Don’t Treat Valencia Like a Cow Pasture
Thomas Bonk’s Jan. 16 article, in which he interpreted the reaction of last year’s Nissan Open winner, Nick Faldo, to defending his title at this year’s site, the Valencia Country Club, as joking and laughable, was insulting to many golfers.
Valencia Country Club is a masterful creation by golf’s greatest architect, Robert Trent Jones. The club has long been the site of U.S. Open, and U.S. Amateur qualifying and regarded by many top amateurs and professionals as one of the finest layouts in Southern California, including the beautiful Riviera Country Club.
On a recent visit to Valencia, many years after its completion, Mr. Jones commented, “I am glad I was good when I designed this course.”
Riviera Country Club in its early years did not have the reputation, following, or mystique currently surrounding it.
The professionals who do take part in this year’s Nissan Open will realize what many have known for years; Valencia is a great tournament layout.
TOM PATRICK
Granada Hills
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