many new courses with temporary trailers are larger than that. 

 

Yeah, took the west route in and out. 

 

[oldmotor]

Darkhorse suffered a bit from the hot summer we had. The no club house is a bit of a bummer.

And Crooked Lane is pretty good. 

[Argonne69]

Anything in the Santa Cruz area worth playing (besides Pasatiempo)? I'm considering adding an additional stop between San Jose and Monterey as I work my way south.

 

[jvincent]

11 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

Anything in the Santa Cruz area worth playing (besides Pasatiempo)? I'm considering adding an additional stop between San Jose and Monterey as I work my way south.

 

 

Have you already played Bayonet and/or Blackhorse?

[Argonne69]

Just now, jvincent said:

 

Have you already played Bayonet and/or Blackhorse?

 

Yes, both when I was in Monterey in the spring. Looking for something north from Marina or Moss Landing to Swanton.

 

[Mullenboy]

There are four courses in or near Santa Cruz besides Pasatiempo:

 

Delaveaga - sometimes referred to as a poor man’s Pasatiempo…not so much now that they’re charging over $100 to play there.  It’s a quirky short, weird course.  I find it fun, but some hate it.  It does have one hole that’s typically mentioned in the Bay Area’s best 18…. Narrow dog leg left par five number 10.  
 

Seascape - also pretty interesting also pretty short, a little less expensive sometimes very wet, wet conditions, but this time of year you should be fine.  Decent fun, but nothing special.
 

Pajaro Valley - to the south a little in Royal Oaks.  I love this course, but others find it a bit ho hum.  I think it has a few great holes and some cool views.   
 

Spring Hills - this is a very quirky short fun course in Watsonville.  Conditions are sometimes spotty, but the people are very nice and it has one of the coolest clubhouses you’ll ever see an old farmhouse.  Great people.  This is another fave of  mine but many dislike it.  
 

You won’t be wowed by any of these, but any of the four would be a decent way to spend a morning.

 

 

Edited October 23, 2024 by Mullenboy

[Argonne69]

10 minutes ago, Mullenboy said:

There are four courses in or near Santa Cruz besides Pasatiempo:

 

Delaveaga - sometimes referred to as a poor man’s Pasatiempo…not so much now that they’re charging over $100 to play there.  It’s a quirky short, weird course.  I find it fun, but some hate it.  It does have one hole that’s typically mentioned in the Bay Area’s best 18…. Narrow dog leg left par five number 10.  
 

Seascape - also pretty interesting also pretty short, a little less expensive sometimes very wet, wet conditions, but this time of year you should be fine.  Decent fun, but nothing special.
 

Pajaro Valley - to the south a little in Royal Oaks.  I love this course, but others find it a bit ho hum.  I think it has a few great holes and some cool views.   
 

Spring Hills - this is a very quirky short fun course in Watsonville.  Conditions are sometimes spotty, but the people are very nice and it has one of the coolest clubhouses you’ll ever see an old farmhouse.  Great people.  This is another fave of  mine but many dislike it.  
 

You won’t be wowed by any of these, but any of the four would be a decent way to spend a morning.

 

 

Appreciated. Rather than get an RV park in Monterey, I'll probably get one closer to this area, and then make the drive to Poppy Hills. Save moving Bessie for just the one round. 

 

[Mullenboy]

9 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Appreciated. Rather than get an RV park in Monterey, I'll probably get one closer to this area, and then make the drive to Poppy Hills. Save moving Bessie for just the one round. 

 

That makes great sense.  Have you made your Poppy Hills time?  That tends to fill quickly.  But early single you should have no problem… other than more sticker shock at what they charge for golf around here.

 

[Argonne69]

Just now, Mullenboy said:

That makes great sense.  Have you made your Poppy Hills time?  That tends to fill quickly.  But early single you should have no problem… other than more sticker shock at what they charge for golf around here.

 

 

No, but I should do that. I should renew my old NCGA membership and take advantage of the discount. 

 

[Mullenboy]

Just now, Argonne69 said:

 

No, but I should do that. I should renew my old NCGA membership and take advantage of the discount. 

 

Wouldn’t be the worst idea to do that.

[Argonne69]

9 minutes ago, Mullenboy said:

Wouldn’t be the worst idea to do that.

 

Ouch. $350 for guest play. Definitely worth renewing the NCGA. 

 

[Mullenboy]

16 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Ouch. $350 for guest play. Definitely worth renewing the NCGA. 

 

Did I mention “sticker shock”?  Pasatiempo will be $475 when the full 18 reopens.  So it goes.   

[cassel191919]

14 minutes ago, Mullenboy said:

Did I mention “sticker shock”?  Pasatiempo will be $475 when the full 18 reopens.  So it goes.   

I had a bit of a dry heave when I booked my round for next July, I still think its worth it every 5 to 10 years as a visitor.

[Mullenboy]

43 minutes ago, cassel191919 said:

I had a bit of a dry heave when I booked my round for next July, I still think its worth it every 5 to 10 years as a visitor.

One does only live once.  😀

there’s a whole thread about this somewhere else - forget where- and I rather vociferously expressed my opinions there.  As someone who lives 1/2 hour away and used to enjoy playing fairly often this great course at a reasonable price… the whole thing hurts.  I get it - they’re charging what they can and their tee sheet will remain packed - but it still hurts. 

[cassel191919]

28 minutes ago, Mullenboy said:

One does only live once.  😀

there’s a whole thread about this somewhere else - forget where- and I rather vociferously expressed my opinions there.  As someone who lives 1/2 hour away and used to enjoy playing fairly often this great course at a reasonable price… the whole thing hurts.  I get it - they’re charging what they can and their tee sheet will remain packed - but it still hurts. 

I can't imagine living that close and having to pay that price would make me absolutely nuts. Always curious what their membership costs are and how hard it is to become one.

Edited October 23, 2024 by cassel191919

[Mullenboy]

There’s been membership discussion elsewhere also.  It’s a decent deal relative to other places around here and not hard to do (it’s all about money) but…. Way way way beyond my means. 

[vallygolf]

yikes.  Nor Cal looks like a tinder box again.  Parched.

[Argonne69]

Enjoyable morning. Perfect day weatherwise. Pace could have been better, though. Second group out following a foursome that were buddies of the GM. Starter assured the three of us that they were fast players. Bah. They spent more time chatting with the cart girl than playing golf. Finally let us play through on our 15th hole. 

 

Yoche Dehe today. Driving through the flat farm fields and orchards northwest of Sacramento I thought the course might be a real snoozer. Then I saw the golden hills. Definitely looked more promising. Unfortunately the course plays down in a valley. Great views of the hills, but the course is pretty flat other that the 1st and 10th teeboxes. Mounding was decent on a few holes. The prairie style layout was designed by Brad Bell. Fairway bunkering was on the light side. Greenside was much better. Water in play on seven holes. Five holes with left/right movement, including one dogleg. Starting on the 10th was a bit of a letdown, as the back is clearly the better nine. 

 

There were a couple of driving holes that were moderately difficult, but otherwise it was fairly easy off the tee. Plenty of rough time catch minor misses, although the stuff was pretty thick. Big misses could be trouble (OB) on the perimeter holes, but otherwise they likely be playable from an adjacent fairway. Approaches were tougher with solid greenside bunkering. More than a few pins tucked behind front bunkers. Greens had moderate contouring, tiering, and slope. Putting wasn't stressful, but did require attention on many holes. Up and downs were generally tough. Even though the course was flat, there was a good amount of mounding near the greens that produced plenty of uneven lies. Toss in the thick rough and it was a test. 

 

Par 3s were decent, but forgettable. Could use more trouble. Variety was somewhat lacking. Three played short to mid irons. The long 13th was the exception. Par 5s, however, were excellent. Three were reachable, with the 17th a nice risk/reward hole with the green tucked behind the pond. The sole short par 4 8th was very good. Driveable with solid bunkering. Special mention to the par 4 15th. The dogleg left has a forced carry over a pond to a split fairway with a small creek splitting the two halves. Playing right is safer, but results in a longer approach. The left side cuts off yardage, but the angle into the green isn't ideal. 

 

Conditions were very good. A few iffy areas in the fairways, along with a number of patches of sodded turf. Rough was cut, but still thick and penal. Bunkers were very good with enough sand. Greens looked great, but a bit slow. Probably a hair under 10. 

 

Played the Ch'ama (White l) tees at 6449 yds (71.4/131). Ballstriking has been very good lately, and today was no exception. A couple of iffy drives, but they still found the fairway. Putter was struggling to get the ball to the hole. One birdie and four bogies. Highlight had to be the driver. Been messing around with the grip recently trying to eliminate the low draw/hook, and I might have found the secret sauce. Unorthodox, but it's working. Lowlight was the endless construction getting back. Took an hour to travel 34 miles to Davis with numerous construction backups. Ugh. 

 

Going with 7 cows. Very nice looking course, but given that I'm a sucker for elevation changes, I definitely preferred Darkhorse. The greens and bunkering were also better. Yoche needs more fairway bunkering, a tough, short par 3. Appreciated that they allow walking, but no walking rate. I think the staffer in the pro shop gave me a $15 discount, though. Paid $135 for the weekday round. Don't consider it a must play, but it's certainly worth a visit, even if it's an hour from Sacramento. Not sure I'd make the drive regularly, but a few rounds a year wouldn't be crazy. 

 

Edited October 23, 2024 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Yoche Dehe GC at Cache Creek Casino Resort, Brooks, CA (#10 Start) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go or no-go on the par 5 17th 

 

 

 

Nice look from the 1st 

 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/djr1yl9dxwckab9g6j1zx/AEeQbkY-ZzkVWf7uuMVpgiE?rlkey=eywvfd3h70rhqmmvjlltgbg9d&st=fabeyutx&dl=0

 

Edited October 23, 2024 by Argonne69

[tad950]

8 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Anything in the Santa Cruz area worth playing (besides Pasatiempo)? I'm considering adding an additional stop between San Jose and Monterey as I work my way south.

 

Like I’ve mentioned before, there is San Juan Oaks. Probably the same drive time to SJO from Coyote RV as it would be to Santa Cruz or Pajaro. Seascape would take longer. San Juan Oaks is still nice. They just took some of the teeth out of it with the remodel. The $125 weekday rate also discourages me from playing there more often. And it’s walkable. Not sure if the new management allows walking though. 

[Argonne69]

Stopped at University of Beer in Davis. The taproom boasts 60 taps with a nice mix. Two imperial stouts on tap, including this Great Notion Brewing (Portland OR) Vanilla Limousine barrel aged goodie. Aged 27 months in Rittenhouse Rye and Basil Hayden Bourbon barrels, with vanilla beans and cacao nibs. A little too sweet, but very boozy. Glad I went with the itty bitty size. Lol. 

 

 

[Argonne69]

I don't know if I'm burgered out, or just didn't want to drive around Davis trying to find a decent burger, but I wound up at Yeti Restaurant, an Indian and Nepalese joint around the corner from U of B. Their lunch special included a small salad, dal soup, samosa, vegetable curry, naan, rice, and your choice of curry. Went with the chicken curry. The mango lassi was also quite tasty. The metal tray was a bonus. Reminded me of my Navy days. 

 

 

[Mullenboy]

Great review / pics of Yocha Deehee - looks cool to me.  I've yet to make it up there... it's pretty damn far from San Jose.  🙂  I have played Darkhorse and quite enjoyed it.

 

Also @tad950 - great add re San Juan Oaks.  I spaced out on that in my previous message about courses between San Jose and Monterey.  I played the old version many times, have yet to play the re-do.  Poor reviews (it's just dumbed down) and high price have kept me away.  But I'm sure I'll play it someday.  As you alluded to, I've heard the new version does NOT allow walking, which would be another reason for Arg to skip it.  But it looks like it does remain a pretty darn good course and the new conditions look beautiful.

 

Arg - when do you get to Pleasanton?  Either post here or send me an IM when you settle what you're going to do in this area. Maybe I can meet you.  🙂  Outside of that, the offer to play my 9 holer (Saratoga CC) remains open.  

 

 

[Argonne69]

1 hour ago, Mullenboy said:

Great review / pics of Yocha Deehee - looks cool to me.  I've yet to make it up there... it's pretty damn far from San Jose.  🙂  I have played Darkhorse and quite enjoyed it.

 

Also @tad950 - great add re San Juan Oaks.  I spaced out on that in my previous message about courses between San Jose and Monterey.  I played the old version many times, have yet to play the re-do.  Poor reviews (it's just dumbed down) and high price have kept me away.  But I'm sure I'll play it someday.  As you alluded to, I've heard the new version does NOT allow walking, which would be another reason for Arg to skip it.  But it looks like it does remain a pretty darn good course and the new conditions look beautiful.

 

Arg - when do you get to Pleasanton?  Either post here or send me an IM when you settle what you're going to do in this area. Maybe I can meet you.  🙂  Outside of that, the offer to play my 9 holer (Saratoga CC) remains open.  

 

 

I arrive in Pleasanton next Wednesday.