The Links at Lakehouse

Also, known as the Lake San Marcos Country Club Course...at least that's what I found...
I enjoyed this course even though it was nestled within a community and had those tight holes with houses on either side.
The day of I was paired up with another guy, which was cool because it may have been more challenging to find my way around if I wasn't with someone who had played the course before.
Another thing we experienced the majority of the round was the greens reading one way and doing something totally different. This was my first time playing the course so I could always use that excuse, but the both of us were getting the same reads and yet the line/speed would do the complete opposite.

This was just a nice course that, while a little tricky on certain holes had nothing very special about it. It was very helpful to have a guy that knew the course well, give the rest of us very valuable hints on the tricky holes. The "Hilltop" signature hole was nice but aside from it, nothing else was memorable. Because it was somewhat out-of-the-way, at $39 for mid-week rate, this was at best a fair and reasonable price for this course. By the way, the snackbar was closed even though it was a rather busy day.

The change in management has allowed an inflow of cash for badly needed improvements. Greens were still healing from aerification 2 wks prior. The 2 - putting greens were in better condition than the actual course.

Greens were a little bit bumpy and didn't hold a true line when struck properly. Good speed just inconsistent. Another 2 weeks and they will be just fine with excellent speed and true rolling, hopefully.

Fairways/roughs were improving; some drainage work on the front 9 but areas marked GUR (Ground Under Repair). We were rolling our balls in the fairways and roughs about 50% of the time.

Tees boxes are very small and a little worn in spots. On the back 9, many of the blue/white markers were at the same yardage to save wear & tear.

Difficult to determine actual yardages as the "NEW" carts are not equipped with GPS. No yardage on sprinkler heads either but red, white & blue fairway plates in fairways although difficult to see. Highly recommend a hand laser/GPS rangefinder, (I used my phone's Mobitee Premium). Flagsticks are equipped to flash back laser readings which is a nice touch.

Marshals kept the pace moving. Not overly stern but polite to help search for errant balls and ask if everything is OK. Took our foursomes about 3 hrs 45 minutes to play. Little to no waiting unless you have a bomber in your group. Short Par 4's and second shot Par 5's might experience some delays.

It was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the 80's. We worked up a thirst but sadly, NEVER once did the mobile concession cart appear on this FRIDAY afternoon. Highly recommend bringing/smuggling your own water bottles/beverages as you will need it. Or just wait until after you played 9 and hit the concession stand. Reasonable prices with limited selection.

Driving range is mat only while tee expansion is ongoing. There are target on the range but the exact yardages is anybody's guess. The mats actually are of superior quality for those that hate hitting off mats.

Bottom line... be patient. This course is going to be a North County "FAV" come 2014.

The new owners are trying to return some playability to the course after years of neglect. Bravo! But it will be awhile before they can do some of the work needed. There are too many places on the course that still need attention. Some serious thought needs to be given to making some fundamental design adjustments too. The original designer made a mess of a couple of holes. Overall, it is worth the price but has so much unrealized potential!

Little crowded, but the course is nice and well maintained

St. Marks is making a lot of improvements. The carts are new and nicer (NO GPS). Free tees, 2 waters. Lots of watering everywhere and tee box and bunkers improvements. Worth the usually afternoon $29 but I found a hot deal for $20. Unfortunately the nice lady in the pro shop tells everyone to start whenever and I ran into two groups of 5 who were horrible players from the whites but they let me play through.

I tried this course after hearing about all the good changes made since it had been Lake San Marcos. Having never played it regardless of its name, I was curious about what I would find.

First, the staff was really friendly and helpful. I played on a Saturday early afternoon and the place was really busy, but I started on time. The course is fairly wide open--tough to lose a ball. A couple of really interesting holes and a really tough, sharp dog-leg 550+ yard, uphill par 5. From the whites.

Fairways were okay--typical for the area. Greens were super-hard and super-fast. Had a hard time keeping the ball on the green. Missed four-foot downhill puts ended up twelve feet on the other side.

Biggest downside was the pace of play. 5+15 is too long. Second, was the lack of yardage markers. A few on the sprinkler heads, but seriously scarce otherwise. People were walking all over the fairway trying to find them which slowed pace of play. How much can some PVC pipe and paint cost? Finally, no water on the course. It's almost a safety issue on hot days. OTOH, the cart girl made it past our group several different times.

I'd rate it as average for the area...which I guess is an improvement over what it was earlier.

First time playing this course. Very challenging and super excellent greens!

The last time I played, a few months ago, the course needed maintenance. Today, other than a few sand traps that need attention, it was in excellent condition.

It's been nearly 2 years since I played here...when it was Lake San Marcos CC...and the course is in so much better shape since then. They have new management now, thus the name change, and they have made a lot of improvements. The pride of ownership at St. Mark's shows and I'll definitely play there again.

Course is comming together nicely the greens were not too fast prefer faster greens had fun

Greens in good sharp. Fairways need work. Overall good day

New ownership. Most times I've played here I rarely start at my tee time. Usually 15-25 min behind. Frustrating. Green are good. Fairways ok.

Course in very good shape. New golf carts with attached club and ball cleaner are a nice addition. Also an attached ice chest. The restaurant attached to the club is also a very friendly place.

My son and I played St. Mark course recently. We didn't play too well on this day, but it wasn't due to the course. It's pretty well maintained with many tight and challenging holes. It winds through the neighborhood, so try not to hit the houses! The staff was very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our visit and will come back later.

Jacked their rates by charging separately for cart. At $39 green fees and carts it is overpriced for the area. Fairways are scrub with lots of dirt patches. Greens just fair.

good course, tuff fast greens but receptive, staff friendly,let us good off early.

This course used to be really bad (so I'm told). I see vast improvements, and I play this course at least once every other week.

I'm bummed that a cart is $15 and has no GPS, but it's the only course I've found in Nth Cty that has a cooler and ball washer on board ... I've got GPS, so I'm good.

Back to the course ... the course is in repair ... they just had the junior world tourney there, so I'm sure it's bouncing back. But unlike most courses that need work, they mark the bad areas, allowing you to take relief to a better area (way to go). The rough is super thick, but that makes it challenging. The greens were unusually fast this last time, but I managed.

Staff is SO helpful and friendly. They actually greet you as they pass ... almost as if they know you ... the welcoming atmosphere is not typical on courses these days. Very nice

New ownership is making an effort to improve this course. Greens are pretty good; fairways are getting better... Play it before they go private again...

Good course my 11 year old son shot a 77 from the blue playing his first time on the course