Los Angeles County Golf Course Review
Trump National Golf Course Review
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
72.1 rating; 138 slope |
Trump National Golf Course Summary: When the Donald took over this Pete Dye design after the 18th golf hole fell into the ocean way back when, who knew what would happen? For one, Trump became president of the United States, which changed a lot of things. But, from golf course perspective, what did happen was the most expensive golf course ever made: a strange creation of beautiful golf vistas, mixed with the unusual vision of Trump. There is opulence, crushed marble bunkers and good conditions, as well as bizarre green tiers, lots of environmental hazards and some forgettable golf holes. Of course, any round with Trump’s name is heavily priced, but this golf course is good, with great views and is definitely a unique experience. As a general rule, the front nine is more hard than good and the back nine is more fun and memorable. The tees here are not the tips as they stretch out to a ridiculous length that most golfers should avoid. The top holes are reviewed below:
Trump National Hole 1: The starting hole has a long history. For those who have played it recently, this picture will be confusing. When originally purchased by Trump, this hole had a super-intimidating approach with water on three sides of the green and a huge waterfall backdrop that the golfer would drive through on the way to #2. It was quite a statement and very Trump-esque. However, due to trying to make the course more "tour ready", ultimately the theatrics were removed in favor of a much more mundane opening hole with a yawning bunker the front of the green. As a golfer who likes unique and even over-the-top holes from time to time, I prefer the older hole.
Trump National Hole 1: The starting hole has a long history. For those who have played it recently, this picture will be confusing. When originally purchased by Trump, this hole had a super-intimidating approach with water on three sides of the green and a huge waterfall backdrop that the golfer would drive through on the way to #2. It was quite a statement and very Trump-esque. However, due to trying to make the course more "tour ready", ultimately the theatrics were removed in favor of a much more mundane opening hole with a yawning bunker the front of the green. As a golfer who likes unique and even over-the-top holes from time to time, I prefer the older hole.
Trump National Hole 5: The front nine is characterized by 5 holes that are essentially terraces running between scrub covered hillsides on both sides of the narrow fairways. Three of them run east and generally play downwind. The 5th and 6th are nearly carbon copies in the shots they require and head west, usually into a prevailing wind, making them both demanding. This one is the longer and harder of the two.
Trump National Hole 6: Very similar to the previous par four, this one is shorter, but still plays long, requiring top notch shots from tee to green to make a par. It feels wider than the previous hole, but ultimately is not.
Trump National Hole 8: The best par three on the course features a downhill shot with a lake short and left of the green. The putting surface has subtle contours and it difficult to read.
Trump National Hole 9: This long par four presents choices off the tee. The huge bunker on the left of the fairway can be flown, but this will flirt with the thick rough and the lake if hit too far. However, the approach over the lake to the green is from a better angle and shorter. The safer play to the right will keep the ball away from the water, but any pin cut right of center will be made inaccessible by the bunkers on the right of the green.
Trump National Hole 10: A very short par four with amazing views from the tee and one that tempts the player to fly the junk and go for the green. However, the green has a very deep bunker in front and not a lot of room to miss long either. Thus, the normal play will be to the small fairway, leaving a short iron to the green.
Trump National Hole 11: This long par three has trouble to the right but plenty of bailout left if the golfer is willing and able to get up and down. The views are outstanding.
Trump National Hole 13: This visually stunning par four is angled brilliantly off the tee and fits a fade perfectly. Missing the fairway will likely yield a penalty stroke but it's fairly wide. The green is slightly elevated and has a couple of bunkers to contend with.
Trump National Hole 15: This mini little par three is well-designed with the narrow and angled green presenting a challenge to get close, even with a short iron. Pretty much any miss in any direction leaves a nasty up and down.
Trump National Hole 18: The most expensive golf hole in the history of golf has a lot of sand traps running throughout its length, which is formidable. From the tips, the hole is almost comically long, with a beast of a drive needed. The green sits elevated with 200 degree views of the ocean: a very pretty end to the golf course.