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GOLF RESOURCE GUIDE:
The Golfing Nomad
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 Yucaipa Valley’s greens are slick and demand focus on pace for 18 holes (Photo: Eddie Meeks). There are some things unique to Southern California, and Santa Ana winds fit neatly into that category. I always chuckle when an Inland Empire golf course makes claims to be sheltered from the prevailing winds. It’s right up there with “dry heat” in Palm Springs in August. With trees along Interstate 10 whipping and swaying in the breeze during our recent trek east to play some golf, we were pleasantly surprised to find nothing more than a soft breeze in Yucaipa. On a gorgeous winter day that symbolizes why people in cold climates hate Californians, Yucaipa Valley Golf Club was buzzing with activity. A series of portable structures make up the clubhouse and snack bar, and prices in the golf shop are affordable. Plus, the site passes the litmus test for any respectable golf course — the hot dogs are quality. A large range is complemented by a cool little pitching area and a green that simulates undulations on the course. GETTING STARTED My partners Mike (8 handicap), Mick (14) and George (16), agreed on playing from the blue tees that stretch to 6,446 yards. Length wasn’t an issue, as the firm fairways allowed us to enjoy a long drive or two. Despite an abundance of homes lining the course, the landing areas are generous. Some local knowledge is important, as a few of the holes force you to shape your ball in a particular direction. For those who can’t curve their ball on command, these holes demand that you hit a shorter club to avoid trouble. PLAY IT SMART On the 396-yard, par-4 fourth hole, the fairway bends hard to the right. A straight drive will fly through the fairway into a hillside lined with trees. Both Mick and Mike suffered the consequences of the dreaded straight ball. I tried to play smart with a 5-wood off the tee, but leaked it right into one of the many fairway bunkers. Strategy also was called for at No. 5, where a lake comes into play approximately 250 yards off the tee and the fairway narrows to nothing more than a few paces across. Playing short of the water or way right into the adjoining fairway with a driver are the best plays. The need to play smart continues to the 384-yard, par-4 finishing hole, which swings at a 90-degree angle to the right. Mike and I hit solid tee shots that ran through the fairway and were stymied in a grove of trees. You can cut a little bit off the dogleg, but a big fairway bunker raises the risk-reward value. Much of Yucaipa Valley Golf Club’s teeth is in the sloping greens. We all faced numerous 3- to 5-foot putts with very few tap-ins. That was either a testament to the greens’ sneaky fast speed or our putting ineptitude. The layout is fun and sporty, and we all felt it could yield a good score, even though we didn’t take advantage. I was the only player in our group who had played it before and, despite our universally shabby play, everyone enjoyed the course enough to want a return trip. RATES AND INFORMATION The course is located north of the 10 off the Yucaipa Boulevard exit. Green fees range from $43 on weekdays to $56 on weekends. The club also offers frequent Internet specials. For more information: (909) 790-6522 or visit yvgc.com. |
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RSS SubscribeReaders Feedback:
I played Yucaipa.. shot 71.. blue tees.. If u score good on holes 3,4,5.. You should shoot a good score..nice and tricky greens..
| Comment at 2/27/2009 |
