Audio & Videos

Untitled Page

Luxury awaits at Trump National Golf Club

Trump National Golf Club, on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southern Los Angeles County, is one of the most luxurious playing destinations in Southern California.

By Southland Golf MagazinePublished: January, 2008

The location.
The scenery.
The amenities.
And of course, the golf.
Trump National Golf Club, on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southern Los Angeles County, is one of the most luxurious playing destinations in Southern California.

Formerly Ocean Trails Golf Club, the property was purchased by Donald Trump and reopened in early 2006 following renovations by the real estate developer.

Patrons are immediately greeted with a sense of distinction upon arrival, as a stunning entryway leads to an equally mesmerizing pro shop.

Once you tee off and reach the first fairway, there is more proof this isn’t the typical 18-hole facility. Even at the turn, golfers are greeted by a unique and expansive grill with made-to-order fare.

Narrow fairways, diverse bunkering, and ocean breezes can present obstacles on the course. However, unless you’re playing from the robust championship tees, the track is not exceptionally long, and the greens, which are some of the purest in the region, roll at fair speeds.

One way Trump National challenges golfers is deceptive views from certain tees. On the sixth hole, the fairway looks generous from afar but is actually pretty narrow. Like many of the par-4s, it is not necessary to hit driver — the key is to keep the ball in play.

Two more par 4s have difficult blind tee shots. The ninth stretches over 500 yards from the tips and contains a beautiful yet frightening fairway bunker as the target line. And while it’s tough to see the fairway from the 13th tee, trusting your swing and hitting down the right side offers the best chance at birdie.

Two of the most exciting holes on the course are the 10th and 16th, both short par 4s. While it’s tempting to fantasize about driving both greens, do the smart thing — lay up so you can admire the incredible views without kicking yourself after a big number.

What stands out about Trump National is the pure spectacle of the place. The white crushed marble sand traps are exquisite to look at it and, believe it or not, a pleasure to hit out of because of their consistency. The par-3 17th, known as the “waterfall hole,” will remain in your mind regardless of your score. Like all of the par 5s, the 12th is reachable, but a stunningly treacherous green guarded by severe traps forces players to earn a good score.

Technically, the most memorable part of the round is reserved for those who play the championship tees — the heroic climb up the staircase to the elevated tee box on the 18th hole, an intimidating par-4 that stretches all the way back to 512 yards. Even if you’re not going to hit a shot from there, do yourself a favor and take time to check it out — just don’t lose focus on the task at hand.

Trump National is located at One Ocean Trails Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. For more, call (310) 265-5000 or visit trumpnationallosangeles.com.

It's here!

STROKE OF THE DAY

COURSE

SEARCH

ADVANCED

SEARCH

GOLF

CALENDAR

Audio & Videos

Luxury awaits at Trump National Golf Club

Trump National Golf Club, on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southern Los Angeles County, is one of the most luxurious playing destinations in Southern California.