The Back 9 of Life Golf Course Review
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Anaheim Hill Golf Course
The guys ventured to the Anaheim Hills Golf Club in suburban Orange County California for this week’s round. This course is certainly one of
the best values in Southern California for the senior player. The course is cleverly designed in and around hillside and canyon terrain giving each
hole a distinct look and feel. Interesting features abound. Blind shots, elevation changes, and doglegs place the first time player at a
disadvantage, but you’ll be anxious to play it again and adjust your game to fit the course. The greens are difficult to read due to the uneven
terrain. Even those which appear to be level seem to have a bit of bias, and if you read break – take even more. The course was in excellent
condition, the facilities are complete and the staff friendly and professional. The Back 9 of Life crew was quite pleased with the senior discount
offered weekdays ($30 to ride). We gave it a “birdie” based on our highly scientific course rating system.
Setting: Birdie
Course Condition: Birdie
Facilities: Par
Playability: Par
Cost: Birdie (we paid $30, including cart, which was the senior rate)
El Dorado Park Golf Course
The Back 9 of Life guys stayed closer to home this week, playing at one of the finest municipal courses in Southern California. El Dorado Golf
Course in Long Beach has been a favorite of ours for years. The most notable feature here is the abundance of large, and often struck, mature
trees lining the fairways. It’s pretty easy to get in there, and tough to get out. You will even find some trees very much in play such as the one
guarding the right side of the green on number 2 and the one in the center of the fairway on number 6. The course is well maintained year round
despite the extraordinary number of rounds played here. We took full advantage of the laid back atmosphere in the cozy restaurant/bar, popular
with golfers and non-golfers alike.
The fearsome foursome debuted new hat styles in blue and black. Unfortunately, the California drought is preventing us from getting the most out
of our “The Back 9 of Life” golf towels. They are highly recommended, however, for those wetter climes, and are available in red, blue, and black.
Setting: Par
Course Condition: Birdie
Facilities: Birdie
Playability: Par
Cost: Birdie (we paid $34 to walk)
Meadowlark Golf Course
A popular course with The Back 9 of Life players is located close to our worldwide headquarters in Huntington Beach, California. Roland, Terry and
Bruce all live within walking distance of Meadowlark Golf Course and consider it our “home course”. This course is operated by American Golf
Corporation which does an excellent job of insuring that the course conditions are good and green fees remain affordable. Weekends are quite
crowded here and rounds could take much too long. Weekday rounds are quick though, and with a local senior card it’s a great deal. The course
might appear rather easy at first but most holes have a deceptive degree of difficulty. Water hazards are an issue on four of the first nine holes,
and the par five eighteenth is a real challenge late in the day when the ocean breeze has developed. That breeze is a blessing at Meadowlark,
however, during the summer when the inland courses are sweltering. Roland’s idea of a great day is surfing early and finishing eighteen holes by
late afternoon.
Setting: Birdie
Course Condition: Par
Facilities: Par
Playability: Par
Cost: Birdie ($19 to walk using their Senior Discount Card)
The guys ventured to the Anaheim Hills Golf Club in suburban Orange County California for this week’s round. This course is certainly one of
the best values in Southern California for the senior player. The course is cleverly designed in and around hillside and canyon terrain giving each
hole a distinct look and feel. Interesting features abound. Blind shots, elevation changes, and doglegs place the first time player at a
disadvantage, but you’ll be anxious to play it again and adjust your game to fit the course. The greens are difficult to read due to the uneven
terrain. Even those which appear to be level seem to have a bit of bias, and if you read break – take even more. The course was in excellent
condition, the facilities are complete and the staff friendly and professional. The Back 9 of Life crew was quite pleased with the senior discount
offered weekdays ($30 to ride). We gave it a “birdie” based on our highly scientific course rating system.
Setting: Birdie
Course Condition: Birdie
Facilities: Par
Playability: Par
Cost: Birdie (we paid $30, including cart, which was the senior rate)
El Dorado Park Golf Course
The Back 9 of Life guys stayed closer to home this week, playing at one of the finest municipal courses in Southern California. El Dorado Golf
Course in Long Beach has been a favorite of ours for years. The most notable feature here is the abundance of large, and often struck, mature
trees lining the fairways. It’s pretty easy to get in there, and tough to get out. You will even find some trees very much in play such as the one
guarding the right side of the green on number 2 and the one in the center of the fairway on number 6. The course is well maintained year round
despite the extraordinary number of rounds played here. We took full advantage of the laid back atmosphere in the cozy restaurant/bar, popular
with golfers and non-golfers alike.
The fearsome foursome debuted new hat styles in blue and black. Unfortunately, the California drought is preventing us from getting the most out
of our “The Back 9 of Life” golf towels. They are highly recommended, however, for those wetter climes, and are available in red, blue, and black.
Setting: Par
Course Condition: Birdie
Facilities: Birdie
Playability: Par
Cost: Birdie (we paid $34 to walk)
Meadowlark Golf Course
A popular course with The Back 9 of Life players is located close to our worldwide headquarters in Huntington Beach, California. Roland, Terry and
Bruce all live within walking distance of Meadowlark Golf Course and consider it our “home course”. This course is operated by American Golf
Corporation which does an excellent job of insuring that the course conditions are good and green fees remain affordable. Weekends are quite
crowded here and rounds could take much too long. Weekday rounds are quick though, and with a local senior card it’s a great deal. The course
might appear rather easy at first but most holes have a deceptive degree of difficulty. Water hazards are an issue on four of the first nine holes,
and the par five eighteenth is a real challenge late in the day when the ocean breeze has developed. That breeze is a blessing at Meadowlark,
however, during the summer when the inland courses are sweltering. Roland’s idea of a great day is surfing early and finishing eighteen holes by
late afternoon.
Setting: Birdie
Course Condition: Par
Facilities: Par
Playability: Par
Cost: Birdie ($19 to walk using their Senior Discount Card)
The Back 9 of Life Golf Course Rating Criteria
Ratings
Eagle = Exceptional
Birdie = Better than average
Par = Average
Bogie = Below average
Rating Categories
Setting: General course design, location, surrounding area, accessibility
Course Condition: Condition of fairways, greens, and rough
Facilities: Clubhouse, pro shop, starter, restaurant/bar, practice areas, parking
Playability: Multiple tee boxes, placement of hazards, potential for lost balls
Cost: Green fees, discounts
Ratings
Eagle = Exceptional
Birdie = Better than average
Par = Average
Bogie = Below average
Rating Categories
Setting: General course design, location, surrounding area, accessibility
Course Condition: Condition of fairways, greens, and rough
Facilities: Clubhouse, pro shop, starter, restaurant/bar, practice areas, parking
Playability: Multiple tee boxes, placement of hazards, potential for lost balls
Cost: Green fees, discounts
Golf Courses Reviewed
- Anaheim Hills - Anaheim, California
- El Dorado - Long Beach, California
- Meadowlark - Huntington Beach, California
- Rancho San Joaquin - Irvine
- Black Gold - Yorba Linda
- Brookside - Pasadena
Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course
Orange County California has an abundance of golf courses and one of the best values here is Rancho
San Joaquin Golf Course. Conveniently located in the planned community of Irvine, with the University
of California at Irvine campus on one border and the Community Senior Center adjacent to the
clubhouse this course accommodates the full spectrum of ages and abilities. One of the largest
driving ranges in the area and excellent training facilities make this is a great place for practice. The
course itself is a good track for mid to high handicappers due to the friendly placement of water and
bunkers, although there are a couple of holes which will test your nerve. This is another course
operated by American Golf Corp. and, as they do with most of their courses, the operators keep the
course in very good condition while keeping the green fees manageable. A senior discount is offered
on weekdays and we paid $43 to play with cart. American Golf often makes discount coupons
available and offers on-line specials for this and many other courses in the area.
Setting: Birdie
Course Condition: Par
Facilities: Birdie (for practice, not so much for the restaurant, bar)
Playability: Par
Cost: Birdie ($43 to ride, but discounts can be found)
Orange County California has an abundance of golf courses and one of the best values here is Rancho
San Joaquin Golf Course. Conveniently located in the planned community of Irvine, with the University
of California at Irvine campus on one border and the Community Senior Center adjacent to the
clubhouse this course accommodates the full spectrum of ages and abilities. One of the largest
driving ranges in the area and excellent training facilities make this is a great place for practice. The
course itself is a good track for mid to high handicappers due to the friendly placement of water and
bunkers, although there are a couple of holes which will test your nerve. This is another course
operated by American Golf Corp. and, as they do with most of their courses, the operators keep the
course in very good condition while keeping the green fees manageable. A senior discount is offered
on weekdays and we paid $43 to play with cart. American Golf often makes discount coupons
available and offers on-line specials for this and many other courses in the area.
Setting: Birdie
Course Condition: Par
Facilities: Birdie (for practice, not so much for the restaurant, bar)
Playability: Par
Cost: Birdie ($43 to ride, but discounts can be found)
Black Gold Golf Club – Yorba Linda, California
We found another gem of a course in Orange County this week. In the hills above Yorba Linda in
eastern Orange County is the Black Gold Golf Club. I defy you to find a flat spot on the entire course.
The rolling terrain makes each shot unique and the advice about how to play each hole on your cart’
s GPS must be heeded. Undulation continues on the greens and with the dramatic elevation
changes it is difficult to gauge the degree of break and slope, so take your time and get a few angles
on your line. Try not to be too distracted by the sweeping views afforded from most places on this
course. You can see from Newport Beach to San Pedro from here on a good day. The course is well
maintained and the clubhouse is full service. The price is attractive for seniors playing Monday
through Thursday – we paid $52 apiece including cart and free range balls.
Course Rating – Black Gold Golf Club – Yorba Linda, California
Setting: Birdie
Course Condition: Birdie
Facilities: Par
Playability: Par
Cost: Birdie ($52 to ride)
We found another gem of a course in Orange County this week. In the hills above Yorba Linda in
eastern Orange County is the Black Gold Golf Club. I defy you to find a flat spot on the entire course.
The rolling terrain makes each shot unique and the advice about how to play each hole on your cart’
s GPS must be heeded. Undulation continues on the greens and with the dramatic elevation
changes it is difficult to gauge the degree of break and slope, so take your time and get a few angles
on your line. Try not to be too distracted by the sweeping views afforded from most places on this
course. You can see from Newport Beach to San Pedro from here on a good day. The course is well
maintained and the clubhouse is full service. The price is attractive for seniors playing Monday
through Thursday – we paid $52 apiece including cart and free range balls.
Course Rating – Black Gold Golf Club – Yorba Linda, California
Setting: Birdie
Course Condition: Birdie
Facilities: Par
Playability: Par
Cost: Birdie ($52 to ride)
Brookside Golf Course – Pasadena, California
At The Back 9 of Life we have great respect for all things older than ourselves. That’s why we had
high expectations when we booked our tee time at the venerable Brookside Golf Course in “old”
Pasadena. The famed Rose Bowl, adjacent to the course, has been the site of historic
championship football games, and the course itself, opened in 1928, has hosted the LA Open. Alas,
our visit to Brookside in the present was not so awe inspiring. Problems begin with the long walk to
the clubhouse due to the limited parking shared with the many walkers, joggers, and bicyclers who
use the roads around and through the course. If you use the bag drop you’ll be leaving your clubs
unattended practically on the street until you get back from the remote parking lot. We also found
the golf starters to be unconcerned with customer service. Once on the course, however, the golf
experience was enjoyable. We played course #1 of 2 and felt that the mature trees, well maintained
greens and fairways, and strategically placed water and sand were just challenging enough to make
a satisfying round. Several par 4’s are over 400 yards and the greens are ubiquitously undulating.
Of particular note is the fast flowing drainage culvert running through the course. It is wide and lined
with concrete so any ball landing in the vicinity is doomed. If you are playing the course for the first
time, be advised you cannot see the ditch, but your ball will find it if you are over the green on
number 1, muff your tee shot on number 9, or come up short on the approach shot at number 10. On
a few other holes the culvert is an issue if you get too far left or right, so make sure you know where
it is before each shot. Should you lose a ball in the ditch you might find that an enterprising culvert
dweller has retrieved it or will be happy to sell you a replacement ball. We began to question the
availability of restrooms, food service, and drinking fountains on the front nine, and later realized
that these amenities seem to be concentrated within a few holes on the back nine. So, yes, we
respect the history of the course, but we feel the more modern golf course business model, which
focuses on customer service and amenities is preferable. This American Golf operated course is
reasonably priced – we paid $53 each including cart.
Course Rating – Brookside Golf Course – Pasadena, California
Setting: Birdie
Course Condition: Par
Facilities: Bogey
Playability: Par
Cost: Birdie ($53 to ride)
