Off the Fringe, “Golf’s best short read.” The award winning newsletter, sent twice monthly, that provides an unconventional perspective on the golf world.
Ian Lamont
Valencia
2011-07-27
$76 (cart included), played on Friday, June 2011 at 10am
Valencia Country Club is one of the finest layouts and best golf courses in the entire LA area and in Southern California for that matter. From the moment you arrive, you know you are at a first class facility.
The range is superb and they have one of the best short game practice facilities around. The course begins with a beautiful,but fair par 5 that is a three shot hole for almost all golfers, because the green is most receptive to a short iron. From there, the course shows some teeth. The second hole is a tough par 4, that requires a draw around the corner with your tee ball. With water in play both on hole 2 and 3, a shortish par 3, you will need to be on your game quickly or you will find yourself three or more over par after three holes.
The rest of the course is one great hole after another. Hitting greens, getting it close to the flags (even by chipping) is tough. The greens themselves are superb (a big kudo to the greenskeeper and the entire staff). The greens are fast and are challenging to get the right read. Members have a big advantage, but even at that you need to hit every putt the right speed and line, otherwise you will be looking at 4-6 footers as comeback putts all day.
Definitely a challenging golf course where guests will find it difficult to shoot their handicap and members will find their handicaps travel, very well.
The finishing 4 holes (15-18) will give every player all they can handle and if you find yourself having a good day, be ready to be challenged to keep it. Hole 15 is a wonderful, but very fair par 5, that can be reached in two, with a green that is receptive to a long approach. Be wary of the water on the right. Hole 16 is a par 3 that is all carry over water. Take at least a 1/2 to one full club more as it is all carry, with the left half of the green being 10 yards longer than the right. Hole 17 is a long, straight par 4 and hole 18 is a difficult, very hilly, uphill par 5, with a tough green to hit because it is above your eyes and you only see half the flag. I'd be willing to bet you will come up short if flag is middle or back.
Enjoy the course. It will be one of the very best you can play and ranks high on any short list of best courses throughout Southern California, including San Diego.
Valencia Country Club is one of the finest Country Clubs to be a member at in all of Southern California. If you live within driving distance and love the game of golf, you are very lucky indeed. Treat yourself to a membership. You will never get tired of playing this golf course.
Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Best course in the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
Condition of Course, Layout, Ambiance, Pace of Play, Staff
$76 (cart included), played on Friday, June 2011 at 10am
Valencia Country Club is one of the finest layouts and best golf courses in the entire LA area and in Southern California for that matter. From the moment you arrive, you know you are at a first class facility.
The range is superb and they have one of the best short game practice facilities around. The course begins with a beautiful,but fair par 5 that is a three shot hole for almost all golfers, because the green is most receptive to a short iron. From there, the course shows some teeth. The second hole is a tough par 4, that requires a draw around the corner with your tee ball. With water in play both on hole 2 and 3, a shortish par 3, you will need to be on your game quickly or you will find yourself three or more over par after three holes.
The rest of the course is one great hole after another. Hitting greens, getting it close to the flags (even by chipping) is tough. The greens themselves are superb (a big kudo to the greenskeeper and the entire staff). The greens are fast and are challenging to get the right read. Members have a big advantage, but even at that you need to hit every putt the right speed and line, otherwise you will be looking at 4-6 footers as comeback putts all day.
Definitely a challenging golf course where guests will find it difficult to shoot their handicap and members will find their handicaps travel, very well.
The finishing 4 holes (15-18) will give every player all they can handle and if you find yourself having a good day, be ready to be challenged to keep it. Hole 15 is a wonderful, but very fair par 5, that can be reached in two, with a green that is receptive to a long approach. Be wary of the water on the right. Hole 16 is a par 3 that is all carry over water. Take at least a 1/2 to one full club more as it is all carry, with the left half of the green being 10 yards longer than the right. Hole 17 is a long, straight par 4 and hole 18 is a difficult, very hilly, uphill par 5, with a tough green to hit because it is above your eyes and you only see half the flag. I'd be willing to bet you will come up short if flag is middle or back.
Enjoy the course. It will be one of the very best you can play and ranks high on any short list of best courses throughout Southern California, including San Diego.
Valencia Country Club is one of the finest Country Clubs to be a member at in all of Southern California. If you live within driving distance and love the game of golf, you are very lucky indeed. Treat yourself to a membership. You will never get tired of playing this golf course.