The Golf Club of California in Fallbrook, CA, has a challenging layout. It's a target golf course with precise shots needed on most holes. For example, in the first part, 5, you must hit your second shot to left center. If you don't, you'll be blocked by large trees as you try to hit shot three. The green is elevated, and your ball can easily roll off. It's a difficult hole.

 

One of the par three holes has a sand trap in the middle of the green. Sometimes, the flag is placed in the right-hand corner, meaning you have little room to work with. If you land left of the sand trap, you must putt around it or perhaps chip over it. If you try to go for the pin, your ball can easily roll off the green. Another par three hole requires a carry-over water to the green. Miss and you have a lost ball.

 

And so, it goes with the course. Is it fun? Definitely. From the senior tees, the holes are not long; if you're precise, you have a good chance of getting a reasonable score. The most challenging hole is, I believe, hole 13 or 14. You must drive down the middle of the fairway. Long hitters can then hit their second shot through a lengthy opening in trees to reach the green. Most of us can't do that, so we lay up. However, your layup must be precise, or you'll have to try to hit over tall trees. A bogey on this hole is like a par for most golfers.

 

The course is semi-private, and it typically is in good shape. The Golf Club of California employees are friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Play early and beat the crowds.

The Green Green Grass of Home

 

I walked into the bar and stopped in my tracks! The band played a song that immediately ran around in my head and settled there. What was that great song?

 

The year was 1966, and I was on a ski trip to Kitzbuel, Austria. The song was The Green, Green Grass of Home, a country song made famous by Tom Jones, Porter Waggoner, and others. I tried to talk with the lead singer between songs, but he was from Hungry and spoke no English. Eventually, we left the bar, but the music stayed with me till this day. I thought of it this morning when I heard a version by Joan Baez on YouTube.

 

This catchy song tells the story of a man who dreams of his home in the country, but when he wakes up, he realizes he is in prison awaiting execution. It is a classic country song with a beautiful melody. Listen to it and see what you think!

 

 

The Journey at Pechanga

 

Over the years, I have played many golf courses in San Diego County. The Journey in Temecula is the most spectacular. This tribal course is well-maintained, long, and difficult. Most golfers should play up a tee, as several holes require a lengthy carry.

 

The signature hole is the sixth, where you shoot from an elevated tee over the brush to the fairway. Think elevated times three! Then, you must hit downhill to a hidden green. The good news is that your ball will get a lot of roll. But be careful because a good shot might be too long and thus gone forever. 

 

Many of the holes on the course present obstacles in terms of water, trees, ravines, and arroyos. The greens are large and fast and often surrounded by different hazards. If you are not accurate, you may not be a happy golfer.

 

The journey has a five-star range with manicured grass and free practice balls. The short-game facility is also excellent, with traps and two greens. The rounds are very well organized and run. It is an excellent golf experience. The after-play café is terrific.

 

Is the Journey expensive? You can probably guess that it is. In the past, I have usually tried to play there once a year.