I'm going to be in Pasadena this weekend, starting 1/26/03. I'm wondering if there have been any noteworthy changes in the LA area courses in the last year. I'd like recomendations for what to play close to Pasadena other than Oak Grove (Hahamongna). It sounds like Whittier Narrows is the best bet for courses nearby. Is Northside in Asuza still only a short 9 holes? If so, is the "Gorilla" alt layout any good?

I'd appreciate a timely response from you So Cal people. I'll only have one chance to play, so I want to make it a good one.

Go to Norcal!

Be Nice, Ptero /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

Pasadena is actually a nice location to get to just about anywhere. Closest to Oak Grove, would be Sylmar just 20 mins up the 210. But you can also head south to Whittier, La Mirada, El Do & HB all within an Hour.
Im in NorCal now but grew up down there and know some easy routes to make the rounds if your interested or dont get any locals to hook you up.

If you had more time, Then Go to NorCal/msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif

If you only have one shot, make the drive to La Mirada.

El Dorado (Long Beach) monthly starts at Ten on Saturday. Should be a good turn out, about 70 or so people, plus the couse is playing in one of it's longest configurations.

To John Kimmerlein- are you lurking out there anywhere? Haven't heard from you on this board in a long time. Are you getting any rounds in these days?

Hey Lowe,

How are you doing? I'm playing once in a blue moon, per usual. I'll drop you a line.

On topic: I have traveled to the L.A. area twice in the last year or two on business. With all the DG options (and great input from this board) I managed to squeak in a round at La Mirada both times. A great course--be sure to play the back (19-27)nine. Maps at the pro shop--but, like any course, easier and lots of fun to hook-up with a local.

Take care, JK

The course should now or soon be in the Golden State Classic configuration: 18 holes stretched out to fill the whole 27 hole territory! Woo-hoo!

/msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif/msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif/msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif/msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif/msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif/msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif/msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif/msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif

I want to play Oak Grove for the Wintertime. Pat, where's a good place to stay?

Norcal /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

Thanks D-squared! That might not be a bad idea.
KL

I played Whittier Narrows and Asuza. La Mirada was just too far from Pasadena for the time I had available. Whittier Narrows was a grassy park with enough trees to add challenge. The tee signs are excellent so it was no problem to find my way around. The only disappointment was that the basket on hole 5 is missing. Overall I thought that the park makes excellent use of available land. What a shame that they couldn't have put the course in at the larger park area with the lake. The course directory directions need improvement, though. They should tell you to pass the main park entrance on the right and turn left into the park close to the light.

Asuza was a small, open, short P&P. DPIA.

With all of the open land I can see why SoCal players can develop booming distance. Some of our tight NC tree lined courses might trip them up, though.

What does La Mirada do with the money generated from donations? It certainly doesn't seem go back into the course. The baskets are 20 years old and kick out everything that isn't dead center. Only 25% of the tees had signs and the info on those was wrong. It just seems wrong that the premier course in SoCal has a pro shop, takes donations and is still in such [*****] condition.

They donate the cash to anti-ciggie ads for TV/msgboard/images/clipart/proud.gif

Trying to start a No/So war, Rich? That would be a good way to do it.

Now if you were really interested in an answer you would be better served contacting Mike Williams at the pro shop.

What war? I would complain about any course that took donations and wasn't maintained. And Rhett don't tell me that you disagree with me on this. Are you going to tell me that La Mirada is well cared for?

Rich, as far as I know, the donation is just that-something given freely in appreciation for a service. That includes: having a well-stocked pro shop run by an experienced pro, who is almost always there to oversee the course, and who moves the baskets constantly...not just pin-to-pin but from 27-to-36-to a monster,[par 64?]18. There are also no doubt frozen locks, damaged pins, and the occasional stolen basket [not to mention a planned upgrade in teepads] requiring cash that the local/regional government can't/won't cover...

...so if you aren't HAPPY to donate to the cause, don't; but please understand some people appreciate "Big Mike", just for being there, and give what they can, even if it's just a handshake and a 'thank you'.

Happy Discing,
meat

How long does it take to drive from Pasadena to the Emerald Isle course in Oceanside? (at Friday 5:30 a.m. and Sun 4:00 p.m.)

I'm not an L.A. traffic guru, so I have no idea how long it takes or what the traffic at those times might be.

But let me know when you will be at Emerald Isle and I will see if I can join you for a round. (Friday morning probably won't work.)

Well, it's only about 105 miles from Pasadena to Emerald Isle.
You should be able to do it in under 2 hours depending on how fast you drive. Especially at 5 a.m.
Keep in mind, however, that LA traffic on the freeways mostly sucks and you'll be taking the 5 which can stop dead for no apparent reason at any hour.
It probably won't be bad at all at 5:30 a.m., though.
Sunday 4:00 p.m. might be a bit more crowded on the freeways, but you should still be able to get there with enough time and light to play a round.
Have fun! I just played there for the first time last month and wrote a review of the place in here somewhere :confused: :D

Rich_Koski:
I don't think they get many donations. I've played there a zillion times and never saw anybody put money in that box (besides me, of course :D). I'd be surprised if they got even 5 bucks a day. :(
Baskets are stolen nearly every time they add holes for the big tournaments. :mad:

Thanks for info on Emerald Isle. I guess it's too far given my time constraints. Rhett, it would have been fun to hook up for a round.

Besides Hahamonga, Sylmar is definitely the closest. Worth the trip. Steve Rico's home course. Poorly marked :( , rugged, with lots of variety. Beautiful views as the course is on the side of a small mountain overlooking the huge San Fernando Valley.
No amenities of any kind (not even water), so empty out and stock up before you go. ;)

Thanks for the scoop. I've played Sylmar. The scenery is awesome with the mountain in the background. As with most courses there were a few nice holes. It sure is rugged. It seems to need some upkeep. Does Rico really play there a lot?

I think I'm going to head down to La Mirada very early Fri morning and maybe to Whittier Narrows on Sun afternoon about 5:00.

I am going to be in the LA area for the next 2 weeks, are there any events/tournaments during this time?

Definately head to la mirada if you want the most challenging layout. HB is too busy, El dorado is too easy and strictly flat. Sylmar is close to pasadena, is pretty decent. The azusa course sucks as does whittier. Whittier is flat, few trees but is kinda long, not much on the eyes or senses though. Beautiful time of year to be here though, enjoy!!