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"Everyone has his own choking level, a level at which he fails to play his normal golf. As you get more experienced, your choking level rises." |
-Johnny Miller |
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 As I got older and cut back on my rounds, Industry Hills got a lot harder to play. Narrow fairways, penal rough and firm, undulating greens meant more frustration and big numbers. A renovation project at the Pacific Palms Resort has made the two layouts - the Ike and the Babe - more playable and aesthetically pleasing. Fairways were widened, rough was shortened, bunkers were minimized and greens were rebuilt. A recent visit provided another memorable experience. A REAL BABE Our group played the more target-oriented Zaharias Course, affectionately known as the Babe, which reopened in August. From the blue tees, it plays 6,552 yards, and the layout, while essentially unchanged, is easier to play than before the renovation. For example, on the 337-yard, par-4 second hole, a player in our group hit his ball to the right. In the old days, the ball would have been lost or unplayable in tall grass. But his shot skirted some trees, rolled down a slope through cleared soil and into the shortened rough for an open shot to the green. Good times. Another example of the softening of the course is the 241-yard, par-3 seventh hole. Before it was all carry to a green protected by a large bunker in front. Now the green is open to all shots, whether you hit a long iron, hybrid or driver. The 413-yard, par-4 eighth hole is still one of the best holes on the course. The fairway snakes up a small hill to a large, multi-tiered green. Getting your shot on the right level is important, but no longer a must, since the greens are cut at a smooth, resort-type pace. STILL FEISTY The course still has some teeth, however. The 522-yard, par-5 11th hole is still imposing. The long grass, rough and bunkers have been removed from the left side of the hole, but the second shot remains the key. You need to get your ball far enough around the corner for a clean look at the green, which is mostly hidden from view. If you come up short of the bend, you're left with a blind shot over a grove of eucalyptus trees. The back nine also is home to back-to-back par-3s. The 176-yard 13th hole plays downhill over a small pond with a helping breeze, and the 179-yard 14th hole plays slightly uphill and back into the breeze. The change in elevation and direction can result in as much as a four-club difference between the two shots. NEW TIMES There's a reason why Industry Hills has been used for professional qualifying events. It's a great test of golf. If you've been abused by Industry Hills in the past, it's definitely worth a second chance. The changes to update the facility and create a more resort-friendly atmosphere are impressive. The owners have gone the extra mile to make the course more playable and attractive. SG Industry Hills Golf Club is at One Industry Hills Parkway in Industry. For more information, call (626) 810-4653 or visit ihgolfclub.com. For video of the signature third hole on the Babe Course, click here. |
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