Detailed description of Empire Lakes Golf Course, CLOSED 2016
Empire Lakes Golf Course is a Public, 18 hole golf course located 30 minutes north of Orange County and east of Los Angeles County in Rancho Cucamonga, California
THE COURSE CLOSED June 2016
Empire Lakes Golf Course opened for play in 1996. The course was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay.
Empire Lakes Golf Course has the looks of a desert course. The fairways were built on rolling terrain, and several large sand and water hazards have been strategically incorporated into the course's design. In fact, water hazards (four lakes) come into play on six holes. The greens are protected by the uniquely original fingered bunkers.
Par for the course is 72. From the back tees, the course plays to 7034 yards. From the forward tees, the course plays to 5,200 yards. The longest hole on the course is # 11, a par-5 that plays to 601 yards. The shortest hole on the course is # 2, a par-3 that plays to 159 yards from the back tees.
Watch out for # 9, a 432-yard par-4 challenge and the #1 handicap hole on the course. The easiest hole at Empire Lakes Golf Course is # 124, a 169 yard par-3.
The wind can be a major factor here, especially during the late afternoons. Typically, hole #11, the 601-yard, par 5, plays directly into the wind. The most scenic hole is #10, a 404-yard, par 4 features tall brownish grass, a dry river bed, and scenic views of the mountains in the background. Hole #3, a 334-yard, par 4, has a waterfall and a lake that must be hit over on the tee shot.
CLOSED __________
The course closed at the end of June, 2016.
The Lewis Group is scheduled to redevelop Empire Lakes into a new high-density mixed-use community with 2,500 to 4,000 homes and rental units, as well as retail space.
$41 (cart included), played on Thursday, May 2012 at 8am
Interesting and challenging layout. Fairways and greens are excellent; the best I've seen in the area. Numerous blind shots and the rough becomes an unplayable hazard-like situation not far off of the fairways in a large portion of the course; it pays to keep the ball in the fairway even more so than a lot of courses. The clubhouse is old and somewhat small . . . but, the friendly staff more than make up for its marginal shortcomings! Very affordable for the Southern California location. It is worth a trip to play here.
$31 (cart included), played on Tuesday, January 2012 at 6am
The senior rate is great.
$66 (cart included), played on Friday, October 2011 at noon
Would recommend this course for its layout and greens. Fair course with risk and rewards on every hole.
$46 (cart included), played on Sunday, November 2011 at 6am
Great layout and fairly challenging. Course is in very good condition. Paid $48 for a Sunday morning tee-time online. Can't beat the value. Clubhouse is weak. Gotta leave the property for the 19th hole.
$31 (cart included), played on Tuesday, August 2011 at 10am
I play this course a couple of times a year, usually using a coupon to get a reduced rate which was the case in August. The day I played was a very warm day, but the wind was not a factor, which is sometimes the case. I've had the privilege of being on this course when the Nationwide Tour had a tournament on this layout for several years. I was always a Walking Scorer. The pros were challenged by this course, so it is a good challenge for any golfers. Fortunately, the rough is kept shorter for us amateurs. It's a good course to share with out of town golfing friends.
$46 (cart included), played on Friday, September 2011 at noon
Great price for this course. The greens were fantastic - held every approach shot and were true. Fairways a bit too narrow on some holes - blind drives on others. I really liked playing this course and recommend it to anyone visiting the Ontario area.
$31 (cart included), played on Tuesday, August 2011 at 6am
Nice layout. Play here regularly Good value for seniors
$36 (cart included), played on Friday, August 2011 at 10am
too many ball marks on greens
$51 (cart included), played on Saturday, May 2011 at noon
this place has hosted Nationwide Tour events ... one in which Kevin Na won with a bogie on 18 because he was so nervous. layout has its challenges, and for the money, this is a course i'd definitely recommend - BUT the clubhouse sucks!!!
$26 (cart included), played on Thursday, March 2011 at 10am
Played twice in the last month,greens in great shape,fairways in good shape for this time of year! Good deals for seniors and great deal on Groupgolfer.com. I'll be back!
$36 (cart included), played on Friday, February 2011 at 8am
An interesting course that offers something for every level of player with the 4 sets of tees. Condition is one of the best for a public course. A bargain, particularly for seniors. Have played it for more than 3 years and still go back for more. Highly recommend that it gets tried at least once.
$26 (cart included), played on Thursday, January 2011 at noon
challeging course
$26 (cart included), played on Friday, April 2010 at 2pm
It is a fun course in a convenient location. Moderately challenging with very nice scenery in the distance to the north.
$36 (cart included), played on Monday, July 2009 at 6am
Nice layout. Well maintained. Senior rates attractive
$26 (cart included), played on Friday, July 2009 at 6pm
Look for deals at Empire Lakes on Click for Tee Times. They put one or two tee times on there each week, and the discount price makes the course a great value.
$36 (cart included), played on Monday, March 2009 at 6am
Great track, former nationwide tour site.
$76 (cart included), played on Sunday, February 2009 at 6am
I have played this course numerous times. It has a great layout and is a challenge from any tee box. If you have not played it it is worth the price to play at least once. Some would find the $90.00 weekend rate a little high. It has a very interesting setting because of it's placement in and industrial park and also condo's on the other side. When you are playing there are only certain times when you will even notice this because the layout has a lot of beauty.
$46 (cart included), played on Sunday, January 2009 at 10am
Pro shop staff and rangers are very outgoing and helpful. Restraunt staff is inattentive and uncaring.
$76 (cart included), played on Sunday, June 2008 at 6am
Driving Range did not open till 8 A.M. and person in club house was not very helpful considering the $90 price.
$76 (cart included), played on Sunday, June 2008 at noon
I like the course and i really love the twi-light prices.
$76 (cart included), played on Monday, May 2008 at 10am
Played in a tournament from the blues. From there this is a tough track!
$56 (cart included), played on Thursday, May 2008 at noon
Since loosing The Nationwide tour event fairways have been widened for easier play changing this from a tour style course to an average muni.Lack of water applied to course and the shortining of the rough have caused this gem to dry out.The greens are amazing and fast but fun.
$61 (cart included), played on Sunday, January 2008 at 10am
Tough track, used by Nationwide Tour. Need to bring your game and drive it straight. Fast true greens, but fairways were a little spotty.
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(cart included), played on Wednesday, February 2014 at 6am
Course is Green, but poorly maintained otherwise. Seems like they just throw water on it and try to keep it green and hope that people can't tell the difference. A nice "drive by" golf course, but once you start playing it it's sub par.