Mile Square’s Growth Starting to Take Root

The timing couldn’t have been much better for Mile Square Golf Club and its 18-hole expansion. Nearly a month ago, greenskeepers planted grass on four barren holes. Soon after, Southern California’s rainy season finally broke through.

The result is green fairways that look playable--almost.

“It looks good from a distance,” said Kevin Barry, Mile Square’s head professional, “but when you get up close, you can see the grass is still a little sparse.”

Course officials are hoping the four holes will be ready by May so they can do some juggling. The four holes will become the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th holes on the original course, freeing up land to create several holes on the new course.

When the four new holes open, golfers will get a preview of what to expect from the course’s $8-million expansion and renovation project that is doubling the size of the clubhouse, a project due to be completed in June. But they will have to wait until at least September to get out on the new 18-hole course being built on adjacent land.

That will be a different experience. David Rainville and Gary Bye’s design features mounded terrain on a 6,810-yard, par-72 layout. The original Mile Square course, built in 1962, is about as flat as you can get.

The new course will be more challenging, toughened up by six lakes that come into play on 11 holes. “You’re going to have to think your way around the course a little more,” Bye said.

The old course will also receive some attention. When the new 18 holes open, the bunkers and greens on the original 18 will be renovated--nine holes at a time.

“For the people who have been playing here for 15 or 20 years,” Barry said, “when all this is completed and it’s a 36-hole facility with a new clubhouse, it’s going to seem like they are at a country club.”

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Quick Facts

What: 18-hole expansion.

Expected opening: End of summer

Price: Not set but expected to be about $40 Monday-Thursday, $50 Friday-Sunday

Address: 10401 Warner Ave., Fountain Valley

Phone: (714) 968-4556

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