MOUNTAIN VISTA GOLF COURSE AT SUN CITY (1992)

 

DESERT REGION

Semi-Private: 36 hole - cost: $52 - $89

38-180 Del Webb Boulevard, Palm Desert, CA 92211

Tel: (760) 200-2200

 

Designed by Greg Nash, Billy Casper. There are two 18-hole courses, the Santa Rosa and the San Gorgonio. The Santa Rosa has wider fairways that slope on either side. Take advantage of the first six holes; they are the easiest. Starting with the seventh hole, you will encounter water and long par 3s and one of the most demanding finishing holes in the desert. For the average golfer, expect to lose four golf balls. The San Gorgonio course has smaller, undulating greens with narrow fairways outlined by water and bunkers. From downtown Los Angeles (about 130 miles east to the course): Take I-10 east, exit at Washington, and turn left to the course.

 

MOUNTAINGATE COUNTRY CLUB

 

LOS ANGELES REGION

Members only: 27 hole

12445 MountainGate Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Tel: (310) 476-2800

 

Designed by Ted Robinson, Casey O'Caliahan. The three courses are played in 18-hole combinations. They are the North, South, and lake. The North Course is a wooded layout that hugs the mountain and is the easiest and most picturesque of the three. The South Course is the newest nine and is open but the most challenging. The first three holes are hell, but get by them in par and you are on your way to a good score. The lake Course is straightforward, with water coming into play on two holes. It has three par 5s and three par 3s. All courses do have similarities-undulating greens and plenty of hills. Reciprocal play with other members-only clubs is allowed. From west Los Angeles: Off the San Diego Freeway (I-405), exit at Getty Center Drive and head north on Sepulveda. Turn left at the third light, which is MountainGate Drive.