Llano Grande Golf Course

Review and Rating of Llano Grande Golf Course – Mercedes

Lllano Grande Golf Course is a fairly traditional layout that is similar to a links style course – flat, wide open, and straight ahead.  On most holes you can see the pin and what you're up against, however that are some hidden water hazards and bunkers near the green you might not be able to see. 

This is course that is fair and forgiving and gives you an opportunity to turn in a good score.  However, you'll need to avoid the water that can come into play on 11 holes and the out of bounds areas if you tend the spray the play. 

Some of the holes that we really liked included:

• #8 is a short but challenging par 4 with a fairway pinched by a lake on the left and bamboo and underbrush guarding a lake from tee to past the green on the right and an approach shot that is up to a significantly raised green
• #9 is a great par 5 with a lake in the middle of the fairway at about 170 out – the fairway left or right of lake is tight with trouble on both sides and carrying the lake requires a strong accurate shot
• we couldn't believe this  – #11 is a 193 yard all carry to an island green with a small bunker guarding the left side
• #18 is a great 562 yard par 5 with a green set at a 90 degree angle off the left side of the fairway – plus there is water the entire left side that goes in front of a huge oblong green as well as the entire left and some of the back of the green

The Llano Grande Golf Course fairways are flat and generous with a wide playable rough and a scattering of small trees and palms.  A number of the holes are side by side and if you spray it you've got a playable shot from the other fairway.  Since the fairways are so wide we didn't see any players in our fairway and I didn't hit any one in the other fairway. The fairways were in near perfect condition.

The greens range from tiny to above average size, with most being a tad smaller than normal.  Most are raised and have some slope – a few have some slope and contour. They were in pretty good shape with some having several damaged areas.  The were running true, a little slow (8 or so), and were a little bumpy when we played.

The few bunkers are tiny, with soft but thin sand, and small lips.  You may get lucky and roll out of the bunkers. 

Bottom line – a good course that's fair for all levels of play, has a few great holes, and good conditions plus a great opportunity to turn in a low scoring round.