I was on my way back from the Monterey Peninsula, where I had played golf, and had heard about The Links Course at Paso Robles. Having already subjected myself to the rigors of Hunter Ranch (a real brute) just up Route 46, I was curious, to say the least, to try The Links. Suffice it to say I was more than impressed.
You might be put off by your first impressions as you drive up the to pro shop with all the construction going on around the facility, but the price was right ($31, including pull cart) and I played as a single. So was the ambience (where else can you play and watch a pilot perform loop de loops in his biplane off in the distance?) and the overall experience.
I found the course a joy to play, and it isn't very often I can remember each hole on a course I played for the first time. The greens were outstanding -- some of the best I've putted on; private courses I've played would kill to have greens in this kind of condition -- and the course is very player-friendly. Aside from one steep hill to traverse on the 12th hole, the rest is flat and very walkable. But that doesn't mean it isn't challenging; if the wind is up, it probably plays several hundred yards longer. As with any links course, wind is its greatest defense, so be sure to pick a calm day before you try The Links.
The only drawback is the location. It's a long drive from Southern California, but well worth the visit if you're heading farther up north.
I plan on making a return visit.

Customer Service

I found the individual behind the desk helpful and informative, just what you would want at any course. That goes for the golfers on the course, too. I played as a single, despite walking on early in the morning, and had no problem playing through. That was refreshing to see.

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I've played my share of links courses in Scotland and England. This one certainly can't be put in that group, but it does possess many of those characteristics. You will be amazed at what you find.

This is a true links style course set in farm country. No houses. No trees. When we played the bermuda grass fairways were dormant. The actual fairways are fairly narrow but the 1st cut rough is very wide open. Fairway and rough are about the same condition. Course has some interesting holes and a few hills here and there but is mostly flat with decent diversity. Has some strategically placed sand bunkers and grass pot bunkers. Greens are in nice condition. It's like a higher class muni course. Fast pace and definitely good for all levels of play. Overall the conditions are fairly decent and it is a great deal of fun to play. Couse is very walkable. Played, 3/3/07. Weekend about $30 to walk.

Customer Service

Good

The length of the course and its forgiving links style allow for any level player to be able to shoot a good score as the trouble is not too bad.

No water on the course. While back-to-back par 5s and par 3s may seem a bit unusual, if you don''''t score well on the first, hopefully you can correct your problems to do better on the next one. Doglegs right or fairway bends to the left tend to be the dominant pattern for the holes.

A true links course in the middle of Central Coastal California farming country. This is a very nice and plain links course that you get what you pay for ($18). The course begins with two par 5s that extend over 525 yards and they both dogleg to the left. After a reasonable par 4, you are faced with two par 3s at 210 and 230 yards and then another par 5 over 550 yards. After that stretch of six holes, you will either love or hate your driver and 3 wood. Being a links course, the fairways are sparse with trees and it is very much wide open alongside the fairways. There is a gentle rolling nature to the fairways that provide good run on well struck drives. There are no "sand" bunkers on this course, however, there are strategically placed grass "pot" bunkers on every hole which makes shot placement a must. There are few out of bounds markers and fields are on the perimeter of the course. The greens are well kept, large in size and pin placement on most can make 3-putting a norm. While some may state that the condition of the course is not that great and it can be unbearably hot during the summer or just plain windy in the afternoon, you cannot expect Pebble Beach or Riviera for $18. And from my understanding, that is the "play all day" rate. I paid $9 for the after 1 p.m. twilight rate and played as a fivesome for 9 holes and a foursome for the last 9 and finished under 4 hours. That includes letting two groups pass us on the third hole. Playing rounds in 4 hours or less is the norm at this course. If you want well manicured fairways and tour quality greens, spend 2x or 3x the green fee and play at Hunter Ranch just in the distance up Highway 46. However, if you can handle a simple round of golf with a little variety, lots of length and very little money, then the Links Course at Paso Robles is the answer.

Customer Service

Pro shop was helpful.

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See above comments regarding the value of $18 golf and the expectations that should go along with it. Grass driving range, putting green and chipping area were OK. There were no tee box markers givi