Carmel Valley Ranch Resort

My only gripe was that the greens were aerated with sand sprinkled on top. I guess that's why the green fee was much lower.

First time here. Played at 1/2 normal fee just 5 days after green punching and aeration -- neither of which I knew at time of booking. Arrived 2 hours early to prep. Nice driving and practice areas and restaurant/lounge. Check-in staff neglected to inform me of some important info, such as their "roving starter" who is not stationed near the first tee (??) but rides around on a cart. I arrived at tee box #1 about 10 mins before my tee time, and was there alone as I prepared to tee off. Finally the starter arrived with my playing companions with just 2 mins to go. He was not happy with me, since I apparently (1) had not looked for him and (2) had parked my cart in the wrong place. Fortunately my playing partners were very cordial and as the day wore on I forgot about the bad start. Front 9 much easier than back 9, as elevation changes grew more severe. Even from the Orange (white) tees I really needed a good long iron and fairway wood day to score reasonably. Wind kicked up later in day making those shots even tougher. Fairways were perfect, as well as bunkers. Some greens had a layer of sand that was still 1/8" high making putting and short game a bad carnival ride. With all the other great courses in the area I will likely not return to this one soon, no matter how good the greens may be on the next visit.

A bit slow as the aeration had just started.

You owe it to yourself and a friend to play this gem.

Spectacular…

Not only is the course layout fantastic, the views and setting are superb.

We played at twilight. Finished all 18.

Le let 3-4 singles play through. Singles behind a foursome always rough.

But, even so we finished in 4 hours.

Highly recommend that you do not miss this course.

It was a a very pleasant day, pace what good

We ran into some early wind.

Greens had different speeds

A challenge to figure out?

No turkey’s were to be found.

As always I find this course tough.

some greens were found to be fast and other greens to be slow.

This course is filled with natural wonders

Birds, deers ,hawks Turkeys not found on this round?

We found several of the golfers gracious enough to let us pass through since we were only two,.

The wind made its day view the course got longer!

It turn out to be a journey on a lovely day.

Enjoyed the course and the layout. Lots of elevation changes, was in great shape and greens nice. Had a great time with my family 👏⛳️🏌️‍♂️

Always a pleasure to play here. The choice of tees make it fun for everyone

Holes 10-15 were challenging, due to mountain terrain but overall nice course, nice conditions and friendly staff, Worth the money

Awesome course. Everything is top notch. I could play here everyday of my life.

Great course, great condition and good greens. Nice staff.

My only criticism would be allowing 5somes to play. It slows things down to a crawl.