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 Lost Canyons Golf Club Golf was one of several area courses that participated in Patriot Golf Day over Labor Day weekend to raise funds for the Folds of Honor Foundation. The Simi Valley facility raised more than $13,000 for the cause, which provides scholarships to widows and dependents of American service members who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. In addition to making donations on top of their green fees, patrons helped by participating in a silent auction, which included rounds of golf donated by area courses, and purchasing special flags. The color guard raised the flags at the outset of the weekend, and local veteran groups and active military members were present from Friday through Monday. PGA general manager Jay Colliatie and assistant professional Michael Metz attracted extra support from sponsors by playing 100 holes of golf on Labor Day. “It was harder than I thought,” said Colliatie, who began his 12-hour venture with Metz at 6 a.m. “But I’m glad I did it. I think all of our patrons were happy with the events from the weekend and generating support for such a worthy cause. It was a real group involvement at the club.” Lost Canyons, the only 36-hole facility in Ventura County, continues to be a top destination for players of all skills. When teeing it up from the tips, the Sky and Shadow layouts can be two of the most challenging tracks in Southern California. For more information: (805) 522-4653 or lostcanyons.com. ENHANCEMENTS SEEN AT BALBOA, HANSEN DAM Two of the most popular layouts in the City of Los Angeles golf system — Balboa and Hansen Dam — have completed their respective construction projects. Located in Encino and part of the 36-hole Sepulveda Golf Complex, Balboa Golf Course was beefed up to a par-72 layout this spring. It now measures close to 6,600 yards because of the conversion of two par 4s — the third and 12th holes — into par 5s. The third hole now plays just under 500 yards, while the 12th was lengthened to 520 yards. “These changes have given golfers the chance for more creativity on those holes,” said James Ward, golf manager for the City of Los Angeles. The most notable work done at Pacoima’s Hansen Dam Golf Course was the implementation of an irrigation system that allows for the use of reclaimed water. That environmentally friendly measure was complemented with the revitalization of seven fairways, the installation of a tee-to-green network of cart paths and a renovated driving range. “The facility is really in top shape,” Ward said. For more information: (818) 995-1170 [Balboa], (818) 899-2200 [Hansen Dam], or golf.lacity.org.  ROYAL VISTA COMPLETES RENOVATION PROJECTS Royal Vista Golf Club in Walnut has undergone significant renovation projects over the past four years. The most recently completed work at the 27-hole facility involved enhancing drainage with sand channeling on the South course. The putting surfaces, a mix of bentgrass and poa annua grasses, now are as smooth as the greens on the North and East layouts. Tee boxes also were leveled on four holes: Nos. 1 and 4 on the East and Nos. 6 and 9 on the North. The completion of the projects means no more temporary greens or hole detours to navigate. “It’s smooth sailing,” said PGA general manager Don Crooker. The property is conveniently accessible to most of Los Angeles and northern Orange County and remains one of the best deals in the region. Walkers never pay more than $40 for green fees, which are even more affordable for people who take advantage of the 2-for-1 weekday special. For more information: (909) 595-7441 or larv.com. ONLINE SAVINGS AT ALTADENA AND EATON CANYON Frequent visitors to Altadena and Eaton Canyon have new Internet savings options at the nine-hole facilities. Online specials include deals on green fees, food and range amenities. For example, the “Golf Dogs” special includes green fee plus a hot dog for $19.95, a rate that decreases to $17.95 during twilight on weekdays. The most efficient way to keep up with the savings is to register for the e-mail club, because people on the list are notified about the deals before they’re advertised online. More savings can be found by signing up for the birthday club. Provide your mailing address and receive a certificate for a free round that’s valid any time in the month of your special day. Altadena and Eaton Canyon are located three miles from each other in the San Gabriel Valley. Each plays just under 3,000 yards and to a par of 35. For more information: (626) 797-3821 [Altadena], (626) 794-6773 [Eaton Canyon], or dcgolf.info. ALONDRA PARK, MAGGIE HATHAWAY MOVING FORWARD WITH COURSE IMPROVEMENTS Alondra Park Golf Course’s front nine has been closed since May, but the facility is almost ready to unveil the revamped opening side. All holes on the outward half are undergoing significant changes as part of a $2.6 million renovation project, which has been under the guidance of San Diego-based architect Cary Bickler. There also have been enhancements on certain parts of the back nine and an expansion of the short-game practice area. The 18-hole Lawndale layout is slated to reopen in early November. The biggest changes on the front nine are new tee boxes, bunkers and greens, and each hole layout has been altered. “It’s a complete, major facelift,” said Los Angeles County Assistant Golf Director Mike McMonegal. “The golf course is very appealing to the eye. The bunkers are easier to see and the greens face you — there’s more mounding.” The improvements came by virtue of a Capital Improvement Fund that invests 10 percent of all green fees into the fund. “It’s nice to have the public’s green fee dollars going back into their course for improvements,” McMonegal said. Maggie Hathaway Golf Course, a nine-hole, par-3 layout in Los Angeles, also will be improved with the addition of a state-of-the-art driving range. The $840,000 project is being funded primarily from state grant contributions along with substantial financial support from Los Angeles County Second District Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke. Additionally, the First Tee of South Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Junior Golf Foundation are partners in the project. When opened in November, the facility will serve as the base site for various programs for juniors as part of the First Tee’s curriculum. “We’re putting this in an area that is starved for it,” McMonegal said. “There are many local schools that we’ll be partnering with. Plus, the price of using the facility will definitely be discounted for juniors.” The funding also provides for an improved irrigation system on the course and the establishment of new concrete foundations for tee mats on all holes. For more information: (310) 217-9915 [Alondra], (323) 757-7176 [Maggie Hathaway], or lacountyparks.org. |
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