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GOLF RESOURCE GUIDE:
The Golfing Nomad
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 The par-3 17th hole on the Sky Course epitomizes the beauty and challenge that can be found at Lost Canyons. True to form, his two layouts at Lost Canyons Golf Club are among the most challenging tracks in Southern California. But the Simi Valley facility’s demanding tests are contrasted by one of the most soothing atmospheres around and an overall experience befitting a top-notch, high-end venue. Away from it all No homes, no airplanes and no hotels mean no distractions on the Sky or Shadow courses at Lost Canyons. The property is only a few minutes north of the 118 freeway, though it feels secluded because of the natural barricade provided by the Santa Susana Mountains. My buddies and I teed it up on the Sky Course, but both layouts share similarities. They wind in all directions — up, down, left, right; they have undulating greens; and they demand accuracy off the tee, although the Sky generally features wider landing areas. Smooth seven Hitting from the gold tees, which measure 6,740 yards, the first seven holes were amenable to scoring with accurate tee shots. None of the first three par-4 holes are over 400 yards, so decent drives left short irons in each time. The most memorable hole in the opening stretch is the par-5 fourth. The 545-yard test lines up hard to the right off the tee, then shoots to the left before veering almost 90 degrees back to the right as it approaches the green. Fearless golfers can go for the green in two by hitting a fairway wood or long iron blindly over the mountain, but it’s not recommended because the putting surface is shallow and usually not receptive to holding longer shots. Dye-abolical duo The going got tough at the end of the front nine with two demanding par 4s. The eighth hole, a dogleg left, plays into the wind and uphill all the way to the green. Listed at 425 yards, it felt more like 500. The ninth hole, a dogleg right, has a large lake and a narrow bunker that guards almost the entire right side of the fairway. A round can be made or broken on these two holes. Enjoy the scenery All 36 holes at Lost Canyons have superb views of the surrounding area, which is so scenic that it has been used to film movies and television shows such as “Little House on the Prairie” and “M*A*S*H.” I particularly enjoyed the sights on the back nine, which had its share of tough holes like the outward half but also presented birdie chances with well-placed tee shots. The par-5 12th and par-4 18th were fun because of downhill tee shots, which allowed us to tee it high and let it fly. One of my favorite holes was the par-3 17th, a versatile short hole that can play from a wedge to a medium iron depending on the wind and the pin placement on the 53-pace green. The view is majestic, even if the expansive bunker guarding the front left of the green can spell doom for those who find it. Rates and information Lost Canyons recently introduced lower green fees. On the Sky, they are $75 Monday-Thursday, $85 on Fridays, $99 on Saturdays and holidays and $90 on Sundays. Rates on the Shadow are $65, 75, $85 and $80, respectively. Twilight and super twilight rates also are available, as are discounts for Gold Card members, juniors (under 17 and playing with an adult) and seniors (60 and over). The new rates also apply to tournament and group packages. Lost Canyons also recently introduced a fleet of golf carts with GPS. For more information: (805) 522-4653 or visit lostcanyons.com. |
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