Southern California's No. 1 Source for Golf
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"Although golf was originally restricted to wealthy, overweight Protestants, today it's open to anybody who owns hideous clothing" |
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Just off I-15 near the beautiful Temecula wine country is the engaging Temecula Creek Inn. Home to a world-class resort and three nine-hole layouts - the Creek, Oaks and Stone House - this is a popular destination for locals, nomadic golfers and people looking to escape the big city life for a little rest and relaxation. GETTING STARTED For years, friends and colleagues said the quirky layout of the Stone House was no match for the more traditional layouts of the Oaks and Creek, so I always avoided it. When I heard our round would take us from the gorgeous Oaks nine - the best of the three layouts - to the Stone House, I prepared myself for the worst, but as it turned out, I was pleasantly surprised. We played from the blue tees, but most of the markers were moved up, so the course was playing closer to 6,400 yards than the 6,693 yards indicated on the scorecard. THE STONE HOUSE The first shot on the Stone House nine is quirky. Maybe my friends were right. The 505-yard, par-5 opening hole plays uphill off the tee to a blind landing area. A sweeping hook off the tee with a 5-wood left me with a perfect approach shot to the green. Maybe this won't be so bad. It all depends on how you view the game of golf. The Stone House is not as traditional as the other two layouts, and you won't be able to see a flag from the tee box until the 180-yard, par-3 fifth hole. On the positive side, you won't need to hit any shot off the tee more than 225 yards to have a reasonable approach shot to the greens. The driver can stay in the bag for the entire nine - even at the 555-yard, par-5 finishing hole. The key is to keep the ball in play off the tee and the second shot to the left side of the fairway because you'll want a clean look at this green. The approach is uphill to a shallow green guarded by a large pond in front. THE OAKS Aptly named, The Oaks winds in and around clusters of beautiful old oak, pine and eucalyptus trees and delivers a traditional feel. The nine could also be called "Deception" because, even though the layout is relatively straightforward, you have to pay close attention to the terrain. Some mild elevation changes and bends in the fairways add additional flavor and challenge. The first test off the tee is at the 404-yard, par-4 fourth hole. It's a blind tee shot over a grassy slope that should get you prepared for the Stone House nine. Players who drive their ball more than 270 yards will want to favor the right side or consider using less club off the tee. The fairway slopes downhill toward a large tree in the center of the fairway and players are asked to play an approach shot off a downhill lie to a slightly uphill green. It's smarter to play to the 150-yard marker to ensure a clean shot at the green. At the 520-yard, par-5 seventh hole, a long drive can leave players wanting to launch a second shot near the green, but miss the approach shot a little right and some small trees come into play. Miss the shallow green short or to the left and you're left with a challenging pitch over a bunker. LOCATION AND RATES: The Temecula Creek Inn is at 44501 Rainbow Canyon Road, Temecula. Call (951) 676-2405. Green fees are $65 days and $85 on weekends. The Golfing Nomad recommends the JC Resorts Players Card, which offers discounts such as free rounds or reduced rates at affiliated courses. Visit www.jcresorts |
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