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Inland Empire Golf Report
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 Renovations to the course and clubhouse at The Country Club at Soboba Springs have received accolades from golfers and attention from the PGA Tour. Tour officials announced in October that the San Jacinto facility would become an annual stop for the Nationwide Tour beginning in 2009. The Soboba Classic will be one of three events on the schedule with a $1 million purse; the four-day competition will commence Monday, Oct. 1. “To capture an event of this magnitude is comparable to getting the Super Bowl,” said Bryan Addis, PGA general manager at The Country Club at Soboba Springs. “The intention from the start was to get as large of an event as possible. Without the vision and foresight of the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, we would have never been able to do this.” The Nationwide Tour signed a four-year agreement with the tribe, which purchased the course in 2004. This means the event will be held at the course until at least 2012. With the recent announcement that Lakeside’s Barona Creek Golf Club will no longer be the site of the Nationwide Tour Championship in 2010, Soboba Springs will be the only Southern California stop on the schedule. On the heels of the venue’s successful hosting of the California State Open — won by Moorpark’s Kyle Thurston — Addis believes the buzz created by the Nationwide Tour’s decision will continue to generate momentum. “We’ve really become a very affordable place where you can come and play a tour golf course,” he said. “It’s exciting for people to play on a course that they’re going to see on TV.” For more information: (951) 654-9354 or visit sobobaspringscc.com. Diamond Valley unveils green tees Hemet’s Diamond Valley Golf Club recently unveiled a sixth set of tees designed primarily as a shorter path for seniors. Some of the green tees are the same as the white tees on shorter holes, but most of the green tees are in between the white and the red. “We have a lot of seniors at our course, so the green tees are for those seniors who want to play the course a little shorter,” said General Manager Steven Lan. The total green tee yardage on the par-72 track falls between the whites (6,158) and the reds (5,634). Much of Diamond Valley’s pro shop apparel caters to seniors, though the facility is in the process of having more merchandise available to golfers across a broader age range. A plethora of name brands like Footjoy and Aureus Golf will still be featured, but modern designs for men and women of all ages will be more prominent. E-mail specials for Diamond Valley also are available. Write to dvgolf@ymail.com for details. For more information: (951) 767-0828 or visit diamondvalleygolfclub.net.  Play Journey at Pechanga, get a free hat On Nov. 14, Journey at Pechanga enjoyed a grand opening that unveiled the course’s 62,000-square-foot clubhouse — a structure designed with influences from Frank Lloyd Wright and whose amenities include a fully stocked pro shop, upscale restaurant and 30-foot indoor waterfall. As Temecula’s fourth public golf course, Journey at Pechanga offers a high-end layout with five sets of tees. Dramatic elevation changes promote an array of challenging shots and breathtaking views of the surrounding Temecula Valley. “The golf course reviews we’ve been getting have all been so positive,” said Director of Golf Andrew Miranda. From now until Dec. 30, all those who pay for a round of golf at Journey receive a free hat. Other promotions are planned for this month and the near future. For more information: (951) 770-4653 or visit journeyatpechanga.com. Trilogy at Glen Ivy set to launch Golf Academy Trilogy Golf Club at Glen Ivy will unveil the Glen Ivy Golf Academy early next year. Under the direction of Head Professional Scott Marson and General Manager Tom Williams — both PGA members — the academy will provide group and one-on-one instruction, with a focus on the corporate realm. Business executives, employees and/or clients will be able to spend a day at the academy and participate in team-building exercises featuring competitive and team elements. There’s also the intention to feature a lunch and motivational speaker. Besides the corporate outing component, the academy will seek to develop its junior instruction program. The course, located just south of the intersection between the 15 and 91 freeways, is in great shape. Its central location makes it an ideal venue for group or tournament outings. The facility is capable of accommodating between 20 and 150 golfers. To find out more about the academy or group packages, call the pro shop and ask for Williams or Marson. For more information: (951) 277-7900 or visit trilogygolfclub.com/glenivy. Champions Club at the Retreat now semi-private Corona’s Champions Club at The Retreat, formerly The Retreat, has become a semi-private club. San Marcos-based JC Golf began managing the property in May. “The club has the potential to be a centerpiece for the Corona community,” said John McNair, JC Golf vice president of golf operations. “It will be our mission to bring more players and special golf events to the course.” Champions Club features a 6,475-yard, par-71 layout crafted by Nicklaus Design. Elevation changes and multi-tiered greens test players of all abilities, and the bordering Cleveland National Forest provides serene views and a unique atmosphere. Southern California residents have access to affordable green fees, ranging from $60 Monday-Thursday and $80 on weekends and holidays. JC Players Card holders can garner even more savings and five free bonus rounds of golf — visit jcgolf.com to learn more. Limited-term, lifetime and corporate memberships are still available — as is a “Member For A Day” program — and those interested should contact Kevin Eden at (951) 277-5363. Club members have exclusive access to amenities in the 25,000-square-foot clubhouse, including locker rooms, lounges, a fitness center and a 25-meter swimming pool. The dining room and bar are open to the public. For more information: (951) 277-0562 or visit championsclubretreat.com.  Empire Lakes offers array of membership options Rancho Cucamonga’s Empire Lakes Golf Course is the only Arnold Palmer-designed layout in the Inland Empire. Its discount options are pretty nice, too. For $400, a 12-month Club membership allows an individual to pay the twilight rate at all times on weekdays and after 10 a.m. on weekends, with cart included. Club members also earn 20 percent off non-sale golf shop merchandise and receive invitations to tournaments sponsored by the course. More comprehensive plans are the Palmer and Palmer Plus. Palmer members have access to the course at no cost on weekdays, with Palmer Plus members having full access seven days a week. Guests of Palmer members can play at the twilight rate from Monday through Wednesday, while those guests of Palmer Plus members get that same rate from Sunday through Wednesday. These memberships are designed for family households, and there are discounts for spouses and children under 18. If you’re unsure about making the 12-month commitment for the Palmer or Palmer Plus, Empire Lakes also offers 30-day membership options for each category. For more information: (909) 481-6663 or visit empirelakes.com. Landmark at Hemet offers online savings Crafted by the design team of Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley, Landmark at Hemet Golf Club is one of the most tranquil tests in the Inland Empire. The course prides itself on being friendly to senior players, though it’s also enjoyable for golfers of all skills. “We have wide fairways and very few hazards that could slow down play,” said Head Professional Greg Knight. Scenic valley horizons are visible throughout the property, including glimpses of the San Jacinto Mountains. By signing up for discounts at the course’s website, Internet members are entitled to instant savings on green fees. Specials range from a $29 round on Wednesday or the chance to book a twilight round an hour earlier. The course also has the cozy Sunset Grill, where breakfast and lunch are offered. The restaurant includes a full bar, and the décor features memorabilia from “Bonanza,” because actor Dan Blocker, who played Hoss Cartwright on the TV series, used to own land where the course is. For more information: (951) 926-4653 or visit hemetgolfclub.com.  Links at Summerly becomes a local favorite Click here for a video tour of Links at Summerly Since opening in March, Lake Elsinore’s Links at Summerly has emerged as a popular destination for Inland Empire residents and commuters. “The golf course has been selling itself,” said PGA General Manager Stan Gonzales. The track has become particularly popular among groups and tournaments, and those interested in booking an event should contact Gonzales. Complete with a Scottish-style burn, the course has gained even more of a links feel with the maturation of fescue grass bordering the fairways and rough. In addition to a new $25 9-hole weekday rate, Links at Summerly has introduced a discounted green free for seniors. Golfers 55 and over can play 18 holes, with cart, for $35 from Monday through Thursday, and $40 on Friday. The Summerly Grill is now offering a prime rib dinner every Thursday night for $12.95. The beef is slow cooked in the grill’s smoker and comes with salad, rolls and roasted potatoes. There is often live music to entertain patrons while they dine. For more information: (951) 674-3900 or visit linksatsummerly.com. Take advantage of two great deals at El Rancho Verde El Rancho Verde’s classic layout has been pleasing players for over 50 years. Designed by Harry Rainville, the Rialto course has five sets of tees and can stretch to more than 7,000 yards from the tips. “It’s a big golf course, and it’s very open and fair,” said Chris Dennis, regional manager of Pacific Golf Enterprises who became general manager at El Rancho Verde this fall. Dennis is excited about a pair of promotions that suit golfers who can enjoy the course at different playing frequencies. First, there’s the $25 Frequent Player Card, where members get $5 off peak weekday or weekend times and are entitled to twilight/super twilight discounts an hour earlier. Once a member purchases 10 rounds with the card, the 11th round is free and can be used anytime. The other option is the 30-day Fun Pass, where golfers can play unlimited golf within 30 days of the date purchase, seven days a week, for $259. “We’re trying to provide people with a great golfing experience to the point where they’re not spending all their hard-earned cash,” Dennis said. For more information: (909) 875-5346 or visit pacificgolfenterprises.com.  Save on apparel for the holidays at Menifee Lakes Just east of Lake Elsinore, Menifee Lakes Country Club has a pair of fun, well-manicured courses and a spacious clubhouse that’s a great place for weddings and banquets. Menifee Lakes also has a full-service pro shop and, just in time for the holidays, the club is offering 20 percent off apparel from brands such as Callaway Golf, Ashworth and Antigua until the end of the year. The club’s maintenance staff has just completed overseeding on the Lakes and Palms layouts, and conditions are superb, said Head Professional Tom Powers. “I’m very pleased with how everything came in. It looks really nice,” he said. Each course has three sets of tees, with the Palms stretching to 6,503 yards and the Lakes to 6,707 yards. Menifee Lakes has green fees starting at $39 on weekdays, cart included, and annual memberships also are available. For more information: (951) 672-4824 or visit menifee-lakes.com. Check Yucaipa Valley’s website for great deals Yucaipa Valley Golf Club’s weekend green fees top out at $56, but golfers can save even more with website specials. A $35 coupon special on the course’s homepage entitles users to a round of golf, a GPS-enhanced cart, a hot dog and a sleeve of Nike golf balls. That offer is valid through the end of the year. Located southeast of San Bernardino near the intersection of the 10 and 215 freeways, Yucaipa Valley has a layout that’s easy to walk and suitable for all skill levels. The par-72, David Rainville/Gary Bye design has a variety of holes, including two picturesque par 3s with greens guarded by water (Nos. 8 and 13) and a diverse quartet of par 5s — two shorter, risk-reward holes (Nos. 7 and 17) and two longer tests (Nos. 2 and 14) that require more strategy from tee to green. As for the greens, PGA General Manager Russel Davies said they are some of the region’s most fun and challenging. “We have huge undulating greens that are really pretty fast,” he said. For more information: (909) 790-6522 or visit yvgc.com.  Get A Grip going strong at Hidden Valley The Get A Grip Foundation has helped over 1,500 children learn the value of education while also teaching them social and life skills through golf. Earlier this year, the organization, which was founded six years ago by Jay Miller and Bob Hoff, officially moved to Norco’s Hidden Valley Golf Club. A new 4,500-square-foot educational facility has given the program’s nearly 300 participants a comfortable place to study and receive tutoring, and a golf practice area behind the structure is available exclusively to the children. Miller, the president at Hidden Valley, placed former PGA Tour player Pat Burke in charge of instruction for Get A Grip in May of 2006. Burke composed a golf manual and progress report guide for all the golfers, a system that has enabled Get A Grip’s instructors to give more personal attention to children. Parents of Get A Grip participants — or the kids themselves — now can go to the foundation’s website to sign up for clinics. “We now have the best staff and program we’ve had since we’ve been doing this,” Miller said. The positive results of the program have been felt at three area schools. Santiago, Centennial and Norco high schools all founded girls golf teams this fall, and each member of the squads is involved with Get A Grip. Corona’s Centennial actually won the conference title in its inaugural season. “Golf is our hook and education is our mission,” Miller said. Miller said the course at Hidden Valley is in the best shape it’s been in for six years, with the greens being particularly plush. Patrons have been enjoying the Italian fare at Villa Amalfi Ristorante, which moved to the property at the start of 2008. For more information: (951) 737-1010 or visit hiddenvalleygolf.com. Save at Redhawk with the CSC Program If you’re looking for a way to save at one of the top-rated layouts in the Inland Empire, consider the CSC Membership program at Redhawk Golf Course. The three-tiered program offers one, three or five complimentary green fees for 2009 upon signup, and each round can be used in a different capacity. For example, paying $100 nets a weekday round, a birthday round and an anytime round. Members also are entitled to discounted rates that are valid for the calendar year. Contact the pro shop to learn more. The par-72, 7,095-yard Temecula layout recently hosted a regional stage of Qualifying School for the Champions Tour. Cardiff’s Chris Starkjohann, the 2007 Southern California PGA Player of the Year, shared medalist honors with Tim Conley. Golf operations manager Tony Quealy noted that Redhawk is in superb shape for the winter, and the maintenance staff is currently enhancing the poa annua greens. “We’ve really focused on our fairways the last few years,” he said. “Now, we’re using new technology and equipment to improve the greens.” For more information: (951) 302-3850 or visit redhawkgolfcourse.com.  Oak Valley set to expand Golf Academy Click here for a video tour of Oak Valley The Golf Academy at Oak Valley Golf Club has become a prime destination for top local and international players. By the summer of 2009, the amenities at the academy will receive a significant boost with the opening of an indoor training area featuring Titleist Performance Institute systems. The building will include two hitting bays aided by a biomechanical 12-sensor system and fitness center. Former tour professional and TPI Level 2-certified instructor Lynn Beasley will be instrumental in assisting students. “We’re trying to build on our relationship with TPI,” said Kai Chang, general manager at Oak Valley. “That’s another part of the training we think is really important for juniors and professional players.” Chang anticipates breaking ground for the training area either during this month or in early 2009. Once again, the Beaumont course was a second-stage site for PGA Tour Qualifying School in November. Oak Valley has unveiled its 2009 Loyalty Club membership program. For $149, an individual receives a discount on every level of green fee and other privileges like entry into monthly member tournaments, 10 percent off non-sale merchandise and food in the restaurant/snack bar, and the accumulation of points for every dollar spent at the property that can be used for rewards such as free rounds of golf. Membership essentially pays for itself after utilizing it for a few rounds. For more information: (951) 769-7200 or visit oakvalleygolf.com. Indian Hills is one of Riverside’s best-kept secrets Since opening in 1965, Riverside’s Indian Hills Golf Club has been a popular spot among locals and a hidden gem among other Southern California golfers. The facility has made a few improvements with 2009 approaching. All bathrooms around the property have been remodeled, and the fairway on the lengthy par-4 ninth has been redone. General Manager Ed Harmon said the par-70 track, which features elevation changes and no fairways running parallel to one another, is in great shape for the holiday season. Whether thinking about a holiday event this month or doing long-term group planning for 2009, consider Indian Hills for your tournament. In addition to the well-conditioned course, a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse is an ideal destination for large or small outings. Book early to earn discounts for the new year. The Riverside venue also is one of the Inland Empire’s most affordable courses for seniors — golfers 55 and over can enjoy Indian Hills for only $25 on weekdays. For more information: (951) 360-2090 or visit indianhillsgolf.com.  Change your life with new academy at Los Serranos One of the things that makes golf such a great game is that it can be enjoyed for a lifetime. The teaching staff at Los Serranos Country Club believes no matter how inexperienced one is, learning and enjoying the game can change one’s life. That idea was the impetus for the creation of the Life-Changing Golf Academy, which will kick off early next year at the Chino Hills facility. Programs will be centered around introducing the game to children who have limited or no golf experience (although adults are cheerfully welcome). “My original idea was to get kids involved and give them something new,” said Los Serranos PGA Director of Golf Bob Breeding. “It’s going to give [children] a chance to make a commitment, although the program will encompass everyone.” Clinics will be available every day, and instruction will be available in both group and individual settings. Joining Breeding are PGA instructors Johnny Powell and Jim Blea, who bring a combined 90 years of golf instruction experience to the table. The North and South layouts at Los Serranos are in fine shape, and five new bunkers have recently been added to the property. For more information: (909) 597-1711 or visit losserranoscountryclub.com. Eagle Glen continues course improvements Click here for a video tour of Eagle Glen During 2008, Eagle Glen Golf Club’s maintenance staff has put new sod on bare spots in the fairways and rough. Now, the Corona facility has moved to the next big phase of course enhancement — the bunkers. Each of the layout’s 87 sand traps will be repaired one at a time, so daily play will not be interrupted. “It’s a ridiculously aggressive undertaking and we’re jumping in,” said General Manager Steve Jeffrey. The combination of re-sodding and overseeding in September has generated outstanding turf conditions, which Jeffrey added should continue well into 2009. “The tee grounds, fairways and greens are absolutely fantastic,” he said. Eagle Glen also has emerged as a local hangout thanks to a variety of weekly activities. The clubhouse grill hosts football viewing parties on Monday nights, Family Pasta Night on Tuesdays, Ladies Night on Thursdays and a DJ spinning ’80s favorites on Friday nights. “We have been getting packed with all of the local residents,” Jeffrey said. “There’s always something going on.” For more information: (951) 272-4653 or visit eagleglengc.com. Two-level California Oaks clubhouse reopens A clubhouse fire in October 2007 forced the staff at California Oaks Golf Course into a temporary facility, but now they’re ready to move back into the remodeled structure. On Dec. 1, the pro shop at the bottom level of the building reopened to patrons. It is going to be larger than the old pro shop and feature a wider array of equipment and merchandise. And on Jan. 1, the top level of the clubhouse will re-open. A trio of new amenities — a fine dining room, breakfast nook and sports bar — will add a cozier, more comprehensive feel for the property. “It’s exciting to be able to re-establish ourselves,” said James Farrell, the PGA head professional. The par-65 Murrieta course also is excited to announce it will now be a wedding site. The Lakeside wedding venue, located between the 10th and 11th holes, is going to hold its first wedding on Saturday, Jan. 3. Contact the course to find out more about holding a wedding or other events at the facility. The layout at California Oaks is regarded as one of the most difficult short courses in Southern California, with tight landing areas and often windy conditions. For more information: (951) 677-2221 or visit californiaoaksgc.com. |
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