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The Golfing Nomad
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 Oak Valley's back nine has water features and amazing mountain views. Before that pressure cooker, most hopefuls have to qualify through three other gauntlets — one of which is held at Beaumont’s Oak Valley Golf Club, which hosts four rounds of second-stage qualifying November 18-21. A lot going for it Oak Valley is not in the most densely populated area in Southern California. But, it’s only about an hour away from Los Angeles and Orange counties right off Interstate 10, just before the freeway intersects with Route 60, so it’s certainly conveniently located. As a daily-fee facility, Oak Valley is one of the most well rounded in the Inland Empire. A double-sided driving range features the Oak Valley Golf Academy on the upper level, and the clubhouse contains a pro shop and restaurant. Then there’s the course, a Lee Schmidt/Brian Curley gem with a great array of holes and incredible views on the back nine. Patient start Oak Valley isn’t an extreme challenge, but smart course management is still required. Three of the first four holes are par 4s that play between 360 and 374 yards from the tips. (I played them a bit shorter since the back tees were closed.) It’s tempting to hit a driver, but with trouble spots like expansive fairway traps and tall trees on the first, second and fourth holes, I hit a 3-wood off the tee to set up reasonable approach shots. It’s OK to be more aggressive on the downhill par-3 third, which offers a nice view of the landscape and is remarkably peaceful despite being a pitching wedge from the freeway. Beast of a hole When you reach the par-4 seventh hole, take a deep breath. Your eyes don’t deceive you — it really is that hard. It can play as long as 474 yards, and although the landing area is slightly downhill from the tee, the green is uphill all the way from the fairway. Trees encroach upon tee shots that miss on either the left or right side of the fairway, and finding the short grass is crucial because that’s just about the only flat surface on the hole. Enjoy the views The back nine’s style doesn’t differ much from the front side, but spectacular views and variety set the inward half apart from its predecessor. The diversity begins at the 199-yard par-3 11th, the first hole to feature water. Any shot that errs even a few inches too far right of the green is doomed, but any shot hit too far left is subject to a difficult lie in steep mounding. The grass is quite thick there, too. The 13th is a straightaway par-5 made memorable by the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountains in the background. Most of the prior holes are cozily lined by trees, but the view on this hole — and a few more on the back — creates a soothing, open atmosphere. The par-5 16th is the layout’s one true risk-reward hole. A good drive on the 523-yarder leaves a decision on whether to go for the green or lay up and try to stick a short iron close to the pin on a shallow green that’s deceptively small. Rates and information Green fees are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends, with twilight, senior and nine-hole rates available. All rates include cart, and rack-rate green fees include a bucket of range balls. Oak Valley also has promotions at the driving range, including All You Can Hit nights as well as unlimited monthly passes. Contact the pro shop to find out the latest promotions. For more information: (951) 769-7200 or visit oakvalleygolf.com. ALSO SEE: Beaumont's Holiday Inn Express has enhanced golf in the area |
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