La Canada Golf Club

La Canada is something of a hidden gem and the final three holes are a pure joy. The 16th travels dramatically downhill as it wends its way among a tapestry of trees until it reaches the green. The par-3 17th will doubtless cause havoc to many a player’s card. Although measuring just 135-metres this short hole provides the original “all duck or no dinner” tee shot. The ball has to carry a chasm and then a lake as it wings its way to its intended destination. An ability to blank out the potential for disaster will be the biggest requirement of the tee shot.

Just when you think it can get no more difficult the 18th tee provides a spectacle which is sure to cause a further tightening of the tummy muscles. The ground immediately in front of the tee drops off into a huge abyss which is filled with an eye-catching selection of trees. The drive, on this 338-metres hole, has to carry about 180-metres before it arrives out onto the fairway; anything less will require a re-load and three off the tee, and so on! The buggy-path brings you right around the edge of the gorge which must be the final resting place of countless thousands of golf balls. The fairway slopes severely from right to left as it rolls down onto a plateau from where you can see the green surrounded by a necklace of mounds while over the back does not look in the slightest bit inviting.

Although not of 24-carat quality, the variety of the holes, and dramatic views of the countryside, makes La Canada a delight to play.