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 But the private club in Placentia has quietly made changes and alterations recently that have made the course an entertaining golf experience. The original course — designed by Harry Rainville — opened in 1961, but with Orange County experiencing its first housing boom about 15 years later, a portion of the course became residential lots. So the club turned to the Kraemer family, who allowed them to build a new back nine on their orchard, and the front nine became a collection of holes from the original layout. That routing stayed intact until 1997 when development encroached on the course again. This time, the club was able to reroute and upgrade the 10th hole by better utilizing the lakes that now guard the left side of the fairway and the front of the gently sloping green. Other improvements, all overseen by Rainville’s son, David, were made to the 11th through 14th holes by adding length, character and more water hazards. The final upgrade was completed in the fall as bunkers were restored on the third hole while an old pond was removed and the green reshaped at the fourth hole. Both are holdovers from the original routing. The most dramatic change came in the rerouting of the par-5, seventh hole, which now plays as a more pronounced dog-leg-right. Bunkers and several large trees protect the landing area and frame the hole beautifully from the tee. More than 130 trees were added, with the end result being a much more challenging and visually attractive hole. After spending nearly $2 million on renovations, the course is possibly in its best condition ever. Playing at a mere 6,559 from the back tees, the course does a wonderful job of protecting itself. The greens are well-conditioned and the subtle breaks can leave good putters scratching their heads. Alta Vista Country Club provides what they refer to as an “affordable private club experience” with a casual atmosphere. The non-equity club offers a variety of memberships, including junior and weekday-only options. n For more information, call Donna Wilson at (714) 528-1185 or visit www.altavistacc.com. |
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