I used to play this a lot when I was a teenager, but have stayed away for the past 15 years or so, because I wasn't a fan of the conditions. A few years back, however, the course underwent some improvements, most noticeably the addition of a large lake to help provide more consistent irrigation. I just went back and played it for the first time a couple of weeks ago and had such a good time that I went back again last weekend.

The course is pretty long and you need to be used to walking if you're going to hoof it on this one, especially when it's hot. We've walked/carried the last two times with temps just under 100 degrees and I've been completely exhausted after both rounds.

What's nice is that, even in the worst part of summer, the fairways are acceptably green and the greens themselves are actually in really good shape and play consistently throughout the course. Water is really only in play on one hole, but there is O.B. sprinkled in here and there. Most of the challenges come from the rolling fairways that look like they've got moguls in them (rumor is that the course was built on a really old dump and that's why there are so many "bumps"), where you'll find a lot of good shots leave the ball either above or below your feet. Bunkers are smartly placed to protect greens.

Overall, you'll find some challenges, but Riverside is a good course to hit if you'd like a less stressful round where you have the opportunity to score well, despite some long yardages. The pro shop is OK as long as you don't need more than tees or a spare sleeve of balls, but their selection isn't very extensive. Restaurant is a classic "muni" cafe with the usual fare, decent prices and pretty friendly staff.

Best of all, the rates are incredibly affordable. Weekend twilight is $19 to walk, and I think $29 to ride. Mid-week rates are even cheaper. The driving range is pretty decent and there's a large practice green, although not much space to practice chipping.