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GOLF RESOURCE GUIDE:
The Golfing Nomad
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 Water comes into play on 21 of the 36 holes at Menifee Lakes Country Club. I posted my best round ever, a 76, on the Lakes Course at Menifee Lakes Country Club when I played there last month. It’s important to be objective in these reviews, but I’ll admit I’m a little biased to the track where I’ve notched my low round. The Lakes is one of two 18-hole championship layouts at semi-private Menifee Lakes. Located just southwest of Hemet off the 215 freeway, it’s definitely one of the more convenient Inland Empire facilities and has some sweet mountain views. Both courses at Menifee Lakes were designed by Ted Robinson Sr., whose trademarks — water features and wavy greens — are in full force on each track. I wasted no time testing that water, slicing my tee shot into a lake bordering the fairway on the first hole. That led to triple bogey, but birdies were on the horizon. The old golf adage of not thinking about hazards when preparing for a shot is so relevant here. For example, the par-4 fifth is only 391 yards but sports a watery grave down the right side that seems three times larger than the fairway. Block that from your mind and you’ll be able to focus on the cozy landing area — I did and made a birdie. The toughest hole was the par-3 eighth. Playing less than its listed yardage of 219 yards, it was still difficult thanks to a small green bisected by a giant ridge. I was happy to escape with a par. Holes without water — 16 and 17 — proved to be demanding thanks to trees and a pair of large sand traps guarding each green. I bogeyed each of those holes to offset birdies on holes 12 and 14. Oh well. I was thoroughly impressed with the conditioning of the course — the greens were smoother than brand-new office carpet. Menifee Lakes is a peaceful place that’s a great option for beginning and casual golfers with enough bite to appease more experienced players. Menifee Lakes Country Club: By the Numbers 6,528: Yardage from the tips on the Lakes course. There are four sets of tees, the most forward measuring 5,453 yards. 71.7: Lakes Course rating from the tips. This is a very comfortable number for golfers of all skill levels — not too tough, but no cakewalk, either. 36: Total number of holes at Menifee Lakes. There also is a driving range with artificial and turf hitting stations, a pair of practice putting greens and a short-game area. 9: Number of holes where water comes into play on the Lakes Course. If that sounds like a lot, it’s not. Water is in play on 12 of 18 holes on the Palms layout, the other course at Menifee Lakes. 63: Lakes Course record, shot by Brendan Steele, former UC-Riverside men’s golf team standout and current Nationwide Tour member. 21: Cost, in dollars, to play either course on the 21st of any month from now until the end of 2010. Rate includes cart and is valid after 10 a.m. 199.95: Cost, in dollars, to join the new Players Club at Menifee Lakes. For more information on Menifee Lakes Country Club, call (951) 672-4824 or visit menifee-lakes.com. |
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