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 Another enhancement was the restoration of a stream that begins at Hacienda's easternmost point and winds through both nines. Grassed over during a previous refurbishment project, its return has improved course drainage and made a few holes more challenging. "Willie Watson used a lot of natural features as hazards in his design," Harbottle said. "We had an opportunity to bring that natural feature back into the golf course, and it was a good idea." It's hard to notice many details beyond the majesty of Hacienda's mature trees, lush Bermuda grass and relaxing and comfortable environment, but the stream's presence has added a charming nostalgia that reinforces the 88-year-old club's classic design. "It was almost an afterthought in the project," said member Kevin Smith, who chaired the club's strategic golf course planning committee when Harbottle did his initial work. "When you look at [the stream] today, it looks like it's been there 100 years." Hacienda might not have the name recognition of a place such as Riviera Country Club, but considering its age and quality of layout, it is one of the most venerable golf establishments in Southern California. And it doesn't hurt that the course record holder is Tiger Woods, who posted a 62 in the third round on his way to winning the 1994 SCGA Amateur Championship. Many of Hacienda's members have been prominent figures in Southern California golf and elsewhere. Smith is on the SCGA's board of directors and hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tee It Up" radio show. Bob Carver, the reigning men's club champion, is a three-time SCGA Super Senior Amateur winner, and Marge Cryan, the 23-time women's club victor, is also a veteran of the All American Girls Baseball League, which inspired the movie "A League of Their Own." And Hacienda's founder, Alphonso Bell, was a tennis Olympic medalist who had the foresight to use part of his fortune to build the club on an old sheep pasture. "History's either something you have or you don't," general manager Frank Cordeiro said. "I think that's a unique and special thing about us." Nestled among a valley of hills in the peaceful La Habra Heights community, the private suburban club is accessible to major freeways but also has an incredibly secluded aura. “It's kind of a golfer's dream in the sense that there's nothing out here to get in the way of your golf game," Cordeiro said. "There's no traffic and no noise. It's everything golf and golf courses were meant to be." Quiet conditions help at Hacienda since the course demands your full attention. Harbottle's modifications have beefed up the track significantly: Only three par 4s are shorter than 400 yards from the tips; tricky greens never guarantee an easy two-putt; and while his new bunkers conjure a golden-era feel, many now have tougher slopes to negotiate. The layout is challenging but not relentless. While par 4s such as No. 2 and No. 18 offer some of the best tests of any Southland course, accuracy and precision on the par 5s and short holes such as the par-4 11th and par-3 12th are rewarded with birdie opportunities. "Because of the way we have restored it, we can make it interesting for every type of golfer," Smith said. "For better players looking for a real championship golf course, Hacienda is that." Hacienda doesn't use tee times, which has promoted camaraderie among members and a favorable and efficient golfing environment. "I think that's why so many people are friendly out here. You have to be friendly and open to that kind of thing to be a member," Cordeiro said. Hacienda's recently refurbished clubhouse mirrors the quality found on the course. Opulent dining, meeting spaces and locker rooms are capped with an outdoor patio that offers sunset views. "The clubhouse is much more comfortable and much more beautiful," Smith said. "I think it's restored a whole sense of pride and distinction that Hacienda began with." Memberships are available at Hacienda Golf Club. For more information, call (562) 694-1081 or visit haciendagolfclub.com. |
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