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The Golfing Nomad
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 CrossCreek Golf Club has a nice combination of scenery and playability. I’ve played several rounds on the Arthur Hills-designed layout that winds through the secluded countryside about 10 minutes west of Interstate 15, but it had been at least two years since my last visit. Marketers trumpet the quiet, rural setting and natural ambiance. Although I’ve donated my fair share of golf balls on prior visits to the exacting layout, the concept of tranquility on the course was a great attraction for a golfer recovering from burnout. Negotiating nature We ventured out for a sunrise start. Even though it’s typically not my favorite time of day, CrossCreek is gorgeous at this hour as the sun peaks over the foothills and illuminates the valley in golden light. With minimal homes dotting the hillsides and lush terrain surrounding every hole, the course is perfect for someone wanting to get back in touch with the outdoors. I even walked the course to get a greater appreciation for the setting. The experience felt more like a leisurely nature walk than a round of golf. We played the gold tees, which measure 6,310 yards, but several of the tees were moved up to the blue markers. The course is all about position and keeping the ball in play off the tee. It starts on the opening hole that was playing a mere 330 yards and required no more than a 210-yard tee shot to avoid the large oak tree in the middle of the fairway. I played a 5-wood, which was too much club and put me squarely under the large tree. A well-placed punch shot to 15 feet followed by a solid putt got the day off on a positive note. Recent alterations New owners have added a few wrinkles to the course. At the 401-yard, par-4 sixth hole, a pond is now on the left side of the fairway. With multiple bunkers and out of bounds on the right, I’m not certain this hole needed to be toughened up. The ninth hole — once a formidable par 4 — was transformed into a connect-the-dots par 5. A new tee has added some length to the hole, which has a creek running down the right side before cutting across the fairway approximately 140 yards from the green. Changes to the back nine include a waste area on the 395-yard, par-4 11th hole that penalizes excessively long drives and affects lay-up shots by players who are errant off the tee. The best alteration is the extension of the 18th fairway that allows for a driver to be hit off the tee on the 418-yard, par- 4 hole. It’s a welcome reprieve for what might be one of the best finishing holes in Riverside County. In all, you would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful early-morning setting for a round of golf. Playing conditions were above average, the greens rolled at a mellow pace that allowed you to putt aggressively, and there’s enough variety in shots to keep you thinking all the way around the course. But don’t get too aggressive in searching for balls off the beaten path. My playing companions warned of more than one encounter with the abundant plant life that resulted in a nasty rash. Rates and information I played as the guest of a member and paid $45 on a weekend morning, which was quite a deal. Regular green fees are $65 on weekdays and $85 on weekends, with mid-day and twilight rates available. There also are membership programs for frequent players and plenty of daily-fee bargains online. For more information: (800) 818-4399 or visit crosscreekgolfclub.com. |
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YMMD with that awsner! TX
| Comment at 5/25/2011 |
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| Comment at 5/25/2011 |
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| Comment at 6/1/2011 |
