Arg's Travel Log

[zer0]

20 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Lol. Drowning my sorrows with a tasty 2024 Firestone Walker Paraboloid Elite Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. One of the stronger BBA imperials at 16.5% ABV. 

 

To soak up a few of the ABVs, I've added a very tasty 805 Smash Burger. 

 

 

 

how many cows???

[Argonne69]

3 hours ago, st1800e said:

Have you played Rams Hill?

 

Yes.

 

In Palm Springs I've played PGA West Stadium, PGA West Mountain, Indian Wells Celebrity, Marriott Shadow Ridge, Desert Willow Firecliff, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament, Desert Willow Mountain View, PGA West Pete Dye Dunes, Classic Club, Escena, SilverRock, Eagle Falls, and PGA West Greg Norman. 

 

[Argonne69]

2 hours ago, zer0 said:

 

how many cows???

 

8 cows on the BBA Imperial Stout, and 6 cows on the Smashburger. 

 

[Argonne69]

Long day. Started with the oil change taking over 2 hours. Grrr. The last one took 30 minutes. Can't get good help these days. Watched the tech walk away numerous times for 10 minutes at a time. No idea what he was doing. 

 

Fairly scenic 4 hour drive south on US-101, especially once the highway got to the ocean north of Santa Barbara. Traffic got heavy, and several construction zones didn't help. Highlight of the trip was seeing the northbound Amtrak Coast Starlight for the 2nd time in three days. Lucky to see it just north of Santa Barbara with the ocean as a backdrop. 

 

Small RV park with cramp quarters. Not much in the area, so I'm lucky to have this. Thankfully the trees behind me aren't blocking the satellite. 

 

 

Going to crack open a beer from the fridge and kick back the rest of the day. Early morning round at Tierra Rejada tomorrow. Going to call Rustic Canyon to see if there's an opening on Saturday. 

 

[Argonne69]

What a crazy 20 minutes. I saw that Rustic Canyon had an early tee time tomorrow, so I had to move my tee time at Tierra Rejada to Saturday. It was a pre-paid round, and for whatever reason they couldn't just move it, so I had to go through the process of canceling it and booking a new prepaid round. By the time I called Rustic the open spot was filled, but an even earlier one opened up. Going to be a fun morning driving 45 minutes to the course. 

 

Oh, and while that was happening I got a call from my doctor's office regarding my scan next week. They couldn't fit me in on Monday, so I was looking at another 90 minute drive on Tuesday for a 5:30 pm appointment. Ugh. However, after 15 minutes on hold, and a little scheduling magic, they were able to get me in early Monday afternoon, saving me a second trip. 

 

[carrera]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

No idea what he was doing. 

Youtube..."how to change oil"

[Chanceman]

On 11/21/2024 at 10:16 AM, Argonne69 said:

Stopped at the RV park after the round for a shower, a nap, and a couple of chores. Dumped the black and gray holding tanks to save myself having to do it early tomorrow morning in the cold. I'm taking Bessie in for an oil change, so I have to get out early. 

 

Booked a 5 night stay in Palm Springs for the first week of December. I assume greens fees will be high again during this peak season. Going to try to play 3 new courses, as well as a repeat of the PGA West Stadium course if I can get on. I played it back in February 2013, so it's been a while. 

 

Did more planning for the upcoming winter. After Palm Springs, the plan is to hit Phoenix, Tucson, Las Cruces, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Lafayette, Biloxi, Mobile, Destin, Tallahassee, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Savanah, Augusta, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Pinehurst before continuing north. 

 

Last stop at California Coast Beer Company for quite a while. Can't get enough of their delicious Belgian Golden Strong Ale. 

 

 

Do you have a short list for your courses in Dallas. Austin & San Antone?
I am thinking of a trip there some time in the future, having played Old American and Cowboys once before when en route to the Masters so I can recommend both of those.

[Double Mocha Man]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Watched the tech walk away numerous times for 10 minutes at a time. No idea what he was doing. 

 

He was walking over to review the list of "Potential Customer Upsells".

[Double Mocha Man]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Highlight of the trip was seeing the northbound Amtrak Coast Starlight for the 2nd time in three days.

 

I might've asked this before.  Are you related to Sheldon Cooper?

[Argonne69]

4 minutes ago, Double Mocha Man said:

 

I might've asked this before.  Are you related to Sheldon Cooper?

 

Lol. My earliest childhood memory was riding in a dome car traveling from St Paul to Chicago. I was 3 years old. 

 

Miss my model trains. 

 

[Double Mocha Man]

3 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Lol. My earliest childhood memory was riding in a dome car traveling from St Paul to Chicago. I was 3 years old. 

 

Miss my model trains. 

 

 

I'm a fan of trains, as well. 

 

I've taken the Coastal Starlight, Empire Builder, Southwest Chief and the Rocky Mountaineer that goes from Vancouver to Banff.

 

As a kid I had a Lionel train set with all the buildings and roads and tunnels.

 

My Grandfather was a train engineer out of Tennessee.  When he passed he left me his pocket watch.

 

So I might be a Sheldon, too.

[Argonne69]

39 minutes ago, Chanceman said:

Do you have a short list for your courses in Dallas. Austin & San Antone?
I am thinking of a trip there some time in the future, having played Old American and Cowboys once before when en route to the Masters so I can recommend both of those.

 

Not at this time. I've played close to 20 courses in Dallas, a dozen in Austin, and a dozen in SA. Not sure if there's a top course I haven't played in the three cities. Going to try to find a couple of new ones, but I'll likely be teeing it up at a repeat. I played Old American and Cowboys on my first golf trip to Dallas. 

 

In Dallas, Texas Star isn't bad. The Tribute next door to Old American was fun. Would love to check out PGA Frisco, but I believe it's private or stay and play. Waterchase, Cedar Crest, Hawks Creek, and Sky Creek were decent. 

 

In Austin, the 3 courses at the Omni are the best of the bunch. 

 

In San Antonio, it's the pair of courses at TPC San Antonio. The Quarry and Olympia Hills weren't bad. 

 

Edited November 22, 2024 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

4 minutes ago, Double Mocha Man said:

 

I'm a fan of trains, as well. 

 

I've taken the Coastal Starlight, Empire Builder, Southwest Chief and the Rocky Mountaineer that goes from Vancouver to Banff.

 

As a kid I had a Lionel train set with all the buildings and roads and tunnels.

 

My Grandfather was a train engineer out of Tennessee.  When he passed he left me his pocket watch.

 

So I might be a Sheldon, too.

 

The California Zephyr is the most scenic Amtrak route with crossings through the Rockies and Sierra Nevadas. 

 

Via Rail's Canadian from Vancouver to Toronto is quite special. 

 

My father was a fireman on a steam locomotive in the late 50's. He was always telling great stories. 

 

Grew up near trains. From 3 years old to my late 20s I was living close to the tracks. 

 

[StoutKing]

Really glad you got a time at Rustic.  The greens are excellent right now rolling 12.

[Argonne69]

Lol. I don't think Southern California likes me. Been here several times and the weather is generally working against me. Woke up this morning and it was warmer in Chicago than in Oxnard. Just pulled into the parking lot at Rustic Canyon, and it's 37 degrees. No wind, and once the sun comes over the hills it should be nice, but still. 

 

Tomorrow's forecast looks like rain off and on through the morning. Pfffttt. 

 

 

Edited November 22, 2024 by Argonne69

[ThinkingPlus]

10 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

Lol. I don't think Southern California likes me. Been here several times and the weather is generally working against me. Woke up this morning and it was warmer in Chicago than in Oxnard. Just pulled into the parking lot at Rustic Canyon, and it's 37 degrees. No wind, and once the sun comes over the hills it should be nice, but still. 

 

Tomorrow's forecast looks like rain off and on through the morning. Pfffttt. 

 

 

 

[Yoshifan151]

It's been super cold around here the past week ish in the morning. Glad you got on Rustic though, one of my favorite courses I've played.

[mci711]

Just a heads up, you can book PGA frisco online. Public times are 7 days in advance, which may not be great for you. I need a few more nights to keep Titanium Marriott status so I was looking to book a trip this weekend and that was one of the options. Ended up booking phoenix to do some trail running and couple rounds of golf instead, if you were wondering 😂

 

 

[NCLancer]

15 hours ago, carrera said:

Youtube..."how to change oil"

That's funny!  I just went to a new (to me) periodontist, and I admitted to her that I was nervous about the procedure. She looked straight at me and deadpanned: "Don't worry.  We watched a YouTube video this morning and we think we know what we're doing".  Made me laugh😄

Edited November 22, 2024 by NCLancer

[StoutKing]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

Lol. I don't think Southern California likes me. Been here several times and the weather is generally working against me. Woke up this morning and it was warmer in Chicago than in Oxnard. Just pulled into the parking lot at Rustic Canyon, and it's 37 degrees. No wind, and once the sun comes over the hills it should be nice, but still. 

 

Tomorrow's forecast looks like rain off and on through the morning. Pfffttt. 

 

 

It's been super cold here and thanks for bringing the first rain since March.  But seriously we do need some rain.  There were some nasty fires recently

Edited November 22, 2024 by StoutKing

[Double Mocha Man]

1 hour ago, ThinkingPlus said:

 

 

 

@ThinkingPlus -  Thanks for planting that earworm in my head. I'll be at the range later today and I hope that song works with my swing tempo.

[Yoshifan151]

9 minutes ago, StoutKing said:

It's been super cold here and thanks for bringing the first rain since March.  But seriously we do need some rain.  There were some nasty fires recently

Yeah the Mountain fire was BAD, the timing with the crazy wind was horrible.

[Mullenboy]

It's worse here in NorCal, Arg.  You were still better off heading south.

Add me to those who are glad you got a time at Rustic.  I think it is the best public course in all of Southern California.  But wait now there's the kiss of death... here comes the 4 cows.  🙂

[ThinkingPlus]

1 hour ago, Mullenboy said:

It's worse here in NorCal, Arg.  You were still better off heading south.

Add me to those who are glad you got a time at Rustic.  I think it is the best public course in all of Southern California.  But wait now there's the kiss of death... here comes the 4 cows.  🙂

It still amazes me how well regarded RC is. When we lived there, we considered it essentially Moorpark's municipal. The snooty pro shop staff seemed to be the only folks who thought very highly of the place.

[Mullenboy]

5 minutes ago, ThinkingPlus said:

It still amazes me how well regarded RC is. When we lived there, we considered it essentially Moorpark's municipal. The snooty pro shop staff seemed to be the only folks who thought very highly of the place.

How you feel about RC is sorta like how I feel about Pasatiempo.  Not to get too biblical but a prophet is never appreciated in his home town... courses perhaps are the same.  Local to us, playing them a lot, hard to see the big deal.

 

That being said, RC has been highly regarded in the outside world pretty much from inception.  It received high magazine rankings very early on.  

 

And of course seemingly everyone except me loves Pasatiempo.  🙂

 

Anyway I have to believe RC will tick the boxes for Arg.  But we shall see.... 

[StoutKing]

12 minutes ago, ThinkingPlus said:

It still amazes me how well regarded RC is. When we lived there, we considered it essentially Moorpark's municipal. The snooty pro shop staff seemed to be the only folks who thought very highly of the place.

I have always enjoyed Rustic, but the more highly ranked courses I play the more I appreciate Rustic.  There aren't that many courses that are so well designed.  Each hole makes you think.  The shaping is understated and elegant.  I love the greens and in the winter the course gets nice and firm.  Add in the peace and quiet with sunny, year round low humidity golf and it's pretty special to me.

[Double Mocha Man]

21 minutes ago, Mullenboy said:

And of course seemingly everyone except me loves Pasatiempo. 

 

How many cows do you give it?

[Mullenboy]

15 minutes ago, StoutKing said:

I have always enjoyed Rustic, but the more highly ranked courses I play the more I appreciate Rustic.  There aren't that many courses that are so well designed.  Each hole makes you think.  The shaping is understated and elegant.  I love the greens and in the winter the course gets nice and firm.  Add in the peace and quiet with sunny, year round low humidity golf and it's pretty special to me.

Right with you on all of this, your majesty.  I wish I could play it more.  The only downsides I have found there are it can get really windy and play can be very very slow.  But both of those issues can be avoided with planning.  It's a great golf course.

[Mullenboy]

1 minute ago, Double Mocha Man said:

 

How many cows do you give it?

LOL I don't do cows.  Not my realm.  Really not sure how it works.  And heck I am not stupid enough to say that Pasatiempo is anything but a great golf course.  It is, clearly.  Just if people say it's better than Pebble Beach I thin they're on meth.  But mainly... it bugs me how they are jacking up the prices post-restovation.  And I use that word on purpose because it's not really a renovation no matter how many times they say it is... They are making the greens how MacKenzie might have done them allowing for 10+ stimp speeds.  His real greens would have been absurd at anything over 7.  Again that too is a stupid esoteric point.  The world is gonna love the new course.  Just old-timer codger me thought it was fine how it was and appreciated it being the one great course around with an affordable price.

[Argonne69]

 

Fun morning. Should have worn shorts. 37 degrees on the 1st tee, but 70 after the round. Crazy weather. Third time playing Rustic Canyon, and no changes since I played it back in late February. Here's my review from then: 

 

https://forums.golfwrx.com/topic/1842161-args-travel-log/?do=findComment&comment=25245665

 

Course could use some elevation change other than the teebox on the 16th, but it's still a fine layout with plenty of shots that require some thought. Par 5s are still underwhelming. The huge greens (and closely mown areas) continue to baffle me. 

 

Conditions were very good. Fairways had a few iffy areas, but nothing that really affected play. Bunkers need sand. Greens were Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The early morning dew/watering kept the speed down for a while, but they were rolling at least 11 late in the round. 

 

Played a Blue/White combo again at 6275 yds (69.8/126). The official "Hanse" combo at 6441 yds was a little too long with the wrist still bothering me. Driver was fine, but still hitting too many thin irons with the fear of taking too much turf. Putter took the day off except for the nice 24' par putt on the 18th. Nine bogies. Highlight of the day was once again being out on a course that I've played before without having to take meticulous notes. Lol. My walking playing partner was a local, and we chatted up a storm. Just a great day to be out walking a nice course without having to stare at blue siding. Sadly my other young playing partner was riding in a cart and having a bad day, so there was very little interaction. 

 

I think I'm going to bump this one up to 7 cows from the previous six. I'd still like to see the par 5s improved, along with a long par 3, but multiple plays brings out more of the strategic aspects of the course. Oh, and those crazy greens. Well, I think they're greens. Lol. Wind up in the wrong place and a three putt is a high probability. The $84 weekend walking rate was a tad higher than the bargain weekday rate, but it's still a crazy price. Still a must play. 

 

Snapped a few new photos and appended them to the previous album. 

 

 

Modified photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/5p1x0tz9s2w95b8gi8ebx/h?rlkey=n11snie5cf0xkmwugui3jkilg&st=2qzl8ikx&dl=0

 

Edited November 22, 2024 by Argonne69