sorenj

It doesn’t take long on the course at Saddle Creek to realize this is a special layout. Set in the rolling foothills of Copperopolis (“Copper” to the locals) the course fully utilizes the natural elevation changes and grasslands to create a very challenging yet playable course.

I think my favorite feature of this track is that each hole is a fully contained individual course element. If you hook or slice wide of the rough, there is no waste area or “backup fairway” from another hole playing back the other way. There are literally no two holes adjacent to one another. Instead there is just natural grass that I’d guess average between 18 and 24 inches high. In other words, if you miss wide right or left, get into your bag because you are not likely finding, let alone playing, that ball. However, what this creates, is the feeling – at almost all times – that it is just you and the golf course; and this is great. Because, really, who wouldn’t want their own private golf course… and this is how playing Saddle Creek feels.

All of that said, most holes have generous enough landing areas (and an ample first cut of rough) so that, by and large, you won’t get into that much trouble. There are a few long carries off the tee that, frankly, in previous years would have intimidated me. For example, I don’t think I’d want to be anything short of 180 of the tee on #17 and most of that is over a grassy waste area from which you simply are not getting your ball back. Yes, you should be able to routinely clear that, but standing there looking at it, it can be a bit intimidating.

None of this should push a player away from Saddle Creek. It’s challenging, yes, but it is a beautiful course that is ultimately playable for all but the most casual golfer. And there are some opportunities to really feel good about your game. When I stuck the green about 15 feet from the pin on the par 3 (182, from the whites) 14th hole I felt like I had hit the shot of my life, and you can’t get that feeling without a little challenge present.

I chose to walk the course, and that might be a bit much for some. As mentioned above it winds through the hills with a decent amount of elevation change and some longer treks between holes. It’s certainly walkable and I’m glad I did, but it’s worth noting that I don’t think anyone would classify it as a “walk in the park.”

The staff was friendly and engaging, showing genuine interest in me and my travels. I really enjoyed my interactions with everyone I met from Saddle Creek. This is certainly a course I recommend, and another one that I would make the effort to return and play again.

One of the first things you notice about Aspen Lakes is the red bunkers. Ground from the local cinder (as a choice by the course designer to avoid shipping in white sand from out of state), the bunkers give the course a distinctive (dare I say christmas'y) look.

Beyond being visually appealing, though, it should be noted that the bunkers do play differently since they are essentially ground up lava. I was fortunate to have a chat with a local before playing and it helped on the one fairway bunker I found as well as the single green-side trap I needed to play out of. Simply put, the cinder bunkers pack down and play a little heavier than regular sand. It's not "bad" like wet or "dirty" sand... but it is different. What I was told is that often (when possible) even the green-side traps should be played like a fairway bunker or waste area.

Beyond the traps, there is plenty to love about Aspen Lakes. The course is in fantastic shape, especially given that it spent a significant chunk of the winter under as much as four feet of snow. It lays out very nicely among creeks, ponds and enough in the way of elevation changes to keep you actively testing the various capabilities of your clubs.

I actually played a very good round (relative to me) and carded an 85 just inside of three hours. I was second out, playing as a single behind a local who was also playing by himself, so I don't think this is something you should typically expect. However, pace of play seemed to be good all day long as far as I could tell.

I was fortunate to avoid any real trouble, however I can see how you could have a completely different scoring experience with a few breaks going the wrong way. There is no shortage of challenge on the course. I also played the whites, protecting myself from some of the tougher shots. The #2 handicap 14th was (by far) the toughest hole for me, with a waste area in the landing zone of the typical driver, it almost requires a 200+ yrd approach shot (albeit from an elevated fairway) from just about anyone playing the hole.

A club Without a PA system, Aspen sends it's players to the tee courtesy of an old fashioned human starter. Whether you are on the range or practice green, the starter will track you down and get you on the tee box ready to hit at your allotted time. This personal touch is nice and I'd love to see it more often.

On that note, the staff at Aspen Lakes were energetic and enthusiastic about their work, and it really created a good vibe heading out to start the round. Laurie even took time out to give us a quick tour of the Sisters Mountains from the deck outside the clubhouse; a view well worth taking in especially when the “girls have their dresses on” as the locals call it when the mountains are snow capped.

Overall, Aspen was a terrific experience; Beautiful course, great staff and set against an absolutely stunning backdrop of major Pacific Northwest Mountains. I not only recommend the course, but have every intention of making the trek back to play again myself.

Eagle hills is about 3 miles from my house, so I wind up playing there quite a bit. When I started prepping for my 50 rounds in 50 days in 50 states trip the first thing I did was set up a 14 day "dry run," just to make sure my body was up to the challenge of playing every day. The staff at Eagle Hills was far more than accommodating while I tried to fit in those rounds around my work schedule.

Overall the course has a nice layout, easily managed from the white tees, but with enough distance and variety to challenge from the blues or blacks. there are enough hazards to keep you honest, including several holes with water in play. However I wouldn't say anything is overly punitive. The greens have a little pitch to them, but none of them will leave you scratching your head. Pretty much any ball on the green has a chance of being put in the hole without trying to read an enormous break or change of pace in the putt.

There are a few holes that can really be taken advantage of to improve your score, and others like #17 that will do a good job of keeping you honest.

When I started play the course was in very good condition, sine it started snowing mid-way though my round, things got a little tougher later on.

Overall, I enjoy playing Eagle Hills, calling it my home course, and I go there regularly for more than the convenience of it's location.