Off the Fringe, “Golf’s best short read.” The award winning newsletter, sent twice monthly, that provides an unconventional perspective on the golf world.
Russ Omori
Ventura
2008-05-20
$31 (cart included), played on Saturday, May 2008 at 2pm
First of all, the name as currently listed is wrong. The course used to be called Los Olivas, and after a complete redesign to a links-style course, they re-opened as Olivas Links. Like many links courses, the fairways and greens are rolling and seemingly open, but disaster lurks just a few feet from most fairways. Even slightly errant shots and unlucky bounces can result in lost balls and 1-2 extra strokes. And while often gusting wind is the course's best defense, there are enough hazards to make even the scratch golfer sweat just a little bit.
The clubhouse has not been rebuilt yet, and more than one staff member doubts if it will ever happen, but the trailer-home pro shop offers all of the essentials, so the only big negative is the lack of any real food and beverage options - the pre-made sandwiches in the beverage cooler just won't cut it, and cart girl is apparently frequently abducted by aliens, along with her cargo of basic F&B.
But we don't keep making the drive to Ventura to eat or drink (although there are plenty of good off-course options relatively close by), we go for the enjoyment and challenge of playing a European style course at far better prices and in far better weather. And if that sounds good to you, you'll make that drive over and over, too.
Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Ambiance, No Houses on Course, Pace of Play
$31 (cart included), played on Saturday, May 2008 at 2pm
First of all, the name as currently listed is wrong. The course used to be called Los Olivas, and after a complete redesign to a links-style course, they re-opened as Olivas Links. Like many links courses, the fairways and greens are rolling and seemingly open, but disaster lurks just a few feet from most fairways. Even slightly errant shots and unlucky bounces can result in lost balls and 1-2 extra strokes. And while often gusting wind is the course's best defense, there are enough hazards to make even the scratch golfer sweat just a little bit. The clubhouse has not been rebuilt yet, and more than one staff member doubts if it will ever happen, but the trailer-home pro shop offers all of the essentials, so the only big negative is the lack of any real food and beverage options - the pre-made sandwiches in the beverage cooler just won't cut it, and cart girl is apparently frequently abducted by aliens, along with her cargo of basic F&B. But we don't keep making the drive to Ventura to eat or drink (although there are plenty of good off-course options relatively close by), we go for the enjoyment and challenge of playing a European style course at far better prices and in far better weather. And if that sounds good to you, you'll make that drive over and over, too.