Los Serranos Golf

Locals struggle at Western Hills

None did, and only one finished 36 holes.

Once you traverse the twisting road and arrive at the top, you find a magical setting, a brilliantly designed layout carved out of slopes and hills that dates back to 1963.

Of the three fellows I thought had a slim chance among the 72 players, only Bryan Kim of Chino Hills was still trodding the fairways this late sunny afternoon.

Kim had shot a contending 73 in his morning round and started the second 18 with an outside chance to finish among the leaders. He faded, however, to a 78 in the afternoon and finished with 151, tied for 16th.

Not bad, but he needed an even 144 to gain a pass to the championship, set for Aug. 22-28 at Erin Hills Country Club in Wisconsin.

Kenny Pigman, an exceptional player from Cal State San Bernardino, was a no-show; and Andrew Kramer of Chino Hills, a former University of La Verne standout, withdrew in the morning. There went the locals.

For the record, James Back rocked the course early with an amazing 67 but struggled later and turned in a 75. His 2-under 142, however, was low for the day. David Kim of Redondo Beach finished second with 143 (70-73), and Buena Park's Arnold Yoon was the third qualifier at even par (70-74-144).

So the locals went zero for three at Western Hills, but the trip to Western was worth my attention. The sun was bright, the course was especially beautiful in the afternoon, and at least one local player made a good showing.

And I made it back down the curving hill road in one piece.

North-South sharpshooters

Some mighty fine golfers are sharpening their games for the upcoming 72-hole inaugural North & South Invitational.

The tournament features only players who sport an index of 4 or lower: the best of the best, you might say. The big test is scheduled for Los Serranos Golf Course on Aug. 18-20, four rounds in three days.

Prizes include tee times at renowned courses: PGA West, Torrey Pines, Pinehurst and Pebble Beach, and $1,000 offered in scrip.

Entry is $190, and the deadline is Aug. 11. For more information, call 909-597-1769 or visit www.losserranos.com .

Los Serranos Country Club Blog

Ligustrum japonicum ‘Texanum’ is “an excellent choice,” for privacy bushes according to Jeff Benson, a Landscape Architecture student at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.  ”The most common use is for tall hedging from 6 to 10 feet tall, they are very dense, are long-lasting and perfect for hedging,” Jeff said.

Currently, there are no large bushes that line the fence on Hole #3 of the North Course.  The hedges will provide privacy to golfers as well as homeowners.

Journal

Golf course management

Senior Golf, It Takes Balls to Retire

Tiger Woods, a biography

The Best Public Golf Courses in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico