Aliso Creek Is Short But Hardly a Gimme

General manager Ed Slyman calls Aliso Creek “a tough little golf course,” and it is that--in more ways than one.

It’s not only deceptively difficult to play, but it’s a hardy little animal. This is a course, after all, that was essentially destroyed when the storms came a-calling last year, turning the normally docile creek into something resembling the Columbia River.

The raging waters of ’92 wiped out the nine-hole, 2,223-yard course and much of the adjacent Ben Brown’s restaurant and lodge with it.

“We had to haul out more than 250 tons of debris, not counting the silt, before we could even think of rebuilding the course,” Slyman said.

But rebuild they did. It took about four months (and more than $250,000) and three brand-new greens before it was playable again.

Then came the storms of ’93 and more damage, but--thanks to some berms put in as part of the restoration last year--no calamity.

“We didn’t lose any greens this time,” Slyman said, “but the fairways were again covered in silt. It wasn’t possible to re-sod, so we’ve had to plant grass.”

By the beginning of March, the course should be just as charming (and treacherous) as it ever was.

Aliso Creek, off Coast Highway in South Laguna, may look like a walk in the woods, but as local pros, who play a skins game there every year, will tell you, it ain’t.

Water comes into play on each of the nine holes, and there are 19 (count ‘em--19) sand traps. Then you have extremely narrow fairways with out-of-bounds (or the mountains) on each side of them.

Officially, it’s what’s called an executive course, meaning it’s short and there are no par-fives. Instead, the course offers five par-fours and four par-threes.

The longest hole is the 313-yard, par-four No. 5, the shortest the 118-yard, par-three No. 6, so just about every club in the bag can get a workout.

And for an executive course, Aliso Creek has some surprising amenities, including motorized carts, a pro shop, putting green, driving net, a full-service bar and restaurant.

It’s also surprisingly easy to get on, especially during the week. Weekends are a little tougher, and reservations (which are taken a week in advance) are recommended.

Just make sure you bring some extra balls.

A Matter of Course

Aliso Creek Golf Course, 31106 Coast Highway, South Laguna. (714) 499-1919.

Distance: 2,223 yards.

Par: 32.

Greens fees: $11 for nine holes Monday through Thursday, $18 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. $7 for replay every day. Special early-bird (before 9:30) and senior rates of $7 offered during week.

Carts: Motorized carts $8 per nine holes.

Lessons: Single half-hour lesson from head pro Larry Brotherton, $35; series of five lessons for $150.

Driving range: $4 for large bucket of balls, $2 for small. You hit into a net.

Reservations: For golf, (714) 499-1919 one week in advance starting at 6:30 a.m. For lessons, (714) 499-2271, Ext. 274.

How to get there: From either the San Diego (I-405) or Santa Ana (5) freeways, take the Laguna (133) Freeway to Coast Highway and go south. Aliso Creek is about midway between Crown Valley Parkway and Laguna Canyon Road on Coast Highway, directly across from Aliso Beach.

Los Angeles Times