SMOKERISE

On July 23, 2009, Tarik posted:

On the contrary to some previous posts, I was not treated well by one of the staff workers at this course.
It put a damper on my overall experience there.
I was disrespected and treated very rude. (Don't worry my complaint letters have all been sent!)
The course has the same kind of weed issues as Celebrity/Heritage. They waited too late to entertain the issue of weeds and now they will have to pay the price.
 Due to course neglect the weeds even caused serious thinning of the fairways in some areas on the course that may result in new sodding or re-seeding of bermuda grass seeds.
 I've seen both methods work. But one is more costly than the other.
Overall, the greens were as close to perfection as they come. (Although, one green had some heat/weed stress.)
But all of the others are simply picturesque.
The greens roll sweet and very quick! (10-11 on the stimpmeter)
I wouldn't pay more than $50 to play there.


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On June 20, 2009, Tex posted:

Played 6/19, great value for this caliber of course!
Clubhouse and staff are exceptional, each and every time I've been here.
The head pro treats anyone and everyone like a member.
The practice area was kept up well, although short shots are hard to see due to the slope.
The carts are very nice, the tee sheet with tips is very important due to the nature of the course. The time between groups was perfect.
We completed a HOT round of golf in just under 4 hours, never waited, never had anyone hit into us, or have to play through.
Never saw a cart girl, but they do have a good food/drink service for the turn if you need it.
 Coolers of water were ice cold, and at almost every 3rd hole, or more.
 Had ice cold towels on every 3rd tee box to cool down in the 98* weather, as well.
Green were in great shape, and rolled pretty true and fast (close to a 10 if I had to guess).
The fairways were nice, some tight lies and bare spots,
and you could see they were treating a weed problem in the fairways and rough in some areas as well.
Only saw a handful of greens that had any burning, or sandy spots near the fringes.
Tee boxes were nice, just needed cleaned up a bit, as were the bunkers. Some fluffy, others so hard the ball popped out!
Overall, GREAT value of a course. Very tough course, and it's not for the wild swings from the tee boxes.
Great course management is needed, and specific shots to be made for a good score.
Great challenge, but it mixes it up nicely.
I would add this to my rotation of courses, and like it each time I've played it.


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On June 17, 2009, Matt posted:

I played this course on a weekday and essentially had the entire course to myself.
The course was in wonderful condition, fairways and greens were rolling great.
You must know your game well in order to be successful here, as you will have to know where to place your shots.
Be prepared for lots of hills!! The practice area needs to be redone, as you cannot see shots less than 125 yards.
However, they do make up for it with free range balls. All in all, this is a must play course!!


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On May 31, 2009, DrPeterV posted:

I played this course in early May and thought it was fun, challenging, and scenic.
There are a few holes that I thought were a bit too cute,
such as one of the long par fours that it more or less totally blind, even after a solid drive.
Course knowledge is a huge advantage with this course, so I think I will enjoy it more when I play again (and I do plan to play again).
 This is a fun course in that there is a LOT of elevation. Bring lots of golf balls, because this course is narrow, and there are little if any parallel holes.
 The rough is surrounded by woods, so you are generally going to lose a ball if you don't have control of your shot.
I think I went through nine balls!!!
The signature hole of the course is beautiful, and it will look even better when it grows in a bit more (landscaping is still young).
One criticism is that the fairways are in pretty rough shape. Greens were great through.