Looks Are Deceiving at Talega

At the moment, Talega Golf Club in San Clemente is painful to look at for golfers.

The grass is lush and the sand in the traps is bright white.

Water is starting to run in the creeks and the lakes are filling up. Some days there are even flag sticks visible on the greens.

The only thing missing on the course, located about three miles east of Interstate 5, is golfers.

The reason is that only 12 of the 18 holes are completed.

Environmental issues delayed work on the final six holes. They have since been relocated and construction is about to start.

The course, which developers hoped to complete by summer, is expected to open in the fall.

Course architect Brian Curley said the relocation of the holes will improve the course because they have been placed in a more natural setting.

A road that was supposed go through that part of the layout has been scrubbed on the par-71 course, which is 6,940 yards from the championship tees and 6,025 from the regular tees.

“We’re very happy with where we are today,” Curley said. “There is a lot of ‘wow’ out there. There are a lot of really dramatic features.

“But at the same time, we’re placing an emphasis on getting people through. It looks like there is a lot of bite to it as you stand on the tee, but it’s a little more accommodating once you get out on it.”

Curley is working with 1992 Masters champion Fred Couples on the project.

“Right away the bunkering jumps out at you,” Couples said. “Some people won’t like it and some people will, but they are pretty big bunkers and very dramatic, and obviously the views here are incredible. The course sits beautifully in this canyon.”

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A LOOK AT TALEGA

Quick Facts

What: 18-hole course

Expected opening: Fall 2000

Price: Not set but expected to be about $85 Monday-Thursday, $110 Friday-Sunday

Address: Near the intersection of Avenidas Pico and Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

Phone: (949) 492-3393

Web site: https://www.talega.com