Southern California's No. 1 Golf Source
SITE
SEARCH
GOLF RESOURCE GUIDE:
Los Angeles Golf Report
|
||||
 One of the most astonishing coastal locations in Southern California will soon be home to one of the region’s most opulent resorts.Terranea, set a few miles up the road from Trump National Golf Club on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, will open this June. The 582-room resort includes a 360-room hotel, 50 oceanfront casitas and 32 detached villas that offer amazing ocean views and a more intimate setting. A luxurious Mediterranean ambiance, eco-friendly practices and posh amenities (including three swimming pools and a 25,000-square-foot spa) will be complemented by a nine-hole golf course designed by Todd Eckenrode. For guests seeking a more complete golf outing, Trump National is just down the road, and stay-and-play packages in conjunction with the resort are already in the works. “What Terranea will do is establish the Palos Verdes Peninsula as a true golfing destination,” said David Conforti, PGA general manager and director of golf at Trump National. “They’re going to be a very high-end resort, and obviously we offer a very high-end golfing experience.” For more information: (310) 265-5000 or visit trumpnationallosangeles.com. L.A. Royal Vista Golf Club: Save early with the North/South special Walnut’s L.A. Royal Vista features 27 holes and one of the most accessible locations in the region. The three nines — North, South and East — require players to negotiate beautiful yet challenging water hazards and doglegs that call for precision from tee to green. Right now, Royal Vista’s popular North/South special is available on all weekdays: for a green fee of $25, golfers can play the North and South layouts prior to 8:30 a.m. (cart included, offer not valid on holidays). The course also has annual memberships available. For more information: (909) 595-7441 or visit larv.com. L.A. City Golf Courses: Griffith Park remains a haven for all ages  Few public recreation areas in California have more history than Griffith Park, and golf is big part of that history.The park has five golf properties: the 18-hole Wilson (pictured) and Harding regulation layouts have been favorites for over 80 years; the nine-hole Roosevelt and Los Feliz tracks are fun short options; and, the Tregnan Golf Academy has been established as a place to introduce both juniors and seniors to the game. Developed on what was once Coolidge Golf Course, Tregnan is a great spot for youngsters to learn about golf if they’ve been bashful in the past. The programs there are headed by Paula Olsen, who was recognized as a Junior Golf Leader by the Southern California PGA last year. “It’s very small, so it has an intimate feel,” said James Ward, golf manager for the City of Los Angeles. The Academy property, which has a range and a short three-hole layout, has taken advantage of openings in the mornings to give seniors some instruction time. The Wilson and Harding complex ranks as the busiest 36-hole facility in Los Angeles. While Harding is about 400 yards shorter than Wilson from the tips (6,536 to 6,947), it is narrower and often calls for more creativity to negotiate a plethora of trees. There will be some construction around the courses this year, but none of it will affect play. Be on the lookout for road detours on the way into the courses, though. For more information: (323) 663-2555 (Wilson and Harding), (323) 665-2011 (Roosevelt) or golf.lacity.org. Altadena and Eaton Canyon Golf Courses: Celebrate holidays and weekly BBQ days Located about three miles from each other in the tranquil San Gabriel Foothills, Altadena and Eaton Canyon golf courses are each nine-hole regulation-length tracks ideal for saving both time and money. Every time a holiday comes up, each facility has a special promotion — for example, the courses will have deals for golfers this month on Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day. Plus, starting in the spring and running through summer, the courses will have weekly barbecue days. If you’re interested in checking out the latest equipment from Adams Golf, there are bi-monthly demo days for the company at Altadena and Eaton Canyon. And, John Monroe, who teaches touring professionals such as PGA Tour member Ken Duke, has joined the teaching staff. For more information: (626) 797-3821 (Altadena), (626) 794-6773 (Eaton Canyon) or visit dcgolf.info. Lost Canyons Golf Club: Spotlight on hole No. 11, Sky Course  Named “Tapo Alto,” the lengthy par-4 11th is on the highest point of the Sky Course at Simi Valley’s Lost Canyons. The longest par 4 on the back nine stretches all the way back to 480 yards from the tips and demands a solid drive to set up the best possible approach angle to a green that’s 38 yards deep and guarded by a cavernous bunker on the right and a severe slope on the left. “Like most holes on both of our courses,” explained PGA Director of Golf and General Manager Jay Colliatie, “it’s very picturesque. But don’t be mesmerized by the beauty — stay focused or expect a big number on your scorecard.”For more information: (805) 522-4653 or visit lostcanyons.com. Sterling Hills Golf Club: Save with membership  Regarded as one of the hidden jewels of Ventura County, Sterling Hills is located just north of the 101 freeway in Camarillo. The course, which was designed by Robert Muir Graves and Damian Pascuzzo and opened in 1999, fits naturally into its terrain, offering a layout with four sets of tees that stretch to 6,813 yards.While the economy may be uncertain, one certainty is that maintaining membership at Sterling Hills can net substantial savings when extended to two or three years. An individual unlimited pass begins at $5,400 the first year, then drops to $4,600 in year two and $4,150 in year three. Membership includes benefits like reduced rates for guests and 10 percent off merchandise. “When you join, it’s more about loyalty,” said PGA Head Golf Professional Betty Chen. Sterling Hills also offers a 12,000-square-foot banquet facility that’s ideal for weddings or special events. The restaurant has an array of choices for breakfast (including three new breakfast bowls) and lunch (check out the new Bistro Chicken Melt). For more information: (805) 604-1234 or visit sterlinghillsgolf.com. Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Resort: Newly renovated range now open Change continues to be positive at Industry Hills Golf Club — refurbishments to both the Eisenhower and Zaharias layouts and the opening of the Pacific Palms Resort on site are now accompanied by a renovated driving range, which features new mats, balls and a synthetic turf landing area. Conveniently located in Industry Hills, the property’s two courses remain charismatic venues. The “Babe” layout was recently recognized by Greenskeeper.org for having the best playing conditions in Los Angeles County during 2008. The “Ike” track again hosts the Monday qualifier for the Northern Trust Open on Monday, Feb. 16, just a few days before the tournament kicks off at Riviera Country Club. The public is welcome to come out and watch for free. For more information: (626) 810-4653 or visit ihgolfclub.com. L.A. County Golf Courses: Enjoy pristine conditions at Santa Anita, Mountain Meadows  When it comes to the condition of a golf course, consistency is important.That’s exactly what can be found at Santa Anita and Mountain Meadows (pictured) golf courses, two of the most popular and well-maintained courses in the Los Angeles County golf system. “If you have a good product, people will come,” said Chad Hackman, who has served as general manager at Pomona’s Mountain Meadows for nearly eight years. “There are really no peaks or valleys for the conditions here. We’re just very consistent.” The L.A. County system features 19 courses at 17 facilities that offer regulation tests and executive options for players of all skills. There’s an affordable and fun venue close to every major county locale. The county recognizes properties for their service and attention to playing conditions, and for the second straight year, Arcadia’s Santa Anita Golf Course was named the L.A. County Golf Course of the Year. “We’re proud to have that honor. It takes a full effort,” said General Manager Ed Howard. Howard and his colleague Hackman were each quick to acknowledge their respective superintendents, Tony Piñon and Manny Lerma. Slight manicuring was done throughout each property in 2008, and more fine-tuning is expected in 2009. Such work will not be intrusive for players and should enhance the details of each facility. For more information: (909) 623-3704 (Mountain Meadows), (626) 447-2331 (Santa Anita) or visit lacountyparks.org. |
||||
RSS Subscribe
