Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club - Blackjack Course

We played this course as “ guests “ using our Club Corp ( Invited ) privileges and we really enjoyed it . Course was in great shape , greens were moderately quick . The land had some gentle rolling terrain. The starter failed to tell us it was cart path only so as we drove out towards the first fairway to our drives and the carts shut down ! We sheepishly had to reverse out - not a huge deal but a bit embarrassing as we were quests ! Also there are no diagrams of the hole on the scorecard or tee boxes so a few times we got in trouble off the tee with hidden hazards . Beyond that I’d highly recommend this course if you have access to it !

There are two (2) courses at Fair Oaks Ranch; we played Blackjack. And no, none of us were members; I acquired a certificate to play here. Now you know you're in a country club when the men's locker room (complete with lockers, showers, etc) provides disposable razors, shampoo, lotion, soap, etc. They appeared to have a nice dining facility and great swimming pool etc for members. I'd certainly consider living and/or retiring here.

Play smart. This course has a number of holes where you might want to put that driver away and just pull out a 3-wood. Play the course or it'll play you. They narrow those flush fairways right about where you hit your driver. And do your best to place the ball left/right based on your next shot angle, etc. This course certainly has some nicely designed holes ... a little challenging especially with some forced carries. All in all, every aspect of this course was in fine shape -- tees, fairways, bunkers, greens, etc.

We did, however, raise an eyebrow to the deep first cut of rough. This Bermuda grass was so deep at times that we nearly lost balls within 6ft of the green! You had to walk right over it to see it. That's a bit too deep for being that close to the green. This isn't the US Open after all. Backing up our observation were the dozen plus cut balls lying around on a few holes that'd been dealt a final blow by the mowers. If only their owners could've found them and kept them in play for another day.

One thing to note is that you do NOT come back to the club house after nine (9) holes; you're completing the whole 18 accordingly. They do, however, provide some very nice bathroom accomodations on the course along with cups, ice machines, and cold water. Heck, they even made it a covered drive-thru for your cart (see pictures). Also, the beverage cart passed us at least three (3) times on this hot Thursday afternoon.

Some of the little things that I liked:

-- alignment stick provided alongside each bucket of balls on the driving range

-- fold down rain cover on golf carts

-- tall stone tee box yardage markers

-- sprinkler head yardage markers

-- pin placement cards in carts

-- nice wide cart paths in fine condition all around

-- plenty of water jugs on the course

-- several ball washers on the course

How can they improve? Well, one thing that I highly prefer at all courses is yellow/blue/white/red painted yardage stripes on the cart path. That really helps players make a quick decision on their upcoming club choice while still driving to their ball. Looking around for a sprinkler head wastes time.

To leave you on a positive note, my friend shot an 82 ... and I found more balls than I lost. :)

I really enjoyed my time at Fair Oaks Ranch. I played both courses. Both were in fantastic shape for January and I would play both again in a heartbeat. Pace of play was good and everyone was very nice. I wish I had time to stay and eat, there Was something in their smoker that smelled amazing!

I really enjoyed my time at Fair Oaks Ranch. I played both courses. Both were in fantastic shape for January and I would play both again in a heartbeat, but enjoyed Blackjack a little more. Pace of play was good and everyone was very nice. I wish I had time to stay and eat, there Was something in their smoker that smelled amazing!

This is a nice enough course, we played the Live Oak course only. It was our first time to play here, so we asked about where the driving range was located, where we would begin, and also if there was a starter there. Our questions were answered, and off we went. There was no mention that the driving range was closed. So, no warmup before playing. When we were sent on our way, we (party of two) were told the five -some in front of us were regulars who bet on their games. So, we were behind this group, waiting for 17 holes, when one had to return to the tee to hit again and we were in his way. THEN, we were allowed to play through, which was ridiculous at this point of the game. We were also told at one point during the day (loudly across the cart path from someone on the other side) that we (golf cart) were in a place that had been re-sodded(ground under repair) and shouldn’t be driving there. There was no sign or rope indicating(ground under repair) this, and since we had never been there, it was rude to expect people to know it. All in all, an enjoyable day, just have to overlook some people’s rude behavior.

Played the course while visiting in the area. Pretty wet day, but we stuck it out for all 18. Good layout - interesting and enjoyable. We had been told that bunkers were under renovation, but the project hasn't start yet. Course in excellent condition. Recommend if in the area.