River Course at Alisal

I have mixed feelings about this course. I want to like it but always find it slightly disappointing, especially considering the relatively high rates. I only come up if I get a deal. It's a pleasant drive to go up to Solvang if you are from SoCal, and you can make a day of it in the Santa Ynez valley. The setting of the course is scenic and breezy. The layout is reasonably interesting. It's a relatively new course designed to be accessible to resort-level players. Meanwhile their older, more traditional 18 on the ranch is only open to people staying at the resort. The River Course is just dumbed down a bit too much for me. Other mid-level players may like it fine.

The greens I find the most frustrating. They are rolling nice now and are pretty hard, but almost every green is flat as a pancake, and pretty large, so you are in for a day of lag putts and tap-ins. Pace of play this particular Sunday was very poor. I got to know the foursomes behind and in front of us, as we met at every tee box. Overall I just wish it were 10% more challenging, but I am a low handicap player. Up the road in Lompoc, La Purisma is a much better challenge. But the river course is a pretty. pleasant place. People rave about the restaurant too. I haven't tried it but it is always busy. Oh, and at any of these area courses, beware the poison oak!

This is a nice course, being on the Central Coast is great. When you finish your round you can go for a bite to eat in Solvang.

Today was very windy which was a little bit of a struggle for us playing.

A windy day, but it was fun & sunshine out! Pace of play a little slow but not too bad. FaIrways had good roll, greens consistent, pretty flat course. We will play this again when in the area.

Had a great time, great course. Would definitely play again.

Well maintained Course with fun layout. Staff is friendly. Always enjoy the loop at Alisal

If you can get the cheaper rate online the course is acceptable. But the weekend riding rate is not worth it

Played the course 3 times this week with my sons loved it even my score wasn't great loved playing with my boys

Teed of at 3 pm finished at 6. Beautiful scenery. Sand traps are dirt. Need to have a GPS for yardages. Bar and Clubhouse close early. Challenging and wind is a factor.

I met up with a old golf buddy from Burbank. He drove two plus hours and I drove one hour from San Luis Obispo. We had a great round and were impressed by the course and facilities. I don't know what kind of grass were on the greens but they rolled nice. Great views of the surrounding mountains. The course was crowded but the pace was not that slow, a little over four hours for the round. The staff was friendly and treated us like regulars. We will be back!