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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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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