Hidden Valley Golf Course : Norco, CA

I do my best to not only write up local courses, but also find unique and challenging courses just out of the area that many are unfamiliar with. As I say on my blog, the reason for these write-ups is to "Know Before You Go". This month I had the pleasure of playing Hidden Valley Golf Course in Norco, and when I say pleasure, I truly mean that. This golf course represents itself as a class act both on and off the course.

The drive out to Hidden Valley is relatively quick on the 91 freeway because you are driving against traffic in the am towards Norco and against traffic in the pm when returning to Orange County. Our drive from Anaheim took less than 30 minutes. As you approach the course, the views of the lush, green fairways and greens against the rugged hillside is beautiful. This golf course was truly cut out of the hills and laid out in the same manner. As you make your way along the course and to the clubhouse, you realize that you are going to be playing a challenging course and experience a memorable golf outing.

After checking in and warming up on the driving range/greens, we were off to the first tee. With this being our first time playing the course, we obviously didn’t know what to expect. The first hole is a par 5, and the opening tee shot can be a little intimidating from the back tees. The tee shot (as with many) on the course, requires a bit of carry to the fairway. As we moved our way through the first few holes, we all noticed the amazing conditions of the course. The fairways were lush and greens were expertly maintained. The greens were quick the day we played. I would imagine the green speed is very similar on a daily basis so make sure your take that into consideration for your round. When we warmed up on the practice putting green, we noticed that the green speed mimicked that of the course. So spend 10-15 minutes on the putting green which will help you dial in the speed of the greens.

Another thing we also noticed is that your approach shot is very important on this course. Hitting a nice shot and getting on the green isn’t always good enough. Many of the undulating greens can be tough to read, and if your approach shot is above the hole or in the rough with a green running away from you, your ball could easily run 20 feet by the hole. I was made aware of this early in the round as I was putting off the green on the first hole for an eagle. After a softly struck putt, the ball slowly rolled by the hole leaving me with a 15 foot putt back up the green. The greens are very fair, but you have to be accurate and delicate close to the hole.

Hidden Valley is named correctly in that the course is definitely a valley hidden among large hillsides. With the course being carved from the natural lay of the land, your round will be filled with carrying ravines, blind tee shots, and varying wind conditions. You will need to focus on the accuracy of your tee shots with little room for error due to the heavy vegetation on many holes. The term we came up with the course is bring your "A" game or a lot of old balls. If you are not striking the ball well, you will have to work hard on your round. I did not lose a ball until hole 16 so needless to say I enjoyed my round. We enjoyed the end or our round at the renowned Italian restaurant Villa Amalfi with seating both inside and on the patio.

Prices at Hidden Valley are at an all-time low, with prices dropping below the fees they were charging in 1997 when they first opened. Prices range from $40-50 during the week, and $50-75 on the weekends. They also offer optional annual memberships at discounted rates. Hidden Valley is offering a special deal as the summer approaches. With every purchase of a large bucket you will receive 50 minutes of golf instruction. If I lived closer to the course I would take advantage of this offer on a regular basis. For more information on this offer and when it expires or Hidden Valley in general, you can visit them online at www.HiddenValleyGolf.com or call them at 951-737-1010.

One of the greatest aspects of this course has little to do with the course itself and more to do with the development of children and junior golfers. I had a chance to meet with the Jay Miller, the president of the course and an organization called Get A Grip Foundation. This is a non-profit organization that he developed years ago to help children in a variety of ways. Their mission statement is:

"To create an accessible golf-course and practice facility with an emphasis on a no-cost program for children that gives them exposure to the fundamentals of the game of golf through free practice balls, play, equipment, lessons, tournaments, etc.

To provide a motivating educational environment where children of all social levels develop self-esteem, personal and civic responsibility, dedication, sound values, and advanced education for lifelong confidence."

The Get A Grip Foundation is a tutoring and mentoring program for children held everyday after school until 7:00 in the evening. Their name focuses on helping kids get a grip on life, on golf, on education, and on the Lord. This Christian based organization provides professional teachers and tutors to help students with their schoolwork while being taught invaluable life lessons. As a reward for their hard work, the children have the privilege of being taught golf lessons by the golf professionals. They also have the chance to play golf on the course for $1 while the parents of the children can play with them for $15. The facility has its own building right next to the driving range and clubhouse which includes desks, learning rooms, and small offices.

Currently there are 284 kids involved in the program from elementary to high school, with a waiting list of over 250 kids. Many of these kids not only see dramatic improvements in their schoolwork but in their golf game as well. Get A Grip has continuously received high praise every year as one of the top golf instruction and mentoring organizations in the nation, receiving top honors on numerous occasions. For more information, you can visit them online at www.GetAGripFoundation.org or call them at 951-737-9020.

Hidden Valley Golf Course is not only a tremendous course, but it is does everything it can to give back to the community. Do yourself a favor and take the time to enjoy the golf and positive environment at Hidden Valley.

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, a design firm which produces print and web graphics for companies such as the IPU. He has established himself and his company as a leader in design trends and effective marketing. You can visit Trinitas Creative’s website at www.TrinitasCreative.com. 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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Birch Hills Golf Course : Brea, CA

This month’s golf course review is Birch Hills in Brea. Birch Hills is one of the most affordable golf courses in Orange County. With prices starting at $10 and maxing out at $33.50, it is very popular with individuals looking to play a round of golf and not break the budget. Birch Hills is a short 18 hole course with a par of 59 and a maximum yardage of 3,466 yards. However, this course is usually in pretty good condition, especially the greens. When playing inexpensive courses such as this one, it seems that greenskeepers tend to not pay as much attention to course conditions. This is not the case with Birch Hills. Most of the greens all well manicured because the staff knows that the abundance of par 3s can do damage to the greens.

Most of the golf course is par 3s with a few par 4s thrown in. It is a beginners type course, but can be enjoyed by players of all ability levels. I play there often with my father and few friends. It allows lower level players a chance to go out and not be intimidated, while upper-level players can work on their technique. The course is also short enough allowing players of all ages and ability levels the chance to walk and save a few dollars instead of renting a cart. When I play, I usually play during the week and schedule a tee time in the afternoon (usually around 1:00) allowing me the chance to finish my round in plenty of time.

The first 3 holes of the course are short par 3s. It seems that a short par 3 tends to calm the nerves of the "first tee jitters" as compared to an opening par 4 or 5 with a driver. After the first 3 holes, you will be faced with your first par 4. The fairway if very open and forgiving on this hole (as with most of the par 4s). Moving onto hole 5, you will be confronted with another par 4. Both of these holes measure in the mid-300 yard range. Hole 6 is the shortest hole on the course measuring approximately 88 yards, and is guarded by a bunker on the front of the green. Hole 7, 8, and 9 are all par 3s as you finish out the front nine.

Hole 10 is a longer par 3 measuring approx. 180 yards, but this hole always seems to play longer than the sign dictates (especially if there is a slight breeze in the air). Hole 11 is a fun par 4 with water guarding the entire right side of the fairway. A flag in the middle of the fairway is a good guide. This shows you how far the water runs into the fairway as you get closer to the green. Longer hitters should hit a 5-6 iron off the tee to leave you a decent approach shot. If you can control your hybrid or 3 wood off the tee, then play for a draw aiming to the left-center of the fairway. This will leave you a very short approach shot to the green.

Hole 12 is a longer par 3 measuring approx. 180 yards. This hole also seems to play a bit longer than its yardage, so if the flag is playing back you may want to take one more club. Hole 13 is a short par 3 that seems harmless but can be dangerous if you are long off the tee. Any shot to the left, right, or long on this green will run down the slope and will guarantee a high score. Leaving your tee shot below the hole will usually allow for an uphill put on this green no matter what the flag location is.

Hole 14 is another short par 4. If you are a long hitter, think twice about hitting driver on this hole. If you hit a solid drive, you could run your tee shot into the water at the end of the fairway. This hole is also guarded by water to the right. A hybrid, long iron, or 3 wood is usually a good club choice off of this tee. Hole 15 is a par 3 that is guarded by water on the right. Make sure you do not leak you tee shot to the right finding water, or to the left finding the bunkers. Hole 16 is a longer par 3 measuring approx. 180 yards. This hole also seems to play longer than the yardage indicates, so think about taking one more club length on this hole. Hole 17 is a fun (and short) par 4 that is easily reachable from the tee. I usually play a 3 wood from the tee. This hole is heavily guarded by bunkers towards the front of the green. It does have a small "alley" to the right of the green which allows running tee shots the chance to role up on the green. Hole 18 is a short par 3 that finishes out your round.

Birch Hills has a decent snack bar with lunch/driving range special during the week. They also have a small clubhouse if you need supplies for your round. If you leave relatively close by, Birch Hills is a great place to work on your short game. They have two nice putting greens, one near the parking lot and the other down below the clubhouse. As I stated earlier, pricing is one of the main reasons people play Birch Hills. Weekday rates are $23.50 for prime time, $18.50 for twilight, $14.50 for super twilight, and $10 for sundowner. Weekends and holidays are $33.50 for prime time, $25.50 for twilight, $19.50 for super twilight, and $12.50 for sundowner. They also offer discounts for juniors and senior citizens. Eighteen hole cart fees are $10.50 and $11.50 for weekdays and weekends respectively.
If you haven’t had a chance to play Birch Hills, you should schedule a tee time. It’s a fun little course without having to worry about spending a ton of money or spending a ton of time on a regulation size course. Finishing 18 holes of golf here in 2.5-3 hours is easily doable depending on when you play.

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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