Got back from a quick 3 day Adelaide jaunt, where played 6 rounds in 3days. Here are some quick thoughts on the courses we played.
Royal Adelaide
A gem as always. Unfortunately the course was playing soft and damp, which detracted from the normal experience. Always get a chubb on 3 and 11, this time was no different.
Grange West
Presented immaculately. No real outstanding holes, but no clangers either. Pro shop staff outrageously helpful. Very slow on the front 9, but managed to play the 18th in twilight.
Patawalonga
For what it is, the course is interesting, and in decent enough nick. Clearly no one who plays here is interested in fixing pitch marks. Every green was pock marked. If you can get over the noise and smell of jet fuel, it's worth a visit
Grange East
Also excellently presented. An interesting track that is better than I remembered it. Certainly helped by nice clusters of holes along the wetlands and some quality on the back 9. The Norman bunkering aesthetics could use some softening. The removal of trees and encroaching houses on the back 9 was a disappointment.
Glenelg
Love playing here. Course was mint, and can already see many of the subtle changes being put in place here. Would happily be a member here. Members here were also very friendly and up for plenty of banter.
Kooyonga
The best presented course on the trip. I thought it was over rated last time I was here, but lots of nice changes have been made to make me change my mind. The slowest round we had by a country mile, stuck behind a members 5 ball. Everyone was friendly, but it was made clear every other golf course in Adelaide is beneath them - the very strange elitist vibe was unfortunate.
My ranking for this trip:
RA
Glenelg
Kooyonga
Grange East
Grange West
Patawalonga