Strictly a GOLF review based on one round in January of 2022…read more
So, I've played about a dozen of private clubs in the LA area, including LACC, Annendale, Bel Air, Hacienda, Oakmont, Hacienda, etc. so I have a fair basis to say this: WOW and WOW. It's hard to believe that a course can be maintained like this in the middle of LA. It's quite simply, perfect. The fairways are rolling green carpets and the rough are rolling shag carpets. The greens are perfect, and unlike so many private courses whose members seem to be masochists, the greens do not stimp 15. They are reasonable. 10-11? It's a golf paradise in the middle of bustling West LA.
The layout is straight-forward, but very hilly. Not a lot of trees and they are mostly smallish. OB's not really at play unless you are wildly off-line on a few of the exterior holes. The rough is not a big issue. We played from the "blues" (second furthest back--about 6600 yards). We played early and it was really cold (50s) so it felt like 7000.
I'm a 4.8 handicap, and I shot an 88. Ouch. Here's why: (and maybe this will help some of those who read this to have more fun, because playing better is more fun, right?)
CHIPPING and PITCHING
The greens are TIGHT. If you chip properly (pro form), using the bounce, you better get this squared away before you show up. Either get a wedge with 4-6 degrees of bounce or use a different technique (maybe open a wedge, bump and run, whatever). Chipping and pitching is the best part of my game and I skulled 2 chips, and I went to the chipping area after my round to work on it (to see if it was nerves or technique) and I realized I couldn't use my technique. It is simply too tight and firm, esp. if any grain into me. I'd have to be perfect using a 60 degree with 12 degrees of bounce. Pro tip: go to Rustic Canyon. Very similar.
CADDIES: If you are a serious player and aren't used to playing with a caddie, get prepared. It affects your routine. For me, after several mishaps, I just told him I didn't need distances or reads unless I asked. That's when I got back into a groove and starting making some pars. Make sure you lighten your bag to only the essentials, and bring your carry-bag, not a pro bag. (and be prepared to tip cash, see below)
BUNKERS: the sand is good, but if you are hitting your distances, you will be in a lot of bunkers because they are a main protector of par on this course. I was in 6! 3 of them on par 3s where I hit the green! They are pretty deep, too.
PUTTING: I three-putted a bunch. If you are used to playing flattish LA muni greens, you need to get your distance control for up and down hill putts dialed in. They are not hard to read. I actually stopped using my caddie for reads all together and was fine for the read. It was just really hard to get the speed right. Not tricky, but not easy. Again, go to Rustic. Very similar.
ROUGH: about 3 inches. The ball sits up, so the real issue is not going under the ball. You can't bottom-out your club. Once you figure that out, it's really easy. I didn't have any issue.
PAR 3s. There is only one short par 3. The rest are 180+, one was 240! from middle tees! (270 from back) You really need to think about good misses. It's very hard to get up and down from the bunkers. Short is usually a good miss.
It is an amazing place. Get there early. It's probably the nicest range I've ever been on--probably just beats out Journeys at Pechanga. There is a Trackman for all members that hooks up to their phones! Imagine that! Titleist ProV1 practice balls, of course. Mats? Nowhere in sight. Get some practice in on the practice chipping and bunkers.
VIBE: I have to say that I was far more comfortable here than any other private course I've ever been to. The golf staff was incredibly nice and genuine, too. The vibe (and again, I didn't step foot in the club house) was more "open" and "modern" than LACC (which was very Overlook Hotel) or Annendale or even Oakmont. Perhaps this has to do with the difference in history. (Look it up)
One last pro tip: They require valet for your car, so make sure you prepare for that. I usually play with a push cart, and I left my towel with my push cart, and, as you know, it's the little things in golf. And, if you want to avoid the whole locker room time-suck, put your golf shoes on before you drive over. Otherwise you have to store your shoes because you can't have your caddie lug your shoes around 18 holes and a mile of elevation changes.
One more tip: 1 caddie for 2 players. We both tipped $100, which I think is a little on the high side, but you know, it was a free round, and carrying two bags is kinds crazy.
So enjoy this incredible golf course with its incredible views. It's really something.
ENJOY. FORE!
p.s. I didn't take any pics of the course, because they just didn't do it justice. Seriously, it's stunning.