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When Jay Miller took over as president of Hidden Valley Golf Club this year, he wasted no time in making his presence felt. The clubhouse was slated for remodeling. A redesign for the driving range was set in motion. The men’s and women’s clubs were re-established. And the course? A rebuilt irrigation system, improved greens and renovated bunkers are in the works. It’s safe to say the former operator of Cresta Verde Golf Club has embraced his new role at the Norco venue. “The word’s out on the street,” Miller said. “Within three months I can already see a difference in the quality of the golf course.” The clubhouse and driving range should be done by the beginning of summer, while the greens and bunkers should be complete by the end of that season. Miller is hoping these improvements will add more to the reputation of the course, which features elevation changes, lush fairways and a diverse array of holes that are pleasing to the eye and playing senses. “It’s so great as the president of Hidden Valley to have a course that is so easy to market,” Miller said. “I’ve played all over the world and I can take a daily dose of Hidden Valley all the time.” Also known for his community involvement through the Get A Grip Foundation, Miller plans to move the organization to Hidden Valley this year and anticipates the accompanying education center opening then as well. Different memberships are available at the course, and beginners have the option of participating in free golf clinics every Saturday morning. (951) 737-1010 or hiddenvalleygolf.com. Shotmaking, strategy are crucial at Indian Hills One of the oldest and most respected tracks in the Inland Empire, Indian Hills Golf Course continues to offer players a rewarding and affordable experience. Arguably the most unique aspect of the par-70 layout is that there are no parallel fairways. The course is not overly long; however, plenty of elevation changes and only a pair of par 5s put premiums on shotmaking and strategy. “Don’t let the 6,200 or so yards from the tips fool you. It’s a very challenging golf course,” said general manager Ed Harmon. Indian Hills gave players a head start on the summer by aerating its greens in March, a month earlier than most courses in the area. Another way in which the Riverside layout is giving golfers a head start is by offering a coupon for twilight rates for up to an hour before they are regularly scheduled. On weekdays, that means only $27, and just $34 on weekends after 1 p.m., with a cart included. Indian Hills, which opened in 1965, has a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse with two banquet rooms, making it an ideal destination for special group events or corporate outings. The restaurant and cocktail lounge are places to unwind either before or after a round, and dutiful and attentive employees aid the relaxing environment. “I think we have the friendliest shop staff around,” Harmon said. (951) 360-2090 or indianhillsgolf.com. Green River unveils two new player programs Recently certified as a Beginner Friendly venue by the National Golf Course Owners Association, Corona’s Green River Golf Club has a pair of unique promotions designed to help beginners. The Tee It Up and Buddy Up player development programs are both inexpensive ways for golfers to hone their skills. For $39.95 a month, those in Tee It Up receive access to the following amenities: unlimited range balls, two clinics per week, one private lesson, free rental clubs, a 10 percent discount in the pro shop, and a $10 green fee one hour after twilight rates begin on any day of the week. Those in Buddy Up earn each of those amenities for only $29.95 per month; the difference being the beginner and a more experienced player must sign up together. Both have to utilize the privileges together. “It’s a program that encourages practice the way all golfers really should be practicing,” said general manager Judy Saguchi. “With unlimited driving range usage alone, it’s well worth it.” In 2007, Green River has been making improvements to each of its two 18-hole courses as well as facilities. New landscaping was completed around the clubhouse, and the bathrooms on both the Orange and Riverside layouts have been renovated. Golfers also will be glad to know that all bunkers on the courses have been upgraded, and the green on the second hole of Orange is in the process of being repaired. A temporary green is in use during repair and play will not be affected. (951) 737-7393 or greenrivergolf.com. Renovations bring back natural feel to Oak Valley After a brief closure early this year, Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont is again open for public play. The hiatus provided time for course renovations and the building of cart path tunnels under a road being constructed for the Solera residential community. Drainage issues on many holes, including the par-4 eighth, have been addressed, and lots of foliage was planted throughout the course, including pepper trees, sugar bushes and acacias. “We’re trying to make it have that natural feel back before the houses were here,” said Blake Austin, a PGA apprentice at the facility. Another change at Oak Valley is the scaling back of sagebrush on a few holes. In the past, if golfers hit their shot into dense areas of the plant, it almost certainly meant a lost ball or a lengthy search. By decreasing its presence and replacing it with more rough and some trees, the course is hoping to improve the pace of play while maintaining the challenge. Oak Valley, which will host the second stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying School in November, is one of the most challenging courses in the Inland Empire, sporting slippery greens, thick rough and drastic elevation changes. (951) 769-7200 or oakvalleygolf.com. CrossCreek opening new venue for events, weddings It’s no secret that CrossCreek Golf Club is one of the most tranquil settings in the Inland Empire. But the facility is out to make some noise with its Fairway Pavilion, a multi-use structure set to open this summer. The venue will be available for special dinners, gatherings and weddings, and the amphitheater-type layout can accommodate features such as a dance floor, buffet or concert stage. The Fairway Pavilion can seat more than 200 people for elaborate functions and handle up to 500 for larger events. “It’s the most elevated point on the property and it’s created some spectacular views,” said general manager Randy Shannon. CrossCreek also has upcoming promotions that coincide with the third round of majors on the PGA Tour and The Players Championship this month. The Temecula facility will host blind draw team tournaments in which a group of players will play their own balls at CrossCreek and then have their net scores combined with a random PGA Tour player who made the cut in that particular event. (800) 506-3402 or crosscreekgolfclub.com. Remodel at Redhawk improves course conditions on two top holes Redhawk Golf Course is continuing to offer patrons a rewarding experience thanks to improvements on two of its most prominent holes. The bunkers were recently reconfigured on the par-3 eighth, making the challenge presented by the island green even more dramatic. On the par-4 13th, the large waste bunker along the fairway was reduced to offer a more pleasing view from the tee. “We feel these are some of the best remodels we’ve done to the course so far,” said golf operations manager Tony Quealy. A select group of professionals from California and across the country will have opportunities to experience these changes when Redhawk hosts two prestigious events later this year. In September, the Temecula venue will host the California State Open for the third consecutive year, and for the first time it will be a regional qualifying site for the Champions Tour in October. Another development at Redhawk this year is the opportunity to purchase a CSC membership package, which gives golfers discounted green fees for themselves and their guests as well as discounts on select merchandise in the golf shop. “Our goal is to keep up [the course] in tournament condition but also keep it accessible for the beginning golfers and those who want to have a good time,” Quealy said. (800) 451-4295 or redhawkgolfcourse.com. New clubhouse coming to Soboba Springs When the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians purchased the golf course adjacent to their reservation in 2004, they sought to restore the property in two key phases. The first phase — the renovation of the course — was completed more than a year ago. The second phase — a new clubhouse — is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The clubhouse for The Country Club at Soboba Springs will include banquet space, a bar and lounge, two outdoor terraces, a downstairs grill and a fitness center complete with a pool and tennis courts. “It’s going to be beautiful,” said general manager Bryan Addis. “Our facility continues to grow with time and it will keep getting better and better.” The semi-private venue in San Jacinto has become a more challenging layout since it was revamped, boasting thicker rough, more total yardage, and two new greenside rock walls on holes 8 and 14 that place a greater premium on accuracy. Even if golfers have a difficult time navigating their way around Soboba Springs, they can take solace in unique food and beverage amenities. Patrons are entitled to a free signature cookie — baked fresh on-site — and free soda and coffee during their rounds. (951) 654-9354 or sobobaspringscc.com. Los Serranos launching seven-hole short course for kids Known for its “Jack’s Blacks” set of tees, Los Serranos Golf & Country Club will soon feature one of the most distinctive short courses in the Inland Empire. This summer, the property will unveil a seven-hole miniature course requiring the use of Wiffle balls. Each hole, which will be between 20 and 50 yards, will be characterized as a par 3, 4 or 5 and have kikuyu grass and artificial tees and greens. Since the idea was conceived with kids in mind, youngsters can play the course for free, and so can adults when they bring their children with them. It should open by July. “I had always thought about having a course where kids can play without hurting themselves, and also short enough where they can master it,” said general manager David Kramer. “I don’t even know if we’re going to have scorecards. When do kids ever have to keep score?” For golfers who prefer to keep score, Los Serranos has a fun promotion. After players complete their round on the North or South course, they’ll have the opportunity to win a free round of weekday golf by sinking “Jack’s Ace in the Hole,” which will be between a 40- and 50-foot putt on the practice green. In addition, with renovated tee boxes and bunkers, and many new trees, the character and playability of Los Serranos has never been better. (909) 597-1711 or losserranoscountryclub.com. With 36 holes, golfers get the best of both worlds at Menifee Lakes Country Club One of the few 36-hole establishments in the Inland Empire, Menifee Lakes Country Club has two enjoyable tracks available. “We offer the best of both worlds when it comes to giving a country club feel with a very value-based experience,” said general manager Dan Farrar. The Palms and the Lakes courses offer scenic water features and beautiful backdrops created by the San Jacinto Mountains. While the Palms resembles a park setting, the Lakes is more reminiscent of a links-style course and has been known to play slightly more difficult than the Palms. “Both golf courses are a lot of fun to play,” Farrar said. “You have chances to make some pars and birdies and yet there’s enough water where there’s definitely some risk and reward.” By the start of summer, more than 80 pepper and pine trees will be added to each course to foster a more intimate setting. Another change in the coming months will be a renovated tee box on the par-3 eighth hole of the Lakes. Golfers also can choose from a variety of membership options. The P.M. golf pass, which costs $165 a month, allows members to play any time after 12:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and all day Sunday. There also are options for individuals and families, including the Medallion program, which doesn’t require an initiation fee. (951) 672-4824 or menifee-lakes.com. Empire Lakes challenges all levels of players As the home of the Nationwide Tour’s Mark Christopher Charity Classic each October, Empire Lakes Golf Course has validated itself as one of the most challenging tracks in the region. “There are great players coming through this golf course so we always have great conditions,” said head professional Betty Chen. Empire Lakes has other noteworthy attributes as well, including the prestige of a layout designed by Arnold Palmer. And it’s a solid value. From Monday through Thursday, green fees don’t exceed $60, and rates don’t exceed $90 on weekends. Playing at just under 7,000 yards from the tips, Empire Lakes challenges golfers with slick greens, strategic bunkers and an intimidating trio of holes at the finish. But with four sets of tees and both nine-hole and junior rates, the venue doesn’t restrict itself to the more advanced golfers. “You can be a beginner and still play this course and feel like you’re not being punished,” Chen said. (909) 481-6663 or empirelakes.com. SCGA Golf Course makes practice more enticing Whether you’re a junior picking up the game or a veteran seeking to improve for the summer, the SCGA Golf Course is one of the prime destinations in the Inland Empire. In June, the Murrieta facility will open its new practice amenities. In addition to resurfaced range tees, the short game area will have an 8,500-square-foot putting green, a 5,000-square-foot pitching green, and two bunkers — one will be greenside, and the other will be positioned to allow golfers to practice both medium- and long-range bunker shots. “Pretty much what we tried to do is design it so that you can hit every short game shot you need,” said PGA director of golf operations Pat Kemball. The revamped practice portion of the SCGA venue will benefit the multitude of teaching programs available. A series of junior clinics is run each Saturday, giving youngsters the chance to progress by completing specific tutorials and posting target scores at the SCGA’s on-site junior course. PGA professional Mike Raschko, one of the top junior instructors in the country, supervises the program. A similar teaching option is available for women who wish to develop their games. Throughout the summer, ladies can participate in 18-hole events on Monday mornings and nine-hole rounds on Thursday evenings, in addition to scheduled clinics. “Part of the SCGA’s mission is to grow the game of golf, and that’s a big part of what our course does,” Kemball said. Another way the SCGA Course will do that is by once again hosting the CIF high school boys’ golf championship on May 31. (800) PLAY-SCGA or scgagolfcourse.com. Oak Quarry remains a scenic wonder One of the most revered layouts in the Inland Empire, Oak Quarry Golf Course, combines amazing scenery with memorable and challenging holes. If there is one hole that best fits each of those adjectives, it is arguably the par-3 14th, called “Spinel Slide.” Rated as one of the top par 3s in Southern California, the majestic test plays 214 yards from the tips amidst sensational rock cropping and the massive depth of Jensen Quarry. “It not only tests your ability in golf, it makes you appreciate what life is all about,” said general manager and PGA head professional Hank Schiller. “Of all the golf you will play, it’s the kind of hole that you will always remember. It’s that spectacular.” The rest of the holes at Oak Quarry are worthy as well. Each of the four par 5s plays over 570 yards from the tournament tees, and the par-4 sixth — “Quarry’s Edge” — is another scenic yet demanding hole. With four sets of tees, ranging from just over 7,000 yards from the tips to about 5,400 yards from the forward markers, the Riverside venue is by no means restrictive. “The golf course in general is very fair, not overly long or overly difficult. We cater to all levels of golfer,” Schiller said. With no homes around the course, the Dr. Gil Morgan and Schmidt-Curley co-design also makes for a tranquil outing. (951) 685-1440 or oakquarry.com. New clubhouse set to open at The Retreat The Retreat Golf and Country Club in Corona has been open for a little more than a year, but the venue next to the Cleveland National Forest is already known as a peaceful and luxurious option for people who prefer private golf facilities. On June 1, members will be able to utilize the 25,000-square-foot clubhouse, which will feature a mixed grill, lounge areas, fitness center, pool, tennis courts and a covered outdoor studio for exercise classes. At 6,745 yards from the back tees, the par-71 course at The Retreat isn’t overly lengthy, but narrow fairways and slick greens make it quite a challenge. “It’s a difficult golf course, but if you are patient in your play you can be successful out here,” said John Taylor, director of membership sales. “The Retreat is the only private club in Southern California that combines the challenge of a Nicklaus Design golf course with the management benefits of Troon Golf.” Different membership options are available, and there’s also an array of housing options in communities around the course. (951) 277-0562 or theretreatcc.com. Links at Summerly coming to Lake Elsinore Later this year, Lake Elsinore will witness the debut of one of the most unique courses in the Southland. The Links at Summerly, which is being constructed adjacent to a new master-planned community, draws much of its inspiration from the traditional links courses of Scotland. Wavy grass, burns, and consistently flat terrain are some of the most striking features of the Cal Olson design. “It was all about creating a golf course that’s something different,” said Tom Frost, whose company is managing the property. “We want people to experience golf the way it used to be experienced.” Another way in which the traditional personality of Summerly will be expressed is through the encouragement of walking. Since there are no homes located directly next to the layout, a round of golf should feel more like a walk in the park. The Links at Summerly will feature five sets of tees and affordable rates, making it accessible to all types of players. The par-72 track is being planned to feature five par 3s and par 5s apiece — three of each coming on the back nine. The craftsman-style clubhouse, designed by MDR Architects, should open a few months before the course itself. It will boast a pro shop, bar and restaurant. “It’s going to be special,” Frost said. (951) 674-3900 or linksatsummerly.com. Bunker improvements a big bonus at Eagle Glen By the end of this year, Eagle Glen Golf Club will have some of the most pristine beaches in the Inland Empire. All of the greenside bunkers on the Corona property are being rebuilt to improve drainage and contribute to an overall facelift. Other aspects of the renovation project include reconstruction of at least five tee boxes and a seeding process that will eliminate poa annua and promote Bermuda grass later this year. One upgrade already complete is the installment of a variety of plants, shrubs and trees around the practice facility. “We’re trying to get our driving range looking a lot nicer,” said director of golf Bryon Smith. Eagle Glen also has discounts on green fees through the spring. On weekdays, the rate is $62 and $52 for seniors over 50; on weekends, it’s $82, and seniors get the same rate after 10 a.m. on Sundays. Fees include a cart and range balls. The par-72 track is an enjoyable test for golfers of all skills. “Eagle Glen wants to be the best course in Southern California and we’re slowly working on it to get it up to that standard,” Smith said. “We think we’re one of the jewels of the Inland Empire.” (951) 272-4653 or eagleglengc.com. |
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