The Hacienda Golf Club was originally established in 1920 by Alphonso Bell. The course was designed at the same time by William Watson, one of the most prolific and well-known golf course architects of his time. I was not aware that this golf course was one of the first courses established in Southern California. In 2005, John Harbottle renovated the golf course while remaining true to the William Watson design. Hacienda Golf Club has been host to many golf tournaments including Ladies U.S. Open Qualifiers, USGA Amateur, and a possible LPGA tournament in the future. Beautifully laid out in La Habra Heights, this par 71 6,925 yard course is a golfer’s dream.
When we arrived at the club, I was greeted by the helpful and friendly staff. Since I had never been in the La Habra Heights area, I really didn’t know what to expect. This course and club is tucked away in the beautiful hills and surrounding homes with a view to the Pacific Ocean from the clubhouse. The modern and lavish clubhouse that was built 4 years ago was one of the first things to catch my eye (see photo on next page). The architecture and design of this building is exceptional. Mark informed me that during clear days and evenings it’s not uncommon to see Catalina from the patios.
We warmed up on the driving and putting range before our round. I noticed that the practice greens were amazingly manicured, and it turned out that the entire course mimicked the practice greens. These greens were some of the nicest greens I have ever played. They were a little quick, but it was nice to line up a putt and know that it would stay online as compared to some local public courses in the area. I was warned before the round from a friend that the greens were too fast, but I disagree. They were quick, but very fair and smooth.
We had the honor of playing with the course superintendent, Rafael Barajas. Being a quality golfer and the superintendent at Hacienda for 15 years, his knowledge and history of the course made the round that much more enjoyable. Teeing off on hole 1 you are greeted with an elevated tee box to the fairway below. The black tees play 405 yards, and a fairway bunker lines the left side that can come into play approximately 100 yards from the green. The views from the first tee are amazing, with tree-lined fairways as far as the eye can see, and the view of the L.A. Basin and Pacific Ocean beyond. Hole 2 again played from a slightly elevated tee with room on the left for an errant tee shot. Hitting a slight draw on this 485 yard par 4 is an ideal play as you prepare for the lower-tier green.
Hole 3 is a tight dogleg right par 4 measuring 325. The green is blind and guarded by trees and a slight hillside, so laying up with a long iron, utility, or 3-wood off the tee is the best play to a well guarded green. Hole 4 is a par 3 measuring 185 yards. This green is also heavily guarded by bunkers, so assess where the flag placement is before deciding on a club. Hole 5 is a slight dogleg right par 4 measuring 475. Stay clear of hitting your tee shot to the right as it poses hazards.
Hole 6 is a long 235 yard par 3 with a small creek to the right of the green. If you are going to miss on this hole, miss to the left. Hole 7 is a par 5 measuring 585 yards. An ideal tee shot is playing a slight draw into the fairway. The second shot on this par 5 is usually pretty lengthy, and bunkers are placed in front of the green making a “run-up” shot nearly impossible. If you have the length and carry, you may be tempted to go for it. For the rest, a nice lay-up is your best play. Hole 8 is an interesting 445 yard par 4 in that it has 2 different fairways and 2 elevation changes. Your drive will be down the upper fairway which drops off at approximately 285-290 yards. From there is a large downhill shot to the green below. If you have a good look at the green, take one less club to account for the elevation change.
As you finish out the front 9, you will be faced with a 400 yard par 4 that has fairway bunkers to your left, and a stream to the far right. A false front guards the green to this fairly straightforward hole. As you make your turn for the back nine, make sure you take advantage of the free water and apples at the 10th tee. We joked around that the apples were some of the best we’ve ever had. Rafael assured us in a joking manner that they were “known” for their apples.
As you tackle hole 10, keep in mind that this 510 yard par 5 has a drastic dogleg to the left after your tee shot. Make sure that your tee shot is long and straight to take advantage of your approach shot. If your tee shot is short, you will find that laying up is a necessity as you will probably not be able to see the hole due to the dogleg and uphill green location.
As you tackle hole 10, keep in mind that this 510 yard par 5 has a drastic dogleg to the left after your tee shot. Make sure that your tee shot is long and straight to take advantage of your approach shot. If your tee shot is short, you will find that laying up is a necessity as you will probably not be able to see the hole due to the dogleg and uphill green location.
Hole 11 is a relatively short 315 yard par 4. This hole has a severe dogleg to the right. Hitting a long iron or hybrid off the tee is probably your best play as you will have a short iron or wedge into the green. Hole 12 is a mellow 145 yard par 3, but don’t let the length lull you to sleep. Missing this green to the left in the large bunker will make an up and down par very difficult. The green is deep in length, so use that to your advantage when deciding on clubs, especially if the distance is in between clubs for you. Hole 13 is a pictuesque 445 yard par 4, with a dogleg to the left. Shorter hitters will hit driver off the tee, while longer hitters will hit 3 wood. The second shot requires a carry over a small ravine. If you leave your second shot short, you may roll down into the rivine below, making for a difficult and blind third shot onto the green.
Hole 14 is a 430 yard par 4 with trees on the right and out-of-bounds on the left. A well struck tee shot may still find its way into the rolling fairway, making for a slightly hidden or blind tee shot into the green. Hole 15 is a 380 yard par 4 that doglegs left. A tee shot with a slight draw will give you the best opportunity to find the lower elevation green. Hole 16 is a beautiful par 3 measuring 200 yards. This green is heavily guarded with bunkers on either side, and large pond in front. Make sure you use enough club to carry the water hazard. Missing right is the easiest miss with the right bunker being the most shallow out of the bunch.
Hole 17 is a 530 yard par 5, and can be tough if you are too long off the tee as I found out. There is a valley that runs across the fairway, and if you are too long your second shot will either be a blind shot or you may be faced with a downhill lie as I was. If you are playing from the blacks this probably won’t be an issue. But if you are playing from the whites or reds this definitely could come into play. The course finishes up with a 430 yard par 4. Trees guard the left and a fairway bunker guards the right. The approach shot to the green may be met with prevailing winds, so take that into account before selecting a club.
What a round of golf. Such a challenging and fun course. The course conditions couldn’t have been better, and these greens were indeed the best I have ever played. I am anxious to play again just to have the honor of playing on such true greens and maintained fairways. After the round was over, we met with Mark and Rafael in the grill and bar inside the clubhouse. We all enjoyed a time of amazing food and great company, talking about our round and the club in general. I noticed a few things about the club that I wanted to ask Mark about. I noticed that there was a swimming pool at the club, and Mark informed me that in the near future they will be redesigning both the swimming pool area and the driving range as well as bringing in a workout facility. The swimming pool is available to all members and friends, and features swim meets as well as a children’s swim and dive team.
After we finished our meal, Mark showed us around the clubhouse. Hacienda Golf Club not only features a grill and bar, but also a fine dining restaurant as well. This beautifully laid out dining room and bar overlooks the L.A. Basin below and is first class all the way. The clubhouse also features one large ballroom sub-divisible into two smaller rooms for weddings or private events. When asked how many people are currently members at the club, Mark informed me there were approximately 400 members. Of those 400 members, 40% are local while the remaining 60% reside in the surrounding areas.
Hacienda Golf Club offers 3 different memberships. They offer their Regular Equity Golf and Young Executive Golf memberships which include the use of the golf course and all facilities. They also offer a Social Membership which includes the use all of all facilities excluding the golf course. All members are allowed to bring guests as well to the club for golf and events. Speaking of events, the club is always looking for new ways to entertain its members. In September, they are hosting a “Supper Club on the Heights” featuring a performance by Grammy award winner and Oscar nominee Melissa Manchester. This will feature a show by Melissa Manchester, along with a four-course gourmet menu designed by their award winning Executive Chef Shushan Madenlian.
If you have been curious about becoming a member at Hacienda Golf Club or even if this is your first time hearing about it, you owe it to yourself to give Mark Costa a call and find out more information about this great club. Whether using it for family, social, or business opportunities, you will not be disappointed. This golf club exudes luxury and class with a welcoming attitude. Mark Costa can be reached at 562-694-1081, ext. 119 or by email at markcosta@haciendagolfclub.com. You also can find out additional information about Hacienda Golf Club online at www.HaciendaGolfClub.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 Hills and Heights. He also heads up a company known as Trinitas Creative, a design firm which produces print and web graphics for companies such as the Hills and Heights. He has established himself and his company as a leader in design trends and effective marketing. You can visit them online and view their work 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.
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 Hills and Heights. He also heads up a company known as Trinitas Creative, a design firm which produces print and web graphics for companies such as the Hills and Heights. He has established himself and his company as a leader in design trends and effective marketing. You can visit them online and view their work 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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