SOUTHLAND FOCUS

A weekly look at golf courses open to the public in Southern California.

Montebello Country Club

Address: 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello.

Green Fees: $19-23.

Phone: (213) 887-4565 or 887-4568.

Tee Times: Seven days in advance.

The facility: A combination of rolling and flat terrain, the course opened in 1926. It was a privately owned course before being bought by the City of Montebello in 1941. Every hole has at least one bunker guarding the greens, except No. 1. The front nine plays around the course; the back covers the inside.

The good: The fairways are generally lush, particularly from February through June. The turf is well manicured around the greens, and the tee boxes have a private-course feel. A unique feature: Nos. 6 and 16 each have two greens, which can make more than 30 yards difference depending on which green is in play. The toughest setup is the 175-yard version of No. 6, with a bunker guarding the entire front of a small green.

The bad: A few fairways have dry spots during the summer, resulting in a bad lie after a good drive, and the greens can be a bit bumpy. Unless you’re young and an aerobic instructor, carrying your bag is not recommended, especially in the heat. Also, it is quite a walk from the driving range to the first tee and from the first green to the second tee. Five-hour rounds are not uncommon.

The score: The Golden State Tour plays two tournaments a year here. On No. 3, ignore the automobile hecklers on the adjacent street while you’re putting for birdie.

Overall rating: 2 1/2 balls

* One ball: No-frills golf.

** Two balls: Worth an occasional round.

*** Three balls: Like shooting four strokes under your handicap.

**** Four balls: Where the golf gods play.

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Hole Back Tees Middle Tees Men’s/women’s par Front Tees 1 418 402 4/4 370 2 416 402 4/4 384 3 531 511 5/5 510 4 446 432 4/4 378 5 431 415 4/5 396 6 175 162 3/3 150 7 378 362 4/4 325 8 406 370 4/4 349 9 103 95 3/3 03 Out 3,304 3,151 35/36 2,955 10 402 382 4/4 358 11 463 463 5/4 370 12 384 363 4/4 351 13 395 376 4/4 369 14 220 202 3/3 180 15 384 374 4/4 370 16 170 162 3/3 152 17 497 485 5/5 453 18 422 411 4/5 421 In 3,337 3,218 36/36 3,024 Total 6,671 6,369 71/72 5,979

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Rating/Slope: Black--70.4/114, Middle--68.9/109, Front--72.6/122