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 If you’re coming from outside the 951 area code, your car’s GPS system will come in handy if you’re going to play Diamond Valley Golf Club in Hemet. Don’t have one? Get a map, or read on, because it likely will be worth the trip. Amenities: Diamond Valley opened in 1999 and has received favorable reviews, although this was my first visit. The course has a pure golf feel, meaning no sprawling clubhouse or attendants running to your car to get your bag. There is a basic snack bar, and the green fees are reasonable. I paid $59 for a holiday rate, plus $4 for a small bucket of range balls. The food options are limited, but the hot dog was good, which is always a good sign. They also had large cans of beers, which meant nothing to me but pleased other members of my group. Several beautiful holes are visible from the back of the clubhouse, and the range is inviting because of its grass surface. Layout: We played the blue tees (6,538 yards, par 72), and the handicaps in our group ranged from 8 to 18. The tee boxes, fairways and areas around the greens had been overseeded, creating lush conditions. The rough had gone dormant, creating a cool clash of green and tan. The greens were consistent, smooth and held our approach shots. For every tough hole, like the blind tee shot on the 421-yard, par-4 11th, there was a fun hole like No. 3, a drivable 290-yard par 4. Water features also are used to good effect, with two par 3s — the 178-yard No. 4 and the 128-yard 17th hole — playing entirely over water. The 338-yard, par-4 seventh hole also has water in play off the tee and on the approach. Bottom line: The course was as entertaining as I had been led to believe. None of the holes struck me as odd or out of place, and the course had good variety and character. Overview: The low-handicap players in our group found the course challenging and fair, while the high-handicappers had a good time without being severely penalized. Our 18-handicap player shot a 90 with three birdies, which is enough to bring anyone back for a return visit. Location and rates: Take I-15 to Highway 79/Winchester Road; go north to Domenigoni Parkway; east to State Street; and take a right on Sage Road, where the club will be on the right at 31220 Sage Road. Weekday green fees are in the $40 range with weekends and holiday rates closer to $60. For tee times, call (951) 767-0828. |
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