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 'Go Green' and Save at Tustin Ranch With a central location around the middle of Orange County, Tustin Ranch Golf Club enables local residents to keep their drive time at a minimum and save a little bit at the gas pump. For those who play the classically designed Ted Robinson layout during August, discarding a golf cart will foster even more savings. Tustin Ranch has announced a “Going Green” promotion, in which walking the course with one of the facility’s GPS hand carts nets a substantial discount on green fees any day of the week. Monday through Thursday costs $80, Friday is now $100, and weekends are $120. All told, discounts run between $30 and $40. “By taking walking carts, you are helping to keep our energy footprint low,” said director of marketing Robyn Cole. “And, you get a healthy walk in the park.” And those walking the course will have a healthier appreciation for two holes that have recently been lengthened: The par-4 14th has been increased 10 yards, while the par-4 18th is longer by 30 yards. For those who decide to ride, Tustin Ranch has a new fleet of GPS-enabled ClubCar carts in a sleek almond color. The facility continues to offer The Club at Tustin Ranch program: For $595 a year, members receive a variety of discounts, including half-off green fees from Monday through Thursday (18-hole rates), additional discounts on other green fees and 10 percent off equipment. Besides golf, the club remains a fun family evening spot with the ongoing Music Under the Stars series, held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. It’s coming soon on August 21, and this month features Springsteen!, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band. For more information: (714) 730-1611 or tustinranchgolf.com.  ‘Pizza and Pinot’ Night adds flavor at Arroyo Trabuco Not only does Mission Viejo’s Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club sport one of Orange County’s most fun and well-conditioned layouts, it also boasts some of the most delectable cuisine of any golf venue. The club’s bar and grill, O’Neill’s, introduced homemade pizzas to its menu in June and has been pleasing taste buds with “Pizza and Pinot” night ever since. Held every Tuesday night, this event showcases three different 9-inch personal pizza creations and a featured pinot wine. “We sold 120 pizzas the first night we did it, so it’s been a great promotion,” said director of golf operations Peter Dalkas. “We’re going to keep it going by popular demand.” More delicious fare can be enjoyed at the “Santa Maria Barbecue Wine Tasting.” This event, which is held on the last Thursday of every month, features sirloin and other meat grilled in the tradition of Northern California’s Santa Maria Valley – over an open flame fueled by wood chips. Different wines — from Merlots to Chardonnays — are paired each time. O’Neill’s also has exciting new items on its dinner menu, including a smoked and grilled double-cut pork chop and balsamic herb lamb chops. On the course, which features five sets of tees ranging from 5,045 yards to 7,011 yards, “Fast Thursday” continues to be one of the region’s hottest promotions: If players finish their rounds in less than four hours and 15 minutes on Thursdays, they earn five Trabuco bucks redeemable anywhere on the property. “That’s been a very strong attraction for us,” added Dalkas. For more information: (949) 305-5100 or arroyotrabuco.com. Location, value and quality continue to enhance irvine’s Rancho San Joaquin Not many Orange County tracks can claim they’ve been serving the needs of golfers for over 40 years, but Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course is one of them. Centrally located in Irvine, the William F. Bell design opened in 1964 and has been one of the region’s more fun and affordable venues ever since. “There are a lot of higher-priced alternatives, and we like to think we can offer a great value to the local golf community,” said general manager Ryan Saturday. Patrons can earn discounts from the rack rate green fees by signing up for programs such as the Southern California Golfers Club or the American Golf Senior Card. Online specials also can be found on American Golf’s website. Four sets of tees make Rancho San Joaquin accessible to players of all skills, and a diverse array of holes produces anything but boredom over the course of 18 holes. “It’s a very versatile golf course,” Saturday said. “You really get a chance to play a lot of different shots. It appeals to many kinds of golfers.” Plus, the relatively flat terrain makes the layout easy to walk. The quality of the course is complemented by a top-notch staff of PGA professionals, including director of instruction Jack Lear, Mike Fergin and Tracy Roberts. An expansive practice area, complete with 65 hitting stalls and different putting and chipping greens, is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information: (949) 786-5522 or rsj.americangolf.com.  Renovated 18th hole among improvements at San Juan Hills San Juan Hills Golf Club, one of the most scenic and affordable venues in Orange County, has made enhancements to add even more bang for your buck. The 18th hole was entirely rebuilt — with a new green and fresh bunkers, trees and tee boxes — all to make room for a new practice putting green and patio area directly behind it. The new patio, adjacent to the full-service restaurant, features a relaxing fire pit and cozy seating. “These improvements have given the area a whole new look,” said PGA director of golf John Hendricks. Two of the par-71 layout’s holes also have been lengthened. New tee boxes at the tips have beefed up a pair of par 4s – the 10th (from 369 to 400 yards) and the 11th (419 to 445 yards) – making two of the track’s more interesting driving holes that much more challenging. “The 11th is a beast now,” added Hendricks. These improvements reflect the San Juan Capistrano facility’s desire to be a fun test of golf and a welcoming spot for all to enjoy themselves with friends and family. “We’re always trying to improve what we have here. It all takes time, but we keep plugging along and making it better for golfers and the community as well,” Hendricks said. For more information: (949) 493-1167 or sanjuanhillsgolf.com.  Get to know the Navy Golf Course It’s been over a year since the Navy Golf Course in Cypress allowed the public to play its pair of layouts, and the decision has been paying off. “Having the public here has been a big advantage,” said Jack Gordon, the MWR installation programs director who oversees the property. Civilian golfers can book tee times up to three days in advance at the 18-hole Destroyer track, and green fees are only $40 on weekdays and $45 on weekends. Three sets of tees, ranging from 6,819 yards from the tips to a stout 5,914 yards for the ladies, make the Navy track fun for all golfers. The greens’ undulations aren’t overly severe, but golfers who understand bounces off certain slopes and are cognizant of how to keep the ball below the hole are rewarded. “The greens provide some excitement without a heart attack,” said general manager Mike Clary. Besides having plenty of holes designed with the shotmaker in mind, some — especially the par 5s — reward those who go for the gusto off the tee. Two examples would be the sixth and 18th, which play 570 and 565 yards, respectively, from the back tees. The layout’s complexion usually changes as the day progresses, with windier conditions more common in the afternoon. Clary noted there’s a “two- or three-shot difference” when the winds pick up toward sundown. Clary and his staff are proud to offer the 40th edition of Summer Fun Golf Camp from August 11-15, welcoming both military and non-military youths. Participants receive shirts, clubs, balls and a barbeque lunch. The Navy Course also prides itself on community involvement. Clary and his staff, including PGA professional Joe Grohman, give back through clinics for disabled veterans, junior blind and mentally and physically challenged. For more information: (714) 889-1576. Community warms up to San Clemente’s Irons in the Fire Since opening last December as part of a $5 million clubhouse renovation at San Clemente Golf Club, Irons in the Fire restaurant has become one of South Orange County’s most popular locales for great food, relaxation and special events. “Besides becoming a destination for breakfast, lunch and dinner and providing entertainment, we’ve been utilizing our banquet facilities and hosting a lot of community events and weddings,” said general manager Mark Donaldson. Recently, Irons in the Fire has begun serving Sunday brunch. The all-you-can-eat event has favorites like eggs Benedict and French toast, not to mention omelet and carving stations and an array of seafood and dessert options. It costs $24.95 for adults and $12.95 for children 12 and under. The restaurant’s patio, which boasts a fire pit and overlooks the golf course, has become an ideal spot for live music — acts ranging from contemporary acoustic guitarists to jazz combos play each Friday, and Thursday and Saturday nights also will become regular entertainment evenings. An adjacent banquet room to Irons in the Fire is a fresh spot for special events, and up to 250 people can be accommodated. To learn more, contact Chef Cathy McKnight at (949) 282-9264. And whether or not you’re playing golf, Happy Hour provides a great way to unwind. Held every weekday from 4 to 6 p.m., it provides reduced prices on all drinks as well as select appetizers, including pulled pork and tri-tip sliders. For more information: (949) 542-3900 or ironsinthefire.biz.  Check out the new Tournament Pavilion at Coyote Hills With an architecture credit shared by Cal Olson and legendary PGA Tour player Payne Stewart, Coyote Hills Golf Course is one of the most prestigious venues in Orange County. Recently, the Fullerton property became one of the most prominent spots for hosting your next golf tournament or outing thanks to the new Tournament Pavilion. Instead of a tent, Coyote Hills built a permanent, 2,500-square-foot open-air structure. It can comfortably accommodate up to 200 people and is ideal for pre-event breakfasts and lunches or post-event gatherings and dinners. Plus, it offers scenic views of the water features on the ninth and 18th holes. “It’s really unique,” said general manager Brent Boznanski. “It totally opens up the view of the course and blends in nicely with the surrounding area.” To take advantage of the Tournament Pavilion for your next outing, contact tournament director Mike Hallowell at (714) 672-6800, ext. 222. The par-70 layout, which tips out at 6,510 yards, continues to be a unique challenge. What makes it especially unique is the ability to see all the way to Downtown Los Angeles on a clear day, and sometimes even the famous Hollywood sign is visible. As with all American Golf courses, Coyote Hills offers green fee discounts through its website. For more information: (714) 672-6800 or coyotehills.americangolf.com. Alta Vista continues to offer a superior private experience It’s been three years since Billy Casper Golf took over management of Alta Vista Country Club, and change has brought even more satisfaction to members. “If things were pretty good [before Billy Casper Golf], things are great these days,” said general manager Karl Reul. The most prominent improvement has been in the Placentia facility’s clubhouse, which re-opened last December after a $1.5 million renovation project. The new members’ lounge features cozy accommodations and a 70-inch high-definition TV, and the boardroom boasts state-of-the-art technological accommodations to allow members the chance to stay productive away from the office. The David Rainville-crafted course, which plays to a par of 72 and offers five sets ranging from 4,796 to 6,559 yards, is in impressive shape, thanks to a new irrigation system. One of the highlights on the layout is the bunkering, which has been bolstered by a three-year restoration project that was recently completed. A non-equity private club with no assessments or food and beverage minimums, Alta Vista has some of the top amenities of any private club in Southern California. It’s also an ideal place to hold weddings and banquets. “It seems things are only going to get better at Alta Vista in the future,” Reul added. For more information: (714) 524-1591 or altavistacc.com. Specials abound at San Clemente’s Shorecliffs Golf Gourse Not many courses in Orange County offer the array of scenic elements found at Shorecliffs Golf Course, as tree-lined fairways and views of the Pacific Ocean complement the Joe Williams-crafted layout. And not many properties offer as many intriguing discount packages as the San Clemente facility. The Frequent Players Card costs $25 and entitles a member to $5 off green fees right off the bat, and after purchasing 10 rounds, the 11th is free. Other perks include one-hour early twilight and inclusion into the e-mail discount club. There’s also the 30-Day Anytime Fun Pass: For $309, a member gets unlimited golf any day and any time. Aside from those membership programs, Shorecliffs has unique specials both early and late in the day. From 6 to 8 a.m., the Early Bird special provides nine holes of golf with breakfast for $15 on weekdays and $25 on weekends, cart included. And before darkness falls, take advantage of the Sundowner Rate, which begins at 5 p.m. and offers green fees of $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends, cart also included. Shorecliffs is also a great course for tournament outings: For groups of 24 or more, the course will provide over $200 in tournament prizes. To learn more about group events, call (949) 456-5278. For more information: (949) 492-1177 or pacificgolfenterprises.com. Westridge shapes up for summer Since opening in October of 1999, Westridge Golf Club has become a staple on the Orange County scene. Whether you’ve played there before or are looking to venture out to the La Habra property for the first time, expect to experience some of the best ever conditions. “We’ve really been working hard on getting our course in better shape,” said director of golf Jon Marquez. “It’s probably in the best condition it’s been in since it opened.” The maintenance staff at Westridge has been paying particular attention to the course’s bentgrass greens, using a combination of verticutting and what Marquez termed “mini-aeration” (not as deep as punching) to keep them in stellar shape. Westridge already has some of the most affordable green fees in Orange County, and even better deals are available through an e-mail club. Booking an online tee time automatically signs you up for the club, or you can sign up by visiting the pro shop. For more information: (562) 690-4200 or westridgegolfclub.com. Bunker restoration project commences at Anaheim Hills As of the end of June, Anaheim Hills Golf Course is in the process of restoring sand traps on each of its 18 holes, a task that should be completed by the end of the year. “The plan is to do it on a hole-by-hole basis so we are not disrupting play,” said City of Anaheim golf superintendent Michael Lautenbach. “It’s a project we’ve been wanting to do for quite some time.” A fun bit of irony for golfers is that bunkers under construction will be marked as ground under repair, so relief can be taken outside the sand without penalty. One of the holes — the difficult par-4 third — already has been completed, as its lone trap in front of the green has been renovated with slightly different shaping, a more level sand base and new sod surrounding it; its long-term playability should be further enhanced with better drainage. “That was probably the most comprehensive project of all the bunkers,” Lautenbach said. Lautenbach also was pleased to announce the remodeling of the clubhouse restrooms at Dad Miller Golf Course. The existing facilities will be gutted completely, and the new infrastructure should be open by the end of this month. For more information: (714) 998-3041 for Anaheim Hills, (714) 765-3481 for Dad Miller, or playanaheimgolf.com. |
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