LOS SERRANOS COUNTRY CLUB (1925)

 

INLAND EMPIRE REGION

Public: 36 hole - cost: $26 - $65

15656 YDma Avenue, Chino Hills, CA 91709

Tel: (909) 597-1711

 

Designed by John Duncan Dunn, William Eaton. These scenic courses have punished many golfers over the years. Unfortunately, due to disease, over 3,000 trees have been eliminated, with more to go. The South Course is a par 74 and features six par 5s, constant elevation changes, and can be breezy. The North Course is much shorter and less demanding. The yardage listed is for the South Course. From downtown Los Angeles (about 34 miles east to the course): Take Highway 60 east to Highway 71 south. Exit onto Central Avenue and turn right. Make another right on Los Serranos to the club. Two good courses, one long and more difficult, the other shorter and easier.

 

LOS VERDES GOLF COURSE (1964)

 

LOS ANGELES REGION

Municipal - 18 hole - cost: $15 - $27

7000 West los Verdes Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Tel: (310) 377-7888

 

Designed by William F. Bell. This L.A. County-owned layout is one of the best values in Southern California. A fun track with plenty of challenge from the tips, it features generally wide hitting areas, but several stout par-4 and par-3 holes. Its hilly terrain is walk-able and affords many wonderful views of the ocean. From west Los Angeles (about 24 miles south to the course): Take the San Diego Freeway (I-405) south, exit at Hawthorne Boulevard south and head south about 13 miles into Palos Verdes. Just after passing Crest, turn right on Los Verdes Drive. The back nine does have some astounding views of the ocean, but six-hour rounds are not uncommon. Putting out fivesomes doesn't help. Course conditioning is inconsistent, not surprising since it's the busiest course in Southern California.