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.