STROKE OF THE DAY |
"Goof golf is simply a matter of hitting good shots consistently." |
-Gene Sarazen |
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 Environmental hazards line both sides of most holes on the Tom Lehman and Casey O'Callaghan-designed layout, and on the few holes without hazards, a lake or pond is present to accept wayward shots. Thankfully, the club has a beautiful grass driving range for warming up. Arrive early and put it to use, because you'll want to get to the first tee loose and swinging freely. The course has five sets of tees stretching to 7,011 yards. For this round, we played the blue tees at just over 6,600 yards. The urge to steer shots around the course is prevalent, but it's the ultimate recipe for disaster. While many of the fairways are generous, they play firm and fast, and shots that are only marginally off line can run through the fairway. With no rough on the course, shots curving toward trouble have nothing to keep a ball from rolling to its demise. There are no houses on the course, and the natural beauty is spectacular. There are numerous signs warning of snakes, mountain lions and other creatures, so pay heed. We did see things moving in the tall grass. LAY OF THE LAND The holes flow naturally and there is a lot of variety. The 286-yard, par-4 sixth hole makes great use of the terrain. A 190-yard tee shot leaves a 100-yard pitch into a well-protected, multi-tiered green. The sixth hole is followed by a gorgeous par 5 of 527 yards. The hole doglegs to the right and beckons golfers to cut off as much of the fairway as possible. But resist temptation because ball position is the key to a birdie opportunity at No. 7. The first six holes of the back nine play into a prevailing wind, adding at least a club to approach shots and effectively lengthening the course. The final two holes play around a lake, with the 422-yard, par-4 17th having one of the most beautiful approach shots on the course, and the 500-yard, par-5 finishing hole playing back into the breeze, which will affect big hitters going for the green in two. GRIN AND BARE IT The environmental hazards are everywhere. There is no escaping them other than splitting the fairways. I can't recall wishing for more rough on a course, but a little here would cut down on balls that skid through the fairway and into the hazards. FINISHING TOUCHES Arroyo Trabuco has some great items on the menu. The barbecue pork sandwich is delicious and can turn the worst ball-striking day into a few moments of happiness. O'Neill's Bar & Grill also provides your first post-round beer at the price of your score. The club places high importance on instruction and is home to some of the finest teaching professionals in Southern California, including Randy Chang, Dr. David Wright, Bob Lasken, Perry Parker and Sandra Palmer. RATES AND INFORMATION Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club is east off I-5 at Avery Parkway. Green fees range from $65 to $94, with a special senior rate of $52 Monday-Wednesday. For more information or to book a tee time, call (949) 305-5100 or visit arroyotrabuco.com. |
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