Pelham Bay at Pelham/Split Rock Golf Course

I played the Split Rock course, and the numerous grounds keepers had it all decked out in tip top shape. This is in stark contrast to two years ago, when the fairways fell into disrepair; weeds grew out of the bunkers; brown greens prevailed, and the swarms of mosquitos never heard of DEET. (The eighth and ninth fairways lie next to a tidal wetland.)

I vowed that I would never play this course again. It's a pity, because I live a mile and a half from the place. The blame squarely rests on the previous mayoral administration, which couldn't have cared less about the sport.

This outing was perfect. There was a slight breeze and not a mosquito in site. I showed up at the starter's hut and the starter waved me right onto the course all by myself. As is my custom, I play efficiently until I spot the foursome ahead of me. Then my playing becomes a clinic practicing challenging shots. I spend the down time scrounging up balls in the glades, where the poison ivy thrives, (Don't even think of doing it unless you know how.) and I squander those balls on challenging drops and over-the-top swings that send them back where they came from.

A solo golfer trailed me, and I would have asked him to join up, but I believe he was playing in a style comparable to mine. At any rate, he dropped out after the ninth hole, and nobody else caught up to me. During play, my only conversation was with the cart lady. Be forewarned that I played on a Wednesday. On weekends, the parking lot, which I frequently pass, is packed.

I finished off by having lunch in the tap room. The food gets two thumbs up. FYI Split Rock and Pelham Bay lie next to each other and are separated by the Metro North train line. The club house hosts receptions for weddings, business meetings and charitable golf outings. On weekends, I can hear the wedding band's spicy salsa music from my backyard. My gardening suddenly becomes rhythmic.

This sizable complex could definitely use a driving range. That said, the Turtle Cove driving range lies less than a mile away.

I look forward to playing the Pelham Bay course next week. That course is more forgiving. It is less woodsy and features wider fairways, where out-of-bounds means you will find your shanker on the adjacent fairway.

Got a tee time for 345 and we got to the first hole and wait 30 minutes to tee off and was an hour and a half before we got done with the 2nd hole and there was 3 groups waiting on the 3rd hole so we ended up leaving.

We went out on Split Rock with an 8:15 tee time but we didn't tee off until 8:30. We watched a guy two groups ahead of us hit 6 shots off the first tee - all into the woods. The pace of play here was extremely frustrating. Over five hours for the full 18. It's too bad, because the course was in good shape and there are some really good holes.

The course was way over booked. Golfers were backed up at every hole. I had invited guests and we didn't even finish the round. I deserve a refund.

Don’t ever pay full price to play here. Rangers rides around and says nothing even though a twosome was holding up 4 foursomes. By the 13th hole there were 4 groups on the hole. You would think playing at 7am would take no longer than 4 hours.

Awful round. No Ranger to keep pace of play. It’s a free for all. Over book tee times. $85 to have to wait 10-15 minutes per shot

Your staff was very friendly and helpful, the course was easy to navigate and the conditions were favorable.

Started over 30 minutes late, despite being 45 mins early for our tee time. People ahead were extremely slow. We didn't get to finish 18, barely finished 16 holes. Also, way too many mosquitos.

Disappointing to pay an increased green fee for early morning weekend tee time and then. Be charged for parking. Seems arbitrary and fleecing of the customer since it’s not charged all day. Punish early tee timers along with inefficient deposit for cart. To have to go back to club house after round is inconvenient. Find another way.

You should not think there are a few mosquitoes.

I've never seen those number of mosquitoes in my life.

All the member could not sleep as of bites. This course hurts you. I had to visit urgent care to get pills.