Angeles National Golf Club Course Review

Upon arrival, you’re greeted to plentiful parking and a Spanish Villa style clubhouse.  I checked in and paid the $85 rate.  I wanted to warm up so I added a small bucket for $8 (very small bucket, not a great deal).  The range was small but was in good condition.  Real grass (no mats in sight) and a chipping area nearby that was well maintained.

Angeles National isn’t long (blue tees 6597 yards), but accuracy off the tee is crucial.  If you get wild off the tee, you’re hitting from native area (sand, rocks, bushes), or it’s lost.  Few holes neighbor each other so there’s little hope of another fairway bailing you out.  You start off with a straight forward par 4, with trouble on both sides of the fairway.  A straight tee shot leaves you a short second into the green.  The greens are bent grass and most were in good shape.  The second hole is a lengthy (562 from the blue) par 5.  As with most holes, there seemed to be a fairway bunker conveniently located exactly where my drives were headed.  Even typically great drives are not rewarded here, because they catch a bunker if not perfectly center.  The sixth is a fun hole because club selection is key off the tee.  Driver is too far, as you’re laying up to approach the green over a large native area.  The seventh is the second par 3 and a straight slightly downhill 165.  The front 9 par threes are nothing crazy.  The eighth hole is a fun par 5.  If you hit a long (accurate) drive, you have a chance at reaching the green in 2.  There is a blind pond to the left but it’s not in play off the the tee unless you go very long and to the left.  It would typically only be in play if you hit a short tee shot and had a second shot to layup.  The eighth green is well protected by bunkers so an accurate shot is crucial.  There’s also trees to the right if you stick one in that direction.

The tenth hole is almost identical to number one, but longer.  It’s another tee box, similar to others, where you have to cover some native area to the fairway.  Not a worry unless you shank one or hit a low burner.  Eleven is a short par 4 (293 blue), with a narrow fairway.  You might leave the driver in the bag on this slender one.  The first long par 3 greets you at number fourteen. You’re facing 200 yards from the blue tees, and a likely breeze in the valley this course rests in.  There’s a bunker that protects the green to the right and short-right.  The sand quality was average.  Soft, but with rocks.  I often found myself trying to pick rocks out of my strike zone as I had no interest in dinging my Vokeys.  Number sixteen is a tough par 5, as there’s two native areas you need to clear to hit the green in regulation.  Seventeen is a dogleg right that wants to bait you with cutting the corner and taking a shot at the green.  There’s also a safe zone to layup left and have an easy approach.  Number eighteen is a great closing hole.  The fairway has some elevation changes and the green is protected on the left side with the flagship lake and logo in the distance.  If you go pin-hunting, proceed with caution if you have a draw or there’s strong wind from right to left.

This course rewards accuracy off the tee.  If your tee shots sail, or it’s a windy day, you will find yourself hitting from numerous fairway bunkers.  The greens are fair and in good shape.  If the fairways were in better shape and not so dry, this would be an impeccable course.  It has the feel of a course a little past it’s prime, but will provide you and enjoyable round if you get a reasonable rate to play.  Pace of play on a weekday afternoon was fantastic, sub 3 hours!  Check it out Angeles National if you’re looking for a fun round in LA!