STRAWBERRY FARMS GOLF CLUB (1997)

 

ORANGE COUNTY REGION

Public: 18 hole - cost: $70 - $145

Strawberry Farms Road, Irvine, CA 92612

Tel: (949) 551-1811  

 

Designed by Jim Lipe. This upscale, daily-fee course plays mostly in a valley. There are wetlands and hazards constantly to the golfer's left, a hooker's nightmare. Afternoon wind is common. This is an attractive, difficult layout. Carts are included and mandatory. From within Irvine: Off the San Diego Freeway (I-405), exit at University/Jeffrey and head west to Strawberry Farms Road on your left. Environmentally sensitive areas make this beautiful course quite difficult. The nines are dramatically different. The back nine seems tougher because of the water, but it's actually easier. The waterfall on the 18th hole is dramatic, but is it worth $145 for weekend play? Leave the weekend play for golfers who are cash heavy. For the rest of us, play Strawberry Farms during the week.

 

STUDIO CITY GOLF COURSE (1954)

 

LOS ANGELES REGION

Public - 9 hole - cost: $8 - $9

4141 Whitsett Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604

Tel: (818) 761-3250

 

Designed by unknown. For every pitch, there should be a putt. From downtown Los Angeles (about 12 miles northwest to the course): Take US 101 north, exit at Coldwater Canyon, and turn left. Turn left on Ventura Boulevard and then left on Whitsett Avenue.