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Shark Sighting

Golf news from the Inland Empire.

By Eli Miller

Shark sighting
With a Greg Norman layout, Vellano has become an instant gem in the Inland Empire.

As one of only two Southland venues sporting a Greg Norman design, Vellano Country Club has quickly become one of the most popular private venues in the Inland Empire.

"We continue to move forward in an economy when a lot of clubs are moving backward," said Mike Connaughton, director of membership sales for the Chino Hills club that opened in February 2007 and has close to 400 members.

"There's nothing like this between Los Angeles and Palm Springs," Connaughton said. "This is the type of club you'd expect to see down on the Newport coast."

The clubhouse, which will include a fitness center and ornate locker rooms, is scheduled to be completed in September.

For now, members can enjoy the spectacular course, which wasn't built with treachery in mind. But plenty of challenge is there for those who seek it, such as the par-3 eighth hole, which stretches about 250 yards from the tips.

"The course is very playable and fair," Connaughton said. "Norman has done a great job of making the type of course members would want to play every day."

Two other advantages for Vellano are location and financing options. Though in the Inland Empire, the course is close to major parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties, and a $10,000 down payment can be complemented by covering the remaining $45,000 in initial membership fees as part of a monthly payment plan.

For more information: (909) 597-2801 or experiencevellano.com.

Paradise Knolls to host NSC National Match Play qualifier
With a new maintenance facility, repainted clubhouse and excellent course conditions at Paradise Knolls, it's easy to see why PGA general manager Jeff

Walser is excited for the rest of 2008.

"Things are on the up and up at Paradise Knolls," he said. "The overall condition of the golf course is better than it has ever been."

Adding to the excitement at the Riverside venue is that it will be a qualifying site for the inaugural NSC National Two-Man Best-Ball tournament, which will hold its finals in September at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and The Links at Spanish Bay.

The Paradise Knolls qualifier will be held June 7. To learn more or sign up, visit nationalmatchplay.com.

Those experiencing the course for the first time will notice it is easy to walk and not necessarily as demanding as it appears. Perhaps the toughest aspect of Paradise Knolls is the greens, which are small and guarded by unpredictable kikuyu rough.

"You've got some greens out here that are pretty speedy. If you're above the hole, you're playing to two-putt," Walser said.

For more information: (951) 685-7034 or paradiseknolls.americangolf.com.

Nationwide Tour's loss is locals' gain at Empire Lakes
The Nationwide Tour no longer counts Rancho Cucamonga's Empire Lakes Golf Course as an annual stop, but what the pros left behind has turned into a more playable course for all golfers.

Fairways at Empire Lakes have been widened by about 20 yards, making the par-72, 7,034-yard design less difficult and more pleasurable to look at.

"It's kind of a bittersweet thing," superintendent Gary Erxleben said about the departure of the Mark Christopher Charity Classic. "We've now been able to maintain the course like we want it. It's going to be more aesthetically pleasing and play like it was designed."

Erxleben and his staff also have improved the quality of the greens at Empire Lakes thanks to a new green roller. It gives them the opportunity to foster smoother and potentially more challenging greens in a shorter amount of time.

"We've only used it a couple of times, and we've already had amazing feedback," Erxleben said.

Located close to the intersection of the 10 and 15 freeways, Empire Lakes is easily accessible from Los Angeles and Orange counties.

For more information: (909) 481-6663 or empirelakes.com.

Soboba Springs ready to unveil new clubhouse
With a bevy of course enhancements in place, The Country Club at Soboba Springs is ready to reopen its new clubhouse.

Measuring roughly 32,000 square feet and containing banquet facilities to accommodate up to 400 guests, the clubhouse is the next big phase in three steps of renovations at the San Jacinto property.

"We're excited to officially reopen to the public," general manager Bryan Addis said. "The clubhouse has it all. It's beautiful, it really is. No expense was spared."

With the clubhouse complete, construction for new swim, tennis and fitness facilities is slated to begin this month.

The new amenities will enhance the course, which now includes white-sand bunkers, longer tee boxes and dramatic landscaping on the 18th hole.

"The public rates we offer are ridiculously low for what we are," Addis said.

For more information: (951) 654-9354 or sobobaspringscc.com.

Fresh leadership helps spruce up Landmark at Hemet
Change has proved to be positive at Landmark at Hemet Golf Club.
With a new general manager and greenskeeper, the Inland Empire facility has tackled some prominent trouble spots and established momentum for the rest of the year.

"It's a test," said general manager Ed Perez, who started his tenure at Landmark in January of this year. "I like the area, and I like the people."

Four holes - the first, ninth, 10th and 13th - had some sod issues, but those have been remedied. All are par 5s with the exception of the par-4 ninth, which plays 452 yards from the tips and ranks as the layout's toughest test.

All told, over 40,000 square feet of new turf has been installed.

"We spent a lot of money getting the course back into the condition it should be," Perez said. "Right now, it's in the best condition it has been in for a few years. It's improved greatly."

Those who check out Landmark at Hemet's website can sign up for special e-mail discounts.

For more information: (951) 926-4653 or hemetgolfclub.com.

Mountain Meadows' layout keeps you thinking
With plenty of mature trees and elevation changes set in the rolling hills of north Pomona, Mountain Meadows Golf Course is one of the most diverse tracks in the Inland Empire.

"There are a lot of different shots on this golf course," general manager Chad Hackman said. "It's called Mountain Meadows for a reason."

At 6,440 yards from the tips, the course isn't overly long, but two par 5s - the eighth and 11th - illustrate the layout's challenge. Neither hole is lengthy, but both feature severe doglegs that can be troublesome for those who get too bold with their drives or long approaches into the greens.

"These aren't your typical par 5s," Hackman said. "Length isn't really the issue."

Consistently regarded as one of the best-conditioned courses in Los Angeles County, Mountain Meadows has been reaping the benefits of a new irrigation system put in place a few years ago. It is conveniently located near the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds off Interstate 10.

For more information: (909) 623-3704 or mountainmeadows.americangolf.com

Temporary clubhouse slated to open at Dos Lagos
Corona's Dos Lagos Golf Course, which opened last August, is scheduled to unveil a temporary clubhouse this month.

"It'll be a place to sit down and drink and eat, and all that other good stuff," head professional Terry Branham said.

Something that also should excite Inland Empire residents is that the Matthew E. Dye design is starting to mature. The decision not to overseed during the winter has paid off, as the bent grass greens and Bermuda fairways and rough are coming into form.

"A lot of people didn't understand that the grass went dormant for the winter. But now, it's coming back," Branham said.
Dos Lagos, part of the first master-planned, mixed-use community in Riverside County, has a layout that requires players to hit a variety of shots. Green fees top out at $69 on weekends.

For more information: (951) 277-8787 or doslagosgolf.com.

ESPN National Golf qualifier again set for Diamond Valley
Hemet's Diamond Valley Golf Course has been selected as a qualifying site for the ESPN National Golf Challenge for the fourth consecutive year.

The tournament final is set for Las Vegas this October, and more than 30,000 golfers are expected to vie for spots there. Two-person amateur teams will compete in gross and net divisions, and the top two duos from each qualifying site earn trips to the regional final. Those interested in registering can check out espngolf.com.

Last year, the father-son team of Orville and Boyd Suemnick of San Marcos won the Diamond Valley qualifier.

"Each year we've sent at least one twosome onto the finals. It's kind of cool to have some of your regular customers end up going there," said Diamond Valley head professional and tournament director Kerry Rapelje.

The course at Diamond Valley remains in superb shape, providing a variety of tests that prompt even the best players to use every club in their bags.

"I've been here four years, and one of the reasons I stay here is because I never get bored of the golf course," Rapelje said.

For more information: (951) 767-0828 or diamondvalleygolfclub.net.

Trilogy Golf Club at Glen Ivy has new owners
Previously owned by Shea Homes, Trilogy Golf Club at Glen Ivy has been under the auspices of FX Global Investment Inc. since the end of January.

"We're kind of early in the game with the transition," said PGA general manager Tom Williams. "The golf course is and has been in good playing condition, but they're looking at upgrades to the maintenance equipment that might even improve it another notch."

Nestled next to Cleveland National Forest, Trilogy has some of the best views of any Inland Empire course. Particularly scenic is the 18th hole, which features a 210-foot drop from tee to fairway.

"It's the one hole that folks remember the most when they come out and play," Williams said.

Trilogy's on-site restaurant, Nines, is one of the most festive Inland Empire golf eateries. In addition to breakfast and lunch, dinner is served every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night.

Wednesdays are reserved for a particular international cuisine, and Saturdays feature live music.

"Nines continues to do well. Our executive chef, Jesus Lopez, is creating a lot of different menus," Williams said.

For more information: (951) 277-7900 or trilogygolfclub.com/glenivy.

New logo, name add to excitement at East Valley
It's been more than three months since the PGA of Southern California Golf Club in Beaumont became East Valley Golf Club.

Not only is the name gaining familiarity, so is the new logo. The 36-hole facility recently updated its signage, showing off the California state outline and the snazzy new script.

"We're trying to come out with a rejuvenated look," said PGA director of general operations Russ Onizuka. "The logo looks pretty similar, but it actually went through a pretty extensive change."

One element that remains unaltered at East Valley is the top-notch turf on the Champions and Legends tracks. Greenskeeper.org and its members recently voted East Valley as having the best playing conditions in the Inland Empire.

Two more exciting developments: the PGA Tour will use East Valley as one of the first stage sites for 2008 Qualifying School, and Onizuka was named Merchandiser of the Year in the public course category by the SCPGA.

"We completely revamped the merchandise operation back when [the new owners] came in in 2005," Onizuka said. "It just took some time to get steam, and all of a sudden, it kept going and going."

For more information: (877) 742-2500 or eastvalleygolfclub.com

Temecula Creek Inn has new and renovated rooms
With three nine-hole layouts, Temecula Creek Inn allows golfers to add variety to their experience.

Recently, the premier Inland Empire golf destination enhanced its lodging with 50 new rooms and a renovation of the existing 80 rooms. Suites now feature a leather easy-chair, iPod-compatible stereo and personal refrigerator.

"It's just a great experience," said Rob Oosterhuis, director of operations for JC Golf, which manages Temecula Creek. "The food and beverage there is phenomenal."

Those looking for a golf getaway can find it at Temecula Creek Inn, as stay-and-play packages start at $249 on weekdays and $319 on weekends. Each guest who purchases the package has one "play" option per day: either a round of golf or a one-hour in-room massage.

"With this package, you're not tied into golf," Oosterhuis said. "You can split it up."

The Oaks, Creek and Stonehouse nines each present different arrays of challenges for golfers, but a common thread is the pristine condition of each track.

"The courses are green and lush. The greens are immaculate right now," Oosterhuis said. "It's time to get out there and play."

For more information: (951) 694-1000 or temeculacreekinn.com.

Green River has 36 holes and a unique location
It might not have the geographic uniqueness of the Four Corners monument, but Green River is the only Southland facility that allows golfers to play golf in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties in the same day.

The 36-hole Corona property's two courses - Riverside and Orange - challenge golfers in different ways.

Riverside is a par-72 track that plays a bit longer than the par-71 Orange, which calls for accuracy amid narrow fairways and elevation changes.

"The courses went through the winter really well. The greens are excellent," said PGA professional and tournament director Eddie Rodarte. "Our facilities are excellent and the price is right."

After 9 a.m., seniors can walk up for a tee time and pay $26 for green fees. That special rate also is applicable to police and fire workers playing on a weekday.

Green River also is launching a player development program this month. For $39.95 a month, players get free buckets of balls, a discounted twilight green fee and guidance from instructors such as Rodarte.

"We've done this before, but this is going to be a new and improved program," he said.

For more information: (951) 737-7393 or greenrivergolf.com.

Course improvements on tap at Eagle Glen
Corona's Eagle Glen Golf Club is about to be upgraded.

All of the course's difficult growth spots will be re-sodded with Bermuda grass, beginning a process that will ultimately spray all rye grass out of the rough. The work will begin in late May and not require any course closures.

"This will provide a consistent look and play factor for our guests," general manager Steve Jeffrey said. "In the winter, when the Bermuda goes dormant, we will still overseed the fairways to keep them green and lush. The end result will be similar to a desert course."

Eagle Glen's bunkers also will be renovated.

"We are hand-tilling all of the bunkers to provide better playing conditions," Jeffrey said.

The improvements will be accompanied by lower green fees. Starting this year, weekday rates top out at $49, while the weekend ceiling is $69. The fees include a cart with ProLink Solutions GPS systems.

In addition to banquet facilities and a comprehensive pro shop, the club also features sumptuous fare at The Grille at Eagle Glen, which now proudly serves Certified Angus Beef.

"Our new executive chef, Samson Fils Francois, has created new and exciting lunch and dinner menus," Jeffrey said. "Simultaneously, we've kept the pricing more than competitive with restaurants in the area."

For more information: (951) 272-4653 or eagleglengc.com.

Oak Valley is a prime stop for overseas juniors
Oak Valley Golf Club is working to grow golf for Chinese juniors looking to compete against top young talent in the United States.

As an annual stop on the Southern California PGA's Toyota Tour Cup for accomplished juniors, Oak Valley will hold the two-day Chinese-American Golf Invitational beginning July 3. The Beaumont venue has helped many top Asian youngsters through its Academy, and this event will allow the top finishers to gain exemptions for an American Junior Golf Association open tournament as well as other Toyota Tour Cup stops.

This means that talented overseas juniors who wouldn't otherwise be able to gain access to select fields now have an opportunity to do so.

"We're trying to become the bridge connecting the Chinese kids to United States junior golf," said Oak Valley general manager Kai Chang. "We're trying to get them into major fields in the United States."

This tournament coincides with the Academy's commitment to getting juniors ready for the next level, be it college or professional.

As for the course, Oak Valley is in superb shape and one of the most renowned competitive tracks in the area. It will again hold the second stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School this year.

For more information: (951) 769-7200 or oakvalleygolf.com.

Kids play free at new Los Serranos golf park
Los Serranos Golf & Country Club has two of the top layouts in the Inland Empire.

Its third track is a bit different, though.

The Chino Hills property recently opened a kids golf park, a small, nine-hole track with artificial turf tees and greens and Wiffle balls instead of real grass and balls.

It's designed to be a place for children to learn the rules, skills and history of the game. Most importantly, it's a place for them to have fun. Adults can come, too, as long as they're accompanied by a child.

"We're getting lots of groups of kids going out there," general manager David Kramer said. "It's like a bunny hill for beginning golfers. It's just so inviting, attractive and fascinating to look at."

Each hole of the kids park has a golf-themed lesson, such as Pebble Beach Golf

Links or Bobby Jones. While playing nine holes, children also can learn some interesting golf facts.

The local reception has been so positive that area schools are now bringing students there after school and on field trips.
"The only rules are to be friendly and take care of the golf course," Kramer said. There is no charge to play.

Los Serranos remains one of the top tournament courses in the Southland. On June 23, the venue will hold a regional qualifier for the United States Amateur Public Links.

For more information: (909) 597-1711 or losserranoscountryclub.com.

El Rancho Verde stands the test of time
El Rancho Verde in Rialto has been open to the public for more than 50 years.

"It's an older design, so everything for the most part is right out in front of you," said general manager and PGA apprentice Cory Davis. "It's a golf course that anybody can come out and play."

Designed by Harry Rainville, El Rancho Verde has five sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels. The real challenge of the tree-lined layout is length, as the course stretches to 7,023 yards from the tips.

But the course isn't about deception.

"We've tried to keep the golf course very user-friendly," Davis said. "We usually keep the rough pretty closely mowed."

Right now, the course is in particularly good shape because of a wet winter.

In addition to Internet discounts, which can be found at pacificgolfenterprises.com, El Rancho Verde has 30- and 60-day unlimited golf passes available.

These "Fun" packages start at $259 for 30 days and increase to $375 for 60 days.

For more information: (909) 875-5346 or pacificgolfenterprises.com.

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Shark Sighting

Golf news from the Inland Empire.