Year Played: 2009
Month Played: Apr
Day Played: Sun
Time Played: 10am

I play Carroll Valley about six times a year, most recently 9-16-08.

Course is laid out in the valley at the foot of the Liberty Mountain ski area, so the clubhouse is actually part of the ski resorts hotel complex. Course has some elevation change, and that helps break up what could be a simple back and forth parallel hole pattern in the valley. As it is, most of the holes do run parallel, but have sufficient room between to mask it, and give the designer some options. Nevertheless, there a couple of holes that closely resemble each other, but other than that, it is a nice layout.

Tee boxes are mostly crowned, which I see as a negative, but they were in pretty good shape for this late in the season. Fairways are generous, and were quite lush last week, The number of bunkers is not overwhelming, but they are well placed, and generally in decent shape. Greens are medium sized, with a few exceptions, and generally hold well, and putt somewhat slower than expected. There is water on about half of the holes, and it does come into play on four of those.

Pro shop is small and cozy with a very nice group of staffers. Starters are friendly and helpful. Snack bar is OK, but we usually go up the road a mile or so to Venturas in Fairfield, where the Yeungling is only $5/pitcher.

Carroll Valley runs a lot of golf promotions: three and four day packages, and they have another course under their corporate mantle, Mountain View, about two miles north, on the other side of Fairfield. Both courses are worth a visit.

Pros: Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Ambiance, No Houses on Course, Pace of Play, Staff
Cons: None worth mentioning
Would Travel: 30-60 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom Line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Ranks with the best in this price level, I would recommend this course, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
Ranked on 2008-09-22

Year Played: 2008
Month Played: Sep
Day Played: Tue
Time Played: 10am