No place is quite like California, and when it comes to great weather and scenery, Southern California may top the list. Recently, we visited SoCal and experienced a few of the clubs in the Invited portfolio – we started at Mulholland Hills, a newly reimagined country club in the Tarzana suburb of Los Angeles (San Fernando Valley).
Invited (formerly known as ClubCorp) is the largest owner and operator of private golf, and sports clubs in the United States. Each club in the portfolio has a connection to its local community and a network that expands access and experiences for its members; Invited’s reach is vast, as it manages over 150 clubs across 28 states.
Mulholland Hills Country Club
Mulholland Hills Country Club features 27 holes. Lanny Wadkins and his design firm recently redesigned the Canyon and Vista 9s, accentuating the site’s dramatic elevation changes and magnificent views of the surrounding LA area landscape. While moving earth to reshape several holes in the routing, the construction team discovered several existing rock formations that had been previously covered over. Those formations are now prevalent features and backdrops on several green surrounds.
The par 3s are some of the most memorable in Southern California, and several of the longer holes feature risk-reward elements that tempt you to be bold, while others require a keen sense of awareness to score your best. The 140 yard downhill par 3 second (Vista course) is only a short iron, but it grabs your attention early in the round – presenting several options.
The aforementioned rock formations were covered up by the previous course architect; Wadkins wisely chose to expose them as a natural feature of the property. We couldn’t agree more; not only do these formations provide added beauty and character to the site, but they also provide another element to contend with at several green sites at MHCC.
The fourth hole on the Vista course is one of the rare spots where water is visible on the property, but doesn’t really come into play.
The severely downhill ninth on the Vista course provides a challenge and a choice off the tee – where a creek runs across bisecting the hole into two separate parcels at the bottom of the hill. Stay short or try to clear it; the approach then plays slightly uphill. Although its only 373 yards from the back tees, it’s one of the most challenging holes on the property.
Our gracious host for the day was Director of Golf, Mark Gouger. Every club should have someone like Mark leading their golf operation, his team’s friendly service was evident throughout every part of the club we visited. Gouger converted his deuce for birdie after he stuffed his tee shot here at the 189-yard downhill second hole on the Canyon nine (our 11th hole of the day).
The eighth hole on the Canyon nine, tempts you to drive the green, but the proper play is a 160 – 190 yard tee shot leaving a wedge to a tricky green.
The ninth on the Canyon side played as our finisher; it’s a fun short par 3 that requires little more than short iron or wedge, to a green that’s well guarded by three well-placed bunkers.
A closer view of the surface shows off the contours that make this one-shotter tougher than it looks – especially to this front-left hole location.
Afterwards, it was time for dinner…
World Class Cuisine
Master Chef John Miller started us off with an array of sushi, which was the ideal leadoff.
Next was his spectacular presentation of eclectic cuisine for us to try… Salmon, Steak and assorted vegetables… tough to pick a favorite.
A finely crafted dessert and a view from the clubhouse terrace at Mullholland Hills, not a bad way to end the day with a drink in hand.
https://www.invitedclubs.com/clubs/mulholland-hills-country-club/
Porter Valley Country Club
Next up, we visited Porter Valley and had an absolute blast with members Scott and PJ. Porter Valley Country Club located in Northridge, California, is as much a lifestyle club for its members as it is a golf club. The main attraction is the 6,090 yard Ted Robinson, Sr. designed championship course. The routing meanders through the foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains. The site features rolling terrain and doglegs that move in both directions… challenging the recreational player and providing an enjoyable experience for the highly skilled player as well. The emphasis is not on distance, it’s shotmaking and precision that win the day here. Along with the golf practice facility, Porter Valley has aquatics, a vibrant pickleball and tennis program, a fitness center, superb dining (which we experienced), and a full slate of social and family events.
https://www.invitedclubs.com/clubs/porter-valley-country-club/
Old Ranch Country Club
Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, California was the final stop of our Invited Southern California journey. We were lucky enough to spend the day with the Ladies Club Chairman, Kim Hughes, and her husband, Glen. Their story is worthy of a separate feature, and perhaps we’ll tell that story in the future… but suffice it to say, you won’t encounter finer hosts to spend a day with than Kim and Glen.
Old Ranch Country Club is a private club featuring another Ted Robinson, Sr. design (1967). This championship course tips out at 6932 yards – par 72 on 128 acres. The site at Old Ranch is classic parkland golf, with several of the holes played through tree-lined fairways, but there are 28 acres of water hazards that require strategic navigating over or around. The routing has a secluded feel, with no residences lining the golf course. Subtle land contours provide variety throughout the round, and finely conditioned Bermudagrass surfaces from tee to green, with pure bentgrass greens, that offer an enjoyable golf experience.
Similar to the other Invited clubs we visited, the cuisine and grillroom could easily be the reason to be a member at Old Ranch. The Homestead is where members join to savor the fantastic fare and share the community vibe that is so prevalent here.
Our entire experience visiting a few of the Invited clubs of Southern California can be summed up in a word: memorable. Each club offered outstanding amenities, and at all three clubs, it was evident that the members shared a visceral sense of community. https://www.invitedclubs.com/clubs/old-ranch-country-club/
To learn more Invited clubs: https://www.invitedclubs.com/
