Black Gold Golf Course : Yorba Linda, CA

This month’s golf course review is the beautiful and challenging Black Gold Golf Course in Yorba Linda. This course managed by KemperSports is owned by the city of Yorba Linda and was first opened in November of 2001. Black Gold has attracted and maintained a loyal following of golfers from the Yorba Linda area and beyond. I recently had a chance to play this special course and understand why they have become so popular over the years.

The golf course is located in the hills of Yorba Linda looking out over Orange County. It seemed on some tee boxes that you could see forever on a clear day. This golf course takes advantage of the terrain allowing the course to follow the slopes and hills of the area. Some holes on this course are lined with upscale homes, while other holes are completely surrounded by nature and vegetation. Upon arrival, we checked into the stunning clubhouse. This 20,000 square foot clubhouse sits on top of the hills overlooking Orange County. Some of the features of this clubhouse are banquet facilities for 250+ guests, panoramic views of the golf course and waterfall at the 18th green, locker rooms, corporate meeting rooms, and the excellent food at Park View Grill.

We warmed up prior to the round on their all-grass driving range. This driving range is also lit in the evenings making it a great place to practice your game after a long day at work. The first tee is a great starting hole with a view overlooking Yorba Linda. Longer hitters will have to make sure that they don’t “overrun” the fairway leading to a drop in elevation to the green. Hole 2 plays relatively short, with a mild carry over vegetation. With bunkers scattered throughout the hole, accuracy off the tee is crucial.

Hole 3 is a beautiful par 4 measuring 380 yards with a tee shot that plays to an open fairway. As you move from hole 3 into the next few holes, you will find that more are lined with homes. These homes are well off the course and in no way will affect your round. Hole 8 (pictured above) is a challenging par 3 measuring 220 yards from the black tees. Don’t let the view distract you from the task at hand. Your tee shot must carry a large ravine before landing safely. Make sure you also take into account the wind conditions. You may encounter a slight breeze in your face making club selection that much more important.

After finishing hole 9 back towards the clubhouse area, you will take a short drive over to hole 10 which is a scenic par 3 with a waterfall on your right. From hole 10 on is where you will notice the course layout following the lay of the land. From elevated tee shots to rolling slopes, it makes for a picturesque and challenging grouping of holes. Trust the provided GPS on your golf carts and be aggressive on blind tee shots.

After hole 13, you will be “reeled” back into civilization with more upscale homes lining the fairways. As you make your way through the last few holes, take the time to enjoy the scenery and well manicured golf course. This is truly one of the nicer golf courses in the Orange County area.

“Don’t let the view distract you from the task at hand. Your tee shot must carry a large ravine before landing safely.”

As you approach hole 18, your tee shot will land on top of a slight hill if struck correctly. Your second shot has a beautiful view of the clubhouse and waterfall just off of the 18th green. Longer hitters will want to attack this green in two, but the safe play with the water on your right is to lay up. If you do choose to go for it, and miss it, make sure you miss left and not into the hazard.

Green fees at Black Gold range depending not only on the time of day you play, but also if you are a Yorba Linda resident. Non-residents will pay $55 for twilight during the week, and up to $115 for prime time slots on the weekends and holidays. Yorba Linda residents can play twilight during the week for $40, and $60 during the week for prime time slots.

I thoroughly enjoyed playing Black Gold Golf Course. I was impressed not only by the condition of the course but the challenges it offered. I would highly recommend playing Black Gold if you are looking for that special golf outing. Gather your friends together, enjoy a great round of golf, then relax on the patio with a cigar and sample some of the great food from the Park View Grill. You won’t be disappointed.

BLACK GOLD GOLF SPECIAL:
Play anytime Monday-Thursday, and after 11am Friday-Sunday and holidays, and enjoy a complimentary sleeve of Nike One or Titleist Pro V golf balls, a logoed bag tag, and a Signature Yardage Book ($20 value) with a paid round of golf. Not valid with twilight, junior or senior rates. Valid up to 8 players. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions. A copy of the promotion must be brought in to the point of sale. Expires 12/15/08. Not valid Thanksgiving week. No exceptions.

You can contact Black Gold Golf Club for reservations or additional information at 714-961-0060 or visit them online at www.blackgoldgolf.com

Corey Bogardus received his B.A. degree in Graphic Design and Fine Arts from Azusa Pacific University. He is the Editor-In-Chief of the IPU. He also heads up a company known as Trinitas Creative (www.TrinitasCreative.com), a design firm which produces print and web graphics for companies such as the IPU. His love for sports includes college and professional football, golf, basketball, hockey...and the list goes on. He is an avid golfer, and understands the finer points of the game.
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Sierra Lakes Golf Course : Fontana, CA

I recently had a chance to play golf in Fontana. I know, golf is not the first thing you think of when you hear the word Fontana. Most sports inclined individuals think of the Fontana Speedway, and those not sports inclined think "a city far off in Riverside County, or is it San Bernardino County...somewhere out there". On the contrary. I played at a beautiful golf course known as Sierra Lakes with a few friends of mine.

The drive itself was much shorter than I imagined. It took me about 30 minutes to drive from Anaheim to the course. Sierra Lakes is located off of the 15/215 freeways. The course is surrounded by homes built alongside the fairways with generous spacing between the two. I have played on courses previously where you feel the homes are right on top of you, but this is not the case at Sierra Lakes.

Upon arrival, my playing partners and I checked in with the front desk. The staff was very courteous and friendly. We arrived early enough to warm up on the all-grass driving range and putt on the practice greens. Both were well taken care of, and the practice green was indicative of what the course would offer.

"A 3-wood traveling about 300 yards? It was one of those shots that felt great, but ended up being "TOO good"."

We did have to battle the wind when we teed up for our round. The course played very fair, but the wind added another element that made club selection very critical. Teeing off on the first tee greeted us with a wide open fairway on a short 363 yard par 4. As a matter of fact, many of the holes are laid out in such a way that makes accuracy important but not always mandatory. I would describe it as a challenging but somewhat forgiving course. The second hole was another nice par 4 with a generous landing area for your drive.

As we made our way through the course, we realized how well it was laid out and integrated with the homes in the area. It seemed that the holes were well spread out throughout the course. Moving onto the 4 hole, a 184 yard par 3, we knew club selection would be important with the gusty winds. This was mainly due to the fact that the tee shot was required to carry over the water hazard. The wind knocked down a few of our shots, so make sure you take into account the elements (whenever present) when playing this hole to avoid a wet ball. The 6th hole (pictured above) was another challenging par 3 measuring 195 yards from the back tees. You are required to carry over a body of water on this hole as well, with a gentle cascading waterfall to the left of the green setting the tone. This was a beautiful hole with the water features and the mountains in the background.

Hole 9 was an interesting hole in the fact that it is a short par 4 measuring 316 yards. It has a elevated mound in the middle of the fairway, and a small water hazard to the front-left of the green. Wanting to lay up I hit a 3 wood which proved to be a mistake. While I did get all of it, the ball also used some of the down slope gaining additional yardage and ended up in the water. A 3-wood traveling about 300 yards? It was one of those shots that felt great, but ended up being "TOO good". If you are a long hitter and the wind is at your back, think about maybe hitting a long iron or hybrid on this hole to lay up for your second shot. Hole 10 was a fun dogleg right with a hidden green. The hole is actually called "Invisible Green". I decided to cut the dogleg over the cart path and bushes, and the ball ended up very favorably. If you have the guts and distance to go for it, you can cut down the yardage on this hole by about 50 yards or so.

The rest of the back nine was just as enjoyable as the front nine. The course was expertly maintained and the greens were firm and fast. I was very impressed with the overall condition of the course. I did not know what to expect before playing there. The photos on the Sierra Lakes website showed the course being well manicured, but photos can sometimes be deceiving...not in this case. The mountains in the background made for unique scenery against the lush fairways and greens.

Prices at Sierra Lakes are very reasonable. If you take the time to drive a short distance, you can play a course that would cost $25-$40 more a round in Southern California. Monday-Thursday green fees are $46, $39 for seniors, $34 for twilight, and $29 for super twilight. Prices are a bit higher on Fridays, and weekend prices are $74, $46 for twilight, and $34 for super twilight.

This course first opened in 2000 and has been well received by the surrounding community. With a country club feel and a 20,000 square foot banquet facility, Sierra Lakes will be serving Fontana and surrounding areas for years to come. Take the time to travel out of your Southern California comfort zone and give Sierra Lakes a try. You’ll be glad you did.

FREE GOLF SPECIAL:
Visit www.SierraLakes.com and register for a chance to win FREE golf.

Corey Bogardus received his B.A. degree in Graphic Design and Fine Arts from Azusa Pacific University. He is the Editor-In-Chief of the IPU. He also heads up a company known as Trinitas Creative (www.TrinitasCreative.com), a design firm which produces print and web graphics for companies such as the IPU. His love for sports includes college and professional football, golf, basketball, hockey...and the list goes on. He is an avid golfer, and understands the finer points of the game.

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Green River Golf Course : Corona, CA

I enjoy playing courses with varying degrees of difficulty and cost, from the basic nine-hole inexpensive courses to the nicer courses boasting 36+ holes. Those who know me well know that I am ALWAYS one for a great deal, so the combination of a nice course at a great price is a true find. Many times however, we sacrifice quality in order to take advantage of good offers. One of the good deals in Southern California that I have found is at Green River Golf Course in Corona.

I’m sure all of you reading this have driven by or played Green River before. Located just off of the 91 freeway on your way from Orange to Riverside County, it’s hard to miss this 36-hole golf course. Green River is made up of two 18-hole courses appropriately named the Orange Course and the Riverside Course. The clubhouse is positioned in the middle of the two courses. The Orange Course is located on the Orange County side, and the Riverside Course is on the Riverside County side. The courses play pretty similarly with only slight variations.

The Orange Course tees off down the hill next to the riverbed adjacent to the 91 freeway. The first three holes are all located along the riverbed. They had some major damage done to the course a few years ago when part of the river ate away at the hillside swallowing up part of the fairway of holes one, two, and three. After some repair work and reinforcement, the holes are again playable although slightly altered.

The rest of the front nine holes wander through the many large trees on the golf course. A few times throughout the round you will play from elevated greens/tees as you make your way towards the clubhouse and parking lot. Water is occasionally present with slight doglegs factoring into a few holes. Wind is also a frequent factor on this course, especially in the evening due to the surrounding hillsides. Many of the holes are pretty straight forward with forgiving fairways. You’ll have to go out of your way to find the out-of-bounds on this course. The par 5s play decent lengths of 510, 489, 510, 480, and 500 yards. The par 3s vary in length from the 145 yard hole #2 to the lengthy 203 yard hole #12.

The Riverside course is probably my favorite of the two courses. The first hole is an immediate test of nerves as you tee off overlooking the valley below. As with the Orange Course, there is some room for errant tee shots, although not as much on the Riverside Course due to vegetation and heavy brush on numerous holes. After holes one and two, you proceed under train tracks to play the rest of the front nine. The back area of this course is nice and tranquil as you are further away from the freeway, clubhouse, and rest of the course. I’ve played this course in the late afternoon many times, and it seems to never be backed up and always enjoyable.

"Pricing for Green River is very affordable and one of the reasons that I enjoy playing there often. I usually take advantage of the twilight or super twilight golf..."

After hole eleven, you cross back under the tracks to tackle the rest of the back nine. There are a few interesting holes like the par 3 15th measuring 166 yards. The tee is located near the freeway with a pretty extreme elevation drop for a par 3. You’ll take at least one club less on this hole, and it brings an exciting dimension to what normally would be a typical par 3 hole.

From what I have noticed, the wind doesn’t seem to be as much of a factor on the Riverside Course. That could be due to the fact that the clubhouse area on the hill absorbs most of the wind through the canyon, and the many trees help to diffuse any of the residual wind left over. There still will be times when the breeze is a factor, but a lot of that depends on the weather in general on the day you are playing.

Pricing for Green River is very affordable and one of the reasons that I enjoy playing there often. I usually take advantage of the twilight or super twilight golf which starts after 12 in the winter. Weekday prices are $17 to walk and $29 with a cart. For super twilight, weekday winter hours start at 2:00, and the cost is $10 to walk and $19 to with a cart. If you can get on the course a few minutes early and if the course is not crowded or back up, you can finish a round of 18 holes when playing super twilight.

The condition of both courses usually depends on the season and weather. Recently I played the Orange Course, and the fairways were a bit spotty in some areas. However, the greens were very playable and seemed to be well cared for. Whether the course is spotty or impeccable when you play your round, you can’t argue about the overall value of Green River. Arrive early to hit some balls on their small, natural grass driving range. After your putting is dialed in on their large practice greens, take advantage of a late afternoon round during the week and you’ll be surprised how open and relaxing your round will be.

Corey Bogardus received his B.A. degree in Graphic Design and Fine Arts from Azusa Pacific University. He is the Editor-In-Chief of the IPU. He also heads up a company known as Trinitas Creative (www.TrinitasCreative.com), a design firm which produces print and web graphics for companies such as the IPU. His love for sports includes college and professional football, golf, basketball, hockey...and the list goes on. He is an avid golfer, and understands the finer points of the game.
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Hunter Ranch Golf Course : Paso Robles, CA

Last month I promised an article on an amazing golf course and area to visit, and here it is. The golf course is Hunter Ranch and the city is Paso Robles in California. I love this area and enjoy visiting it a few times a year. I’ve been wanting to write about this area for some time now, but also wanted to wait until I had the opportunity to play Hunter Ranch located just outside downtown Paso Robles. This is one of the more picturesque golf courses I have played, and I believe the only 4 1/2 star course in the area. Finding only two images to use for this article was tough because I could have filled the entire page with amazing photos of Hunter Ranch.

For those not familiar with the area, Paso Robles is located about forty-five minutes north of San Luis Obispo. This area has gained popularity not only because of its beauty and weather, but because it is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wine lovers. It is very apparent that Paso Robles is the "Next Napa Valley" due to its stunning views of wine vineyards, wineries, and aging oak trees. Hunter Ranch has captured all of the beauty of the area by designing a course that boasts unforgettable views on almost every hole.

My playing partner and I had a tee time for 8:00 am, but Mother Nature greeted us with a December frost the night before. Upon arriving, we were told by the courteous staff that the course needed a short time to thaw. We had breakfast at the on-site restaurant as we waited, and the food and service was exceptional. Afterwards we warmed up on the driving range before our round. The driving range is all grass (no mats) and the chipping and putter area was perfectly manicured. As a matter of fact, the entire course was perfectly manicured. As we were warming up and putting before our round, I made a remark on how true the greens were and that there was no way the course greens could be that nice. On the contrary...the greens were fast, true, and in perfect condition. Although difficult at times, they were very fair.

We started our round on hole #10 because it has the first sun exposure to thaw the frost. The tee shot was elevated over the valley below and made for an exciting beginning to the round. After hole #10, we played the challenging #11, #12, and #13 holes. Later, when our round was over we were told those holes are known as their version of "Amen Corner," and with good reason. The holes were tough and challenging, especially for someone who has not played this course before. All three holes were par 4s, but what made them difficult was not being able to visualize the green from the tee.

As we made our way through the back nine, I was consistently in awe of the scenery of this course. It seems when we weren’t surrounded by majestic oak trees, we were looking at fields of vineyards back dropped by rolling hills. After making the turn at hole #18, we continued to hole #1. This tee shot is next to the clubhouse and has an elevated tee box looking out over the hole similar to hole #10. From there, hole #2 had a blind tee shot over a ridge with an elevated green. This green, like many others, has a slight to moderate undulating green, so reading the putts correctly is crucial considering how quick the greens are.

Hole #3 (pictured above) is a 197 yard par 3 with an elevated tee box. The view from this hole is just as amazing as the others, with the vineyard and hillsides in the background. As we wound through the rest of the front nine, we noticed the abundance of oak trees lining each of the holes similar the back nine. This course is not overly narrow like some of the upscale courses I have played in the past, but you definitely need to be on your game. Errant shots are sometimes playable depending on the hole, but accuracy will be rewarded due to regular blind tee shots and doglegs throughout the course.

As we finished our round, we were pleasantly surprised at the pace of play. Our round was relaxing and enjoyable. As we made our way to the clubhouse, we both remarked on how it has been a while since we have played such a nice course. The slight elevation changes on some holes kept the course interesting, and the scenery as I stated before was amazing. The greens were probably the nicest I have ever played, and the entire experience was unforgettable. Since there are quite a few blind tee shots and doglegs on the course, having some familiarity with the layout would help that much more in the enjoyment of the round. But that is why I want to visit this course again and again. I want to tackle the holes that challenged me because I know how to attack them now. I highly recommend playing at Hunter Ranch when you visit Paso Robles. You will enjoy an amazing round of golf in this wonderful city and community.

Speaking of city and community, you would be hard pressed to find a nicer place to live or visit on your next vacation. This city seems to grow by leaps and bounds each and every year. What once was a small pass-through town with a storied downtown has now developed into a vacation paradise for many. The small city feel is what still gives Paso Robles its charm. The downtown still has a central square including a park for the family and a weekly farmer’s market. It also holds the "Twilight Concerts in the Park" during the summer months. Downtown has a good blend of old and new. Many old buildings (some date back to the 1800’s) host quaint antique shops and restaurants. You will find restaurants that have been around for many years, and those that have just opened thier doors. Many offer modern and diverse menus, including a new high-end steak house opening its doors this spring and an upscale lounge occupying almost 7,000 square feet in the basement of the Clock Tower Building right next door to the impressive boutique winery Edward Sellers (http://www.edwardsellers.com/).

Paso Robles currently has over 200 bonded wineries with tasting rooms spread throughout the area and countryside.Many people visiting make a day of driving in the hills and vineyards stopping at various world-renowned tasting rooms. The two main wine events in Paso Robles are the Zinfandel Festival which takes place in March and the Wine Festival which takes place in May. Hunter Ranch will also be hosting their annual golf tournament during the festival weekend.

Some of the other activities in the area include a water park for kids and families, a local hot springs tapped by relaxing spas in the area, golf (as mentioned), hunting, bird watching, fishing, shopping, and more. Paso Robles also hosts festivals during different times of the year. A small Basil Festival takes place every July. Each August an Olive Festival celebrates regional olive growers and products. The Vine Street Victorian Showcase takes place every December on the second Saturday of the month. The beautiful Victorian homes on Vine Street (in downtown) are the lighted backdrop for an evening of old fashioned fun. Local businesses, carolers, storytellers, musicians, and more come out to celebrate the holidays. My family and I attended the event this year and had an amazing time...truly fun for the entire family. Paso Robles also has an event center that hosts equestrian events and the California Mid-State Fair. In November the city also has an event known as the Paso Gathering; a show and sale celebrating the art and soul of the cowboy way of life.

There are multiple hotels in the area with more on the way. Hunter Ranch Golf Course will be developing a 100+ room hotel on location in the near future to provide lodging to both golfers and visitors of Paso Robles. Two very nice places to stay in Paso Robles are Emily’s House (http://www.emilyshouse.net/) and Rioja Ranch (http://www.riojaranch.com/). Emily’s House is an 1890’s ranch home set right in downtown, with modern amenities and accommodations for up to 10 guests. This four bedroom home is extremely popular with both couples and large families/groups. You can visit them online for additional information. Their website is www.emilyshouse.net. Rioja Ranch is a more intimate home located just outside of downtown. This Spanish-style home is geared towards pampering a couple looking for a romantic getaway. Located amongst the rolling Paso Robles hills, this is a true retreat for you and a loved one. You can visit Rioja Ranch online at www.riojaranch.com for more information.

So as you can see, there is so much to do in Paso Robles. There is truly something for everyone. Whether you enjoy shopping, fine dining, or you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will enjoy your stay here. Like me, you will find yourself returning again and again.

You can learn more about Hunter Ranch Golf Course by visiting their website, http://www.hunterranchgolf.com/.
Hunter Ranch photography was provided by Aidan Bradley.

Corey Bogardus received his B.A. degree in Graphic Design and Fine Arts from Azusa Pacific University. He is the Editor-In-Chief of the Investment Property Update Newspaper. He also heads up a company known as The Design Well, an advertising agency which produces print and web graphics for companies such as the IPU. You can visit them online at www.TheDesignWell.com

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Golfing In Temecula

I know that most of you, including myself, tend to play golf courses that are local. The familiarity of the courses breeds confidence, not to mention convenience. I compare it to going out to eat. When it’s time for a night on the town for dinner with your spouse or loved one, how many of us tend to go to the same handful of restaurants every time? Not only do we do this for convenience, but it also becomes predictable and we usually have security in familiarity. However, how many times have you strayed away from the norm? You may enjoy a great meal in a pleasant environment or the complete opposite. Sometimes it’s a stab in the dark, but there are times when you find a hidden gem that seems to make it all worth while.

"...I always encourage people to play courses they normally
would not play."

That’s why I always encourage people to play courses they normally would not play. Don’t play a course just for the sake of trying something new. Make sure you take a little time to either do some research or get a few good referrals before heading out to a new course. Hopefully my reviews at times help with the research aspect. When I have the chance to go out and play new courses, I love to tell others about my experiences. Seldom do I have a horrible experience at a golf course. The two reasons being is I enjoy playing golf so much that it’s just nice to get out and play. The second reason is that I usually take the time to research courses either online or take trusted advise from others before playing them.

I’ve had a chance to play a few courses in Temecula and it’s a great break from the same courses we play here in Orange and LA County. Most of the courses in Temecula are well manicured and laid out. I have also noticed that many of the courses have done a great job designing their courses around their established environments and lay of the land. This helps to produce a more scenic course with a natural flow.

The climate in Temecula is similar to Orange and LA County, averaging about 5-10 degrees warmer during the summer. Even on hot days it seems though that the temperatures are always bearable. The other three seasons are very comparable to Orange and LA County with the winter months dipping even more during the evenings. The drive is about 50-60 minutes from Orange County to Temecula. There are some great inns in Temecula if you are looking to stay for the weekend. Temecula also is a great wine producing area. Many have called it the Napa of the south. For those of you who have spouses who do not play golf but enjoy weekends out, you can head down to Temecula with a few other couples. While you are playing golf with your friends, those who don’t play can go wine tasting. Finish the evening off with a great dinner overlooking the Tememcula valley and you’ve got yourself a memorable day that all of you can enjoy.

I have played a few courses in Temecula, and both were very enjoyable. I hope to play the courses again soon so I can offer a detailed course review since it has been over a year when I last played them. The first course I have played is Temeku Hills. The green fees here are very reasonable, and the course is well laid out among homes. The course isn’t "overly" hilly but it does have some noticeable elevation changes. Some greens are also multi-tier, so make sure your putting is dialed in. Prices at Temeku Hills range from $29-$69 and include a cart. The second course I have played is Redhawk. This is another beautiful golf course. It is well manicured and challenging. While both courses are set among homes, Redhawk seems to be a little more open. Rates at Redhawk range from $33-$85 and also include a cart. I thoroughly enjoyed myself at each course, and would play both again. I’ve listed a few course names and numbers below, so take the time to travel down to Temecula and play a different course for the first time.

Redhawk Golf Course
800-451-HAWK

Temeku Hills Golf Course
951-693-1440

Temecula Creek Inn
951-694-1000

Cross Creek Golf Course
951-506-3402

Corey Bogardus received his B.A. degree in Graphic Design and Fine Arts from Azusa Pacific University. He is the Editor-In-Chief of the Investment Property Update Newspaper. He also heads up a company known as The Design Well, an advertising agency which produces print and web graphics for companies such as the IPU. You can visit them online at www.thedesignwell.com.
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Aliso Creek Golf Course : Laguna Beach, CA

This month’s golf course review is Aliso Creek Golf Course in Laguna Beach. The 9 hole course is located off of Pacific Coast Highway. You couldn’t ask for a nicer drive to the course along P.C.H. with the coast and cliffs of Laguna Beach. However, as you turn off of P.C.H. towards Aliso Creek, you are transfixed from one element to another. The short drive into the canyon boasts large cliffs, hillsides and heavy vegetation. It’s like taking a 2 hour drive from the coast to Big Bear in less than 1 minute.

When you arrive at Aliso Creek Golf Course, do not plan on warming up on a driving range. They have a warm up area, but it consists of a few stations hitting into netting. If you need to warm up before a round, this is your only option. They have a nice putting area near the 9th hole to warm up your short game.

"My dad and I have played this course during the summer at
a comfortable 75 degrees, when it was 10-15 degrees hotter
inland."

This par 32 course plays a bit more difficult than the numbers dictate. Beautiful trees and heavy vegetation require you to be fairly accurate on almost every tee shot. If you spray your tee shot, more than likely you will be taking a drop after searching forever to find your ball among the bushes and shrubs. Luckily for beginner and intermediate golfers, the yardage is rather short on the par 4’s and somewhat lenient in fairway width. Most of the par 3’s are long however, measuring 201, 195, 120, and 207 yards.

The first hole is a great opening hole. It measures 300 yards and is perched above the canyon. The slightly downhill shot is laid out well. Many long hitters will want to take out their driver and attempt to drive the hole. However, a creek bed is placed 50 yards before the green forcing the longer hitter to lay up with a 5 iron. Hole 2 is a par 3 measuring 201 yards from the back tees. This tee shot again is downhill from the back tees, with heavy vegetation on both sides. Hole 3 is a par 4 measuring 308 yards. The fairway opens up on this hole, but then shuts back down as you get closer to the hole. You are very well aware of the creek bed on the left during your tee shot, so staying to the right is essential. But trees and a small hillside knoll guard the green, so make sure you leave a comfortable length for your approach shot to the green. Hole 4 is a long par 3 measuring 195 yards, and the par 4 fifth hole is a little more forgiving, with trees guarding both sides of the fairway. Your tee shot from the fifth carries over the creek bed to an eventual elevated green.

Hole 6 is a short downhill par 3 measuring 120 yards. Over or under-hitting here is very costly, with not much room for error. Hole 7 is a scenic hole hitting towards to coast. This hole can play longer than it’s 298 yards with afternoon ocean breezes blowing towards you. Hole 7 is a fun par 3 that measures a strong 207 yards from the back tees. The green is guarded by the creek bed in front which prevents shorter hitters from rolling the ball up to the green. The finishing hole is a 274 yard par 4 leading to an elevated green. The fairway is inviting enough to hit a long drive on this hole, and long hitters will do their best to get as much carry as possible considering the elevated green reduces roll.

The pace of play can vary depending on when you play. As with all courses, the crowd and ability levels of the golfers dictate much of the pace. Obviously if you get stuck behind beginner golfers, it could be a long round due to the simple fact that some hate to part with their $1.00 golf ball that they hit out-of-bounds, and will scour the vegetation until they either find it or are harassed to move on. Each time I have played Aliso Creek the pace of play has been more than adequate.

Aliso Creek Golf Course also offers an on-site restaurant and inn. The restaurant is called The Canyon Lodge American Grill. A bit higher priced than a casual lunch ($10-$15), but the menu is very diverse. After your round of golf I recommend having a drink from the bar and nice cigar out on the patio overlooking the first hole. It’s a great place to unwind afterwards and talk about your round among the beautiful scenery.

I have not had a chance to stay at the Aliso Creek Inn. The prices range from $134.00-$412.00 a night. There are studio units available, as well as 1 and 2 bedroom lodging. Fairway executive suites are on the upper end of the price range. They usually offers package deals, so take the time to visit their website to find more information at http://www.alisocreekinn.com/.

Each time I have played Aliso Creek Golf Course I have enjoyed myself. The course is usually in good shape, and sometimes it’s nice to play 9 holes instead of 18, especially during the weekend on crowded courses. One thing that also makes this course special is the weather. My dad and I have played this course during the summer at a comfortable 75 degrees when it was 10-15 degrees hotter inland. The canyons seem to trap in some of the cooler air from the coast. Aliso Creek is a nice summer alternative if your local course is nearing triple digit temperatures. Take the time to play this little course on the coast, and soak up the views during and after your round.

Aliso Creek Golf Course is located at 31106 Pacific Coast Highway in the city of Laguna Beach. To get more information or reserve a tee time, you can call them at 949-499-1919 or visit them on-line at www.alisocreekinn.com.

*Rates and info should be verified before making reservations. Call for any additional and updated information.

Corey Bogardus received his B.A. degree in Graphic Design and Fine Arts from Azusa Pacific University. He is the Editor-In-Chief of the Investment Property Update Newspaper. He also heads up a company known as The Design Well, an advertising agency which produces print and web graphics for companies such as the IPU. You can visit them online at www.TheDesignWell.com.


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