Southern California's No. 1 Source for Golf
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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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 Now in its 25th year of operation, Monarch Beach Golf Links has received plenty of accolades from a variety of publications. Last year in particular brought lots of positive publicity to the Dana Point property. For the fifth consecutive year, Monarch Beach was named one of the top 50 courses for women according to Golf for Women magazine. And, the pro shop was named one of the 100 best in the country according to GolfWorld. The exclamation mark came from Greenskeeper.org, whose membership body proclaimed the course as having the best playing conditions in Orange County for 2007. "We're excited to be the recipient of that," said general manager and director of golf Alan Deck. "Year after year, we continue to make improvements to the golf course. It's really just good old-fashioned hard work." Monarch Beach has a variety of great deals for 2008. The Links program, which costs $450 per calendar year, has tremendous benefits: from Monday through Thursday, green fees run $90 instead of $175; rounds on Friday and Saturday run $140 instead of $225; and Sunday costs just $120, a savings of $105. Links members are also able to bring three guests at the same cost, and they also receive discounts on pro shop merchandise and lessons. "We treat [Links members] pretty well. It's a great package for those who choose to do it," added Deck. Monarch Beach also offers stay-and-play packages throughout the year with the St. Regis Resort. The course is an ideal venue for tournaments or other group outings. On Sunday, March 16, the course will host the Athletes First Classic Gala and Golf Event, which brings together NFL superstars such as Carson Palmer and Ray Lewis to help support the Orangewood Children's Foundation. For more information: (949) 240-8247 or monarchbeachgolf.com. Beauty continues to be the norm at Talega From the stunning white marble sand in the bunkers to the natural vegetation decorating the fairways, there aren't many more scenic venues in Orange County than Talega Golf Club. The San Clemente course, which was co-designed by Schmidt-Curley Inc. and La Quinta resident and PGA Tour favorite Fred Couples, has four sets of tees to challenge players of all skills. The challenge offered on the layout is now especially complemented by pristine playing conditions. "The course is in awesome shape right now. It offers a little bit for every player," said general manager David Foster. To take advantage of special offers at Talega, be sure to visit their website. For more information: (949) 369-6226 or talegagolfclub.com. Ladies 2-Ball Championship on tap at Black Gold With a women's tournament this month and a Nike clubfitting system on the way, Yorba Linda's Black Gold Golf Club has its pulse on the finger of the golf industry. The O.C. Ladies 2-Ball Championship - set for March 11 - is a better-ball format that also will have new product demonstrations and apparel showcases from Nike Golf. Teams can enter by calling or visiting Black Gold's website. "We think that will be one of the more popular ladies' days in Orange County," said PGA general manager Eric Lohman. Another Nike-related development at Black Gold is the May debut of the 360 clubfitting system, which is designed to let golfers fine-tune every club in their bags. It has basically every fitting facet covered, from launch monitor software and a laptop to thousands of head-shaft combinations. "It's the most innovative fitting experience at a golf course you can have," Lohman said. For more information: (714) 961-0060 or blackgoldgolf.com. Anaheim courses prepare for City Golf Championship With more than 30 years of competitive history, the Anaheim City Golf Championship is one of the most storied tournaments in Orange County. This year's edition - a two-day event beginning April 26 - will be played on two spruced-up tracks. Anaheim Hills Golf Course now has a quintet of remodeled tee boxes: holes 5, 7, 9, 15 and 17 sport newly leveled surfaces with fresh sod. In particular, the tee platforms on holes 5 and 17 were raised to provide better views. "In the past you weren't able to see the greens, and now you can," said City of Anaheim golf superintendent Michael Lautenbach. "We've gotten some very positive comments there." There also have been enhancements to the range at Anaheim Hills. Parking spaces for golf carts are now next to the practice area, and there also is a new state-of-the-art golf ball dispenser. Patrons can enjoy savings when they purchase range cards of $50 (worth $60 in balls) or $75 (worth $100). Dad Miller Golf Course also has been improved aesthetically and physically through the trimming of hundreds of trees. An array of palms, pines and oaks have been manicured to make terrain easier to traverse and provide better sunlight coverage on the turf. "That is a major improvement," Lautenbach said of the trimming. "It will help us out down the line." Each property will have one other major project as the year progresses. The restrooms in Dad Miller's clubhouse will be completely renovated, while select sand traps at Anaheim Hills will be refurbished. Those tasks figure to follow the City Golf Championship. Eight flights - a championship flight for men and seniors and three handicap flights for each group as well - will compete at both Dad Miller and Anaheim Hills. The entry fee is $180. Those interested in participating in the event should visit the City of Anaheim's golf website (playanaheimgolf.com) for an entry form and registration information. The entry deadline is April 9. For more information: (714) 765-3481 for Dad Miller or (714) 998-3041 for Anaheim Hills, or playanaheimgolf.com. Tijeras Creek sports a battle-tested layout When you want to traverse the same track as some of the best tournament players in Southern California, look no further than Tijeras Creek Golf Club. The Rancho Santa Margarita facility will host some of the Southland's best amateurs with the Southern California Golf Association Mid-Amateur qualifier (March 18) and the Amateur qualifier (May 27). Tijeras Creek also will welcome back talented collegians when the men's and women's Big West Conference Championships begin April 21. According to PGA director of golf Rob Heslar, consistently bringing in tournaments like these "says a lot about our golf course. Players thrive on the fact that the course is a challenge." What makes the layout both challenging and fun for golfers is a pair of contrasting nines. While the front features more open space and straightforward golf, the back has elevation changes and calls for more strategic shots. "It holds its own," Heslar said. Creek Card holders can get discounts as well. From now until March 31, a one-time annual fee of $99 nets patrons significant savings: green fees are $60 instead of $80 Monday-Thursday, $80 instead of $95 on Friday, and $80 instead of $110 on weekends and holidays. What's more, up to three guests can play at the same rate. After March 31, the price of the card increases to $149. For more information: (949) 589-9793 or tijerascreek.com. Westridge has Several options for the avid golfer Four sets of tees make Westridge Golf Club one of the most versatile layouts in Orange County. Three annual membership options make the La Habra facility one of the most affordable. Patrons can choose from the silver, gold and diamond membership packages. While silver ($600 annual fee) and gold ($1,200) net green fee savings between $15 and $40, diamond ($3,300) offers unlimited golf for a year. Each option has discounts on food and pro shop merchandise as well as a free logo cap and shirt. The course at Westridge stretches 6,561 yards from the tips. Two memorable challenges are the par-4 16th, which has an intimidating approach to a water-guarded green, and the par-5 18th, which can be reached in two but only by a successful strike over a lake. "The course is actually pretty player friendly," said director of golf Jon Marquez. "It's an easy course to manage if you play it a few times." For more information: (562) 690-4200 or westridgegolfclub.com. Play at Arroyo Trabuco, eat at O'Neill's Bar and Grill Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club has one of the best places to grab a bite before or after a round. O'Neill's Bar and Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features quality cuisine. Every Sunday, those playing golf get a 50 percent discount on brunch - family members included. O'Neill's also is a destination for special events, one of which is a St. Patrick's Day celebration on March 17. The food and beverage will be capped with an authentic band and cloggers. Two family-oriented events on the horizon at the Mission Viejo facility are an Easter brunch on March 23, complete with an egg hunt; and a pizza, movie and s'mores night on April 17. "We're pushing to have the reputation of our restaurant and our food stand alone," said director of golf operations Peter Dalkas. For more information: (949) 305-5100 or arroyotrabuco.com. New clubhouse unveiled at Alta Vista Country Club Progress has been real at Alta Vista Country Club, where course improvements in 2006 have been supplemented with a new clubhouse. The remodeled building, which opened in December, includes new landscaping, meeting rooms and a members' only lounge. "It was a complete overhaul of the whole existing clubhouse," said general manager Karl Ruel. There also have been subtle enhancements to the Placentia course, including new golf monuments and tee markers and improved curbing on cart paths. "We just started paying a lot of attention to detail. The members appreciate the changes," Reul said. "You come here now compared to early 2005 and it's a whole different look. The members are happier than ever." Alta Vista, a non-equity club with no assessments or food and beverage minimums, has different memberships and financing options available, including a weekday-only membership. Initiation fees start at $11,000 and monthly dues start at $205. For more information: (714) 524-1591 or altavistacc.com. Perfect your game at the Pelican Hill Golf Academy A visit to Pelican Hill's website invites patrons to experience "the possibility of perfection" when they visit the lavish Newport Coast property. Now, in addition to playing a pair of refurbished Tom Fazio tracks, golfers can strive to attain perfection in their games with Pelican Hill Golf Academy clinics. Sessions for men and women focus on every facet, even incorporating yoga to help students attain more strength and flexibility. PGA director of instruction Glenn Deck and his staff also offer individual lessons, a variety of short game clinics, and even a two-day scoring school program that includes a round of golf. "We're more than just two great Fazio courses," said general manager Steve Friedlander. "To be the kind of property we want to be, we have to offer the possibility of people improving their games. That's what golfers want." The Ocean North and Ocean South courses offer some of the most picturesque views in Southern California, and five sets of tees on each layout suit golfers of all skill levels. A staple at Pelican Hill has been the Players Club program. Those who pay a $600 annual enrollment fee enjoy a 20 percent savings on green fees - the normal $235 rate is reduced to $188 any day of the week, and up to three guests can partake in the savings. Range privileges also are included. "It's a great program for a person who wants to play a lot of golf," Friedlander said. For more information: (800) 820-6800 or pelicanhill.com. Private transition on track at Aliso Viejo There's a lot going on at Aliso Viejo Country Club - starting with the fact that Aliso Viejo is becoming a country club. The former 27-hole daily-fee property will take a big step in its private transition when a new clubhouse debuts this May. If club membership is at or above 300 when that building opens, public play will be allowed only from Monday through Thursday. If not, public play will continue until that target is reached. Based on the results of the membership drive thus far, that figure is certainly on the horizon. "The success on the membership front has been far above our expectations," said Aliso Viejo general manager Scott Lester. "I think there was a huge base here that's been very loyal to the club." Fourteen of the holes on the Nicklaus Design layout have remained untouched. Two rebuilt holes - Nos. 7 and 16 - have opened, and the two remaining projects - Nos. 8 and 9 - are scheduled to be ready by mid-spring. There will be a special opening to commemorate the official debut of the 18-hole route. In addition to the clubhouse and the course, there are many other small projects going on to enhance the details of the facility, including tree-trimming and the lengthening of existing holes. For information on memberships: (949) 598-9200 or alisogolf.com. E-Business as usual at San Juan Hills San Juan Hills Golf Club has instituted Internet offers to make visits to the course even more rewarding. A visit to sanjuanhillsgolf.com reveals the eClub, where members are entitled to regular specials and a free round of golf on their birthday. Green fees at the San Juan Capistrano facility top out at $55 on weekdays, $60 on Fridays and $73 on weekends. The par-71, 6,295-yard track has been particularly pristine lately because of the abundant rain this year. "The course is in great shape," said director of golf John Hendricks. "That's why [golfers] keep coming back." One other improvement at San Juan Hills is a new fleet of GPS carts. For more information: (949) 493-1167 or sanjuanhillsgolf.com. Tustin Ranch reaching out to college students As one of the sites of the recent Orange County Junior Golf Championship, Tustin Ranch Golf Club has established itself as a premier junior golf destination. It's aiming to achieve a similar status among college students. Similar to its six-month and annual junior play passes, Tustin Ranch will offer a savings program for full-time area college students. Details are being finalized. "We're focusing on being the junior/student golf center of Orange County for serious golfers," said director of golf operations James Spadoni. "Our programs are definitely affordable." Since summer isn't too far away, there will be a summer pass that offers savings from June 15 through September. As for the course, Tustin Ranch is in superb condition heading into the warmer months. Driving the layout has been enhanced thanks to a new fleet of golf carts. "We're optimistic about the upcoming season," Spadoni said. For more information: (714) 730-1611 or tustinranchgolf.com. It's a beautiful 'jungle' at Newport Beach Country Club The private Newport Beach Country Club is still one of the most publicly admired tracks in Orange County because of its rich history in hosting the Champions Tour's Toshiba Classic. Whether attending the event or watching it on TV this year, you may notice more color in the property's landscaping. "What we've focused on as a team is trying to improve the agronomics of the course," said club president and chief operating officer Perry Dickey. One way the club has addressed agronomics is by hiring a horticulturist. "Jungle" Julie Hunt was hired last year and has made an immediate impact. "She really has been helpful with the various plant materials," Dickey said. "It's really given our club a more aesthetically pleasing look." Dickey and the club have remained grateful for being able to host an event like the Toshiba - particularly for the funds raised for nearby Hoag Hospital. "There's a lot of good stuff that happens at the Toshiba Classic, and Newport Beach Country Club is proud to be associated with that," Dickey said. "It's a wonderful partnership." For more information: (949) 644-9550 or newportbeachcc.com. Public free to navigate Navy Golf Course Last June, the Navy Golf Course in Cypress opened its doors to the public. "We found that a lot of people were coming out here who had played in a variety of charity tournaments that just wanted to come back and play it again," said director of golf Mike Clary. Now everyone has access to the two layouts at the Navy facility - the par-72, 6,819-yard Destroyer course offers a suitable challenge, and the 9-hole Cruiser course is a fun executive option. In March only, twilight rates will begin two hours early each Monday: instead of beginning at 2 p.m. once the time changes back, it will begin at noon. The courses are in excellent shape thanks to recent rains and a different maintenance strategy. "We've implemented some new horticulture techniques for us that have improved the condition of the greens throughout," Clary said. The course also has been giving back to the armed forces by organizing Wounded Warriors clinics. The next one is in April. For more information: (714) 889-1576. New clubhouse, restaurant now open at San Clemente Those who haven't been to San Clemente Golf Club lately will notice a big difference: a new clubhouse. The brand new 12,000-square-foot building, designed with Spanish colonial influences, has many improvements, including an expanded banquet area and the new Irons in the Fire restaurant. "[The clubhouse] does the job," said course manager Gus Nelson. "It's just perfect for golfers' needs." The new restaurant, run by BeachFire Bar & Grill owner Dave Donaldson, features an outdoor patio and a sunken fire pit in addition to a festive Hawaiian feel. An on-site smoker ensures fresh and delicious preparation of meats and vegetables. "It's such a fresh, fun spot," Donaldson said. "For a municipal facility, it's one of the nicer restaurants. It's kind of a coming of age for the golf course." Something else that makes San Clemente an intriguing option is a junior discount. No matter the day or the time, junior golfers get 50 percent off green fees. For more information: (949) 361-8380 or sanclementegc.com. Shorecliffs adds length, changes par to 72 Shorecliffs Golf Course, one of the most popular layouts in south Orange County, is now substantially longer. Four renovated tee boxes have added about 750 yards to the track, which is now a par 72 instead of 70. The 11th and 16th holes, which both used to be par 4s, are now par 5s, and the par-4 third and 17th have also been lengthened. To accommodate the larger course, a new set of tees has been added. The "Pacific Golds" will sit between the white and red tee boxes. "We've brought it back to that original par-72 design, and we've added an easier option," said Phil Vigil, the chief operating officer of Pacific Golf Enterprises. The San Clemente property's aesthetics have been enhanced thanks to a new superintendent, Jason Pantoja. "He's really been able to get his arms around the place. It's really allowed the facility to flourish," Vigil said. Shorecliffs has a plethora of great deals for patrons. A 30-day fun pass features unlimited golf with cart and costs only $219, funds which can be applied to a $2,500 annual pass. There is also the popular Early Bird Back 9 and Breakfast special. From 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., golfers can play nine holes with cart and also get two eggs, two pancakes and two strips of bacon -for just $15 on weekdays and $25 on weekends. For more information: (949) 492-1177 or pacificgolfenterprises.com. |
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