SOUTHLAND FOCUS
A weekly look at golf courses open to the public in Southern California.
EMPIRE LAKES GOLF COURSE
Address: 11015 Sixth Street, Rancho Cucamonga.
Green fees: $50 to $70.
Phone: (909) 481-6663.
Tee times: One week in advance.
The facility: Designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in January 1996, the course gets its name from three lakes that come into play on six holes. From the white tees, it’s only 6,024 yards with several short par fours. But they’re deceptive. On the 312-yard third hole, it takes a drive of about 170 yards to reach the fairway--over water. The hole is intimidating even for those who should have no problem clearing the water. For big hitters, there is a set of black tees that measures 6,923 yards.
The good: Each hole has a distinct character. Asked which was the signature hole, course general manager Michael Lautenbach said, “We consider all of them signature holes.” Of special note, however, are No. 18, a fine double-dogleg with water down the left side for the second shot; and No. 7, a par three that calls for an accurate shot over a corner of a lake.
The bad: Carts must be kept on cart paths. When the course opened, carts were permitted on the fairways, but after entrance and exit lanes were chewed up, management put in the cart-path rule. When the temperatures hover around 100 degrees, it can get sweaty walking to and from the cart.
The score: The lakes pose serious hazards, but on three holes there are no bunkers. Palmer apparently figured that water, pampas grass and rocky rough are enough. There is an excellent all-grass, lighted driving range with 28 teeing areas. If you’re proud of your game and want someone along to watch, Empire Lakes has a $20 spectator fee.
*
Course rating: 3 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.
Rating/Slope: Black--71.3/122, Middle--68.0/115, Front--70.5/125
*--*
Hole Back Tees Middle Tees Par Front Tees 1 381 343 4 324 2 153 136 3 112 3 320 294 4 244 4 356 312 4 275 5 524 500 5 405 6 362 329 4 294 7 194 175 3 150 8 521 499 5 414 9 407 375 4 317 Out 3,218 2,963 36 2,535 10 382 338 4 300 11 576 516 5 453 12 449 391 4 342 13 367 330 4 281 14 164 154 3 137 15 411 380 4 337 16 357 310 4 256 17 214 187 3 158 18 490 455 5 401 In 3,410 3,065 36 2,665 Total 6,628 6,024 72 5,200
*--*