Trump National Los Angeles

A Dye Design

Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles

Trump National Los Angeles

Los Angeles is home to a great many world-renowned golf courses. Although many are private, there are a number of notable tracks that are open to the public. Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles, designed by Pete and Perry Dye, has been consistently ranked among the top public courses in California since opening in 2006 (currently ranked number 30 by Golfweek).

History

Located about a half-hour drive south of Los Angeles International Airport on the Palos Altos Peninsula near San Pedro, Trump National got off to a rocky start (literally). Originally named Ocean Trails Golf Club and built in 1999, the course sits on high bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean with beautiful views of Catalina Island in the distance. Unfortunately, the location and features that contribute to the extraordinary beauty of the property also make it highly susceptible to landslides. Before the course could open, a slide heavily damaged the 16th and 17th holes while the 18th hole completely disappeared into ocean. The expense to stabilize the property and rebuild the closing holes was so high (approximately $20 Million) that the original owner was forced into bankruptcy. In 2002 the Trump Organization purchased the property, finalized reconstruction, and Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles opened for play in 2006.

The Course

The unique location of Trump National makes it one of the most scenic cThe unique location of Trump National make it one of the most scenic courses in the state, with gorgeous views from almost every hole. Although not known as one of Pete Dye’s most difficult layouts (USGA Rating of 74.6 with a slope of 144), at over 7,000 yards from the tips with strategically placed bunkers and gusty coastal breezes coming off of the Pacific just a stone’s throw away on so many holes, Trump National Los Angeles is a stiff test of golf for players of any level. While there are few dog legs and very wide fairways, there is not a great deal of rough, so shots that are not well placed run the risk of rolling out into a hazard. And the greens, while perfect, are highly undulated, so strong putting is at a premium. All in all, this course was definitely built for the low-handicapper, but multiple tee boxes and wide fairways also give novice golfers the chance to have a fun day while enjoying the stunning views and classic Pete Dye layout.

Trump National offers quality practice facilities as well, with a manicured grass driving range featuring multiple targets as well as putting and chipping greens.

Rick Smith Golf Academy

Trump National Los Angeles is also home to the highly acclaimed Rick Smith Golf Academy, offering private lessons, multi-day schools, clinics, video analysis and junior golf programs. Rick has worked with some of the towering figures in golf, including Jack Nicklaus and Phil Mickelson—so your game is guaranteed to improve with one of the programs the Academy has to offer.

Accommodations

The South Bay area offers a variety of wonderful hotels only minutes from Trump National,  including the Terranea Resort, the Doubletree Hotel San Pedro, the Crowne Plaza Hotel San Pedro and the Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club at Redondo Beach.

Rates

The greens fees at Trump National Los Angeles are a bit high (averaging between $200. and $300.), but they come down quite a bit in the late afternoon. There are also a variety of “VIP” programs that make the course more affordable (the standard program is $795 per year and locks your rate at $160 throughout the day with unlimited use of the practice facilities.)

The GolfDay Rating

GolfDay gives Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles a rating of 93.5, number 12 among all public courses in California.

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