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 Oak Creek is a beautiful example of architect Tom Fazio’s design style. He’s made his mark in Orange County, as well. His two seaside gems at Newport Coast’s Pelican Hill Golf Club are among the most revered in the Southland. He’s also the man behind Oak Creek Golf Club, a testy little track located between the 5 and 405 freeways in Irvine. Tough, but fair What I like about Fazio is that his layouts don’t beat you up. Yes, he’s demanding and requires your attention on every shot. But he doesn’t break your spirit like, say, Pete Dye. Oak Creek fits Fazio’s style to a tee. The course stretches to a modest 6,850 yards from the tips, and with its gently rolling terrain, generous fairways and large greens, the layout appears docile on the surface. But that terrain can lead to some awkward lies. Miss a fairway and you’ll find yourself playing from some rather gnarly deep grass. Lose your focus on the greens and you’ll wind up uttering to yourself like one of my playing partners midway through our round: “That’s the second time I’ve putted off the green in seven holes.” Choose wisely Decision making is crucial to posting a good score at Oak Creek. This is exemplified on the par-4, 360-yard seventh hole, a sharp dogleg left with a waste bunker that runs along the entire left side of the fairway. The temptation is to cut off more of the dogleg than necessary. Trust me on this one: Aim a little right and hit one less lofted club into the green — it’s more likely you’ll walk to the next tee with a par on your card and a smile on your face. My favorite hole at Oak Creek is the par-5 ninth — and not just because I drained a curling 30-footer for eagle. It’s a great hole because it presents you with options. Playing slightly downhill at 489 yards, it’s reachable in two with a big drive. However, a lake protects the right side of the fairway and green from about 170 yards in. Making the right decision on whether to lay up or go for it can make or break your front nine. For me, the back nine plays a few shots tougher than the front, and features two of the track’s most difficult holes: the 419-yard 14th and the 431-yard 18th. More than any other holes on the course, these two require both strength off the tee and finesse around the greens. Rates and information Standard green fees range between $110 and $150, depending on the day of the week. However, this is a great time of the year to take advantage of twilight and super twilight rates, which can be enjoyed for as low as $45. And if you need to work on your swing or short game, there’s no better place to do it than on the practice area at Oak Creek. The facility features 65 all-grass hitting areas and three greens to fine tune your putting, chipping and bunker play. On Tuesday, April 28, Oak Creek will host a Ladies Day event presented by Nike Golf. The tournament is open to players of all skill levels and will feature the latest apparel and equipment tailored specifically for women golfers. Entry fee is $110 and includes green fees, cart, range balls, tee prizes, lunch and awards. To sign up, contact David Jacobo at (949) 653-5301 or email djacobo@oakcreekgolfclub.com. For more information: (949) 653-5300 or visit oakcreekgolfclub.com. |
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