The media policy for LACC requests that no photos be posted on digital media, and this blog counts as digital media, so unfortunately we will not be able to create a full post.
The golf course was in brilliant condition, and the weather matched the course condition.
A magnificent piece of land, located in one the the most expensive areas of real estate in the world. The club will host the 2023 US Open, and hosted the 2017 Walker Cup as a precursor.
The club has traditionally been very private, and had not hosted a tournament for a very long time.
The north course, which we played, has a stunning set of par threes, some of which can be extended to 300 yards. Yes 300. The jewel of these is the shortest of them, the 15th. This hole, on the final day of the Walker Cup, played only 80 yards. That may sound easy, but the area in which the pin was located essentially is like landing your ball in a bathtub.
It will be great to see LACC as the USGA's showpiece in 5 years time.
Bernard Cassell was the best performer, recording a great 36 points to claim the first round victory.
On to Wilshire, where we were privileged to not only play a friendly game with Wilshire members, but we played the course only 2 weeks after the club hosted the LPGA event, the LA Open.
Wilshire was founded in 1919, in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles. The course was designed by Norman MacBeth, and opened for play in 1920.
The amount of land available for the course is in stark contrast to LACC, and has been routed well to maximise the space available.
The course was restored by Kyle Phillips (Cal Club, Kingsbarns) including in 2015, the introduction of waste areas. The waste areas were introduced in an effort to decrease water usage, and really have enhanced the look and feel of the course.
The waste area to the left of the 2nd fairway.
The waste areas are only one of the great features of the course, the bunker complexes are where the course shines, they are brilliant.
The other ever present feature is the 'barranca' that weaves it's way through the property, coming into play quite regularly.
The stunning par three 7th hole. The waste area in the tee carry really enhances the feel of the hole, as does the change to the green. The front left section (where the pin is today) is a recent addition. It allows great flexibility in allowing the hole to play quite differently day to day.
The course has some interesting history. The hole above is the eighth, and the property that can be seen at the right of the picture belonged to Howard Hughes. There are many stories relating to his various activities, but one of the more famous was when he landed a plane on the eighth fairway. This act was recreated for the movie "the aviator", and in doing so the course was shut down for shooting whilst the producers landed a plane on the fairway again.
Two iconic symbols of Los Angeles can be seen on the 9th hole, although the haze made this a little difficult today. The Hollywood sign on the hill in the distance, and the El Royale hotel, which is located on the same street as the club. Legend has it, that it was at the El Royale that John F Kennedy had some of his trysts with Marilyn Monroe.
The short par three 10th hole, which was played as the 18th hole in the recent LPGA event. A small green well protected by bunkers, makes this a challenging hole. The club only had a couple of months notice for the tournament, making things challenging for all, especially the groundstaff.
Another great example of the magnificent bunkering, this time on the par four 11th hole.
The waste area work is shown at it's best here as you leave the tee on the par four 12th. The barranca makes another appearance here as well.
The approach into the par four 17th hole, showcasing again the bunker complexes.
You must face the barranca again as you approach the par four 18th hole.
A tremendous day of golf and friendship was had by both KHGC and WCC members.
Bernard Cassell proved that he has a deep affection for Los Angeles already, recording a stunning 40 points, to follow his 36 from yesterday. This helped his group to claim the winning team honours. However, as a winner from the previous day, he was ineligible for our individual prize.
Today our winner was Reg Hanson, who recorded a very solid 36 points.
Tomorrow we head to the venue of the men's LA Open (Genesis), Riviera Country Club, giving us back to back current LA Open venues for both LPGA and PGA tours.
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