Compton's Multimedia Gol…ifornia & Hawaii Edition)/Compton's Multimedia Golf Guide - California & Hawaii Edition.iso/articles/pgawest.car

Text File | 1992-10-13 | 4KB | 70 lines

PGA WEST^
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Southern California's Diabolical Best by Mark Soltau^
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What's it like to play golf on the moon? It's simple to find out. Just
pack up the clubs and head to the Stadium Course at PGA West in La
Quinta. It will cost less-only slightly-but the ride could be just as
bumpy.^
^
Difficulty-wise, PGA West is the highest-rated course in the state
(77.1). In 1986, the PGA Tour used the course for the Bob Hope
Classic. Unfortunately for the players, the weather was unseasonably
cold and rainy, resulting in scores that looked like they belonged more
to the senior ladies 18-hole group.^
^
Naturally, players weren't amused. Although spectators loved seeing
the pros struggle like weekend hackers, the players complained so
much that the course was removed from the rotation and hasn't been
used since.^
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This unique creation was designed by Florida architect Pete Dye, who
is noted for his originality. His forte is stadium (amphitheater) courses
and he built the diabolical Tournament Players Club in Ponte Vedra,
Florida, site of the PGA Tour's Players Championship.^
^
PGA West has many of the same characteristics as the Tournament
Players Club, including an island green, railroad ties and enough
rocks to make Fred Flintstone envious. The greens are roughly the
size of Texas and have enough undulations to bury several elephants.
Golfers have been known to disappear. It's loaded with crater-sized
grass and sand bunkers, the kind that require ladders to get out of
them. This is not to suggest the course is unfair, although you'll
probably need a stiff drink or a psychiatric appointment upon
completion of your round.^
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Like any difficult tract, home-course knowledge helps tremendously.
Until you learn the course, play smart and save yourself time and golf
balls. There are places you simply cannot hit the ball. And if you do hit
there, simply reload and save yourself the aggravation. You can thank
me later.^
^
Most holes offer two alternatives: the safe route and the gambler's
route. As Clint Eastwood said: "Do you feel lucky?" Sure, you can
save yardage by taking shortcuts. But if you fail, deep bunkers,
boulders, sand and water await. Three of the four par-3s require
lengthy carries over water. Plan on making several deposits (golf
balls) during the round.^
^
My personal favorite is the par-5 16th hole, which features a
cavernous bunker down the entire left side. Miss the green to the left
and you'll need a chair lift to get back up the hill. A 19-foot-deep
greenside bunker has walls that are taller than a double-decker bus
and not nearly as friendly.^
^
Having survived that, turn your attention to the par-3 17th, a truly
horrifying experience. It's a downhill shot to an island green.
Depending on which tees you use, the hole calls for anything from a 6-
iron to a wedge. No matter where you play from, the shot will get your
adrenalin flowing. Hit the green and your round has been a success.
Lee Trevino scored a hole-in-one here during the annual Skins Game
and earned megabucks. Most players are happy just to stay dry.^
^
In case I've given you the idea PGA West should be renamed
"Masochist Country Club," think again. Yes, it will drive you crazy. It
will also titillate your socks off. Patience, a sense of humor and extra
golf balls are the key to an enjoyable round. Yes, it's an unforgiving
course. It's also imaginative, exhilarating and fun. Frankly, there is
nothing else like it. Just remember to keep smiling. After all, you could
be doing this for a living.