I have been playing this course since 1970, althought only about an average of once per year. I have come to appreciate just what a wonderful design this course has. Now one of my favorite "traditiona... Continue »

I have been playing this course since 1970, althought only about an average of once per year. I have come to appreciate just what a wonderful design this course has. Now one of my favorite "traditional" courses. Recently the overall condition of the course has greatly improved from what it was in the 70's & 80's. My only complaint is how slow it plays now. (Different make up of golfers now!) Wish this course was located in Orange County ..... no, then it would cost $100 to play, so leave it where it's at!

It's been a while since I played out here and man-o-man has it gone down hill. The greens are recovering from punching but there are many bad patchy spots and people still refuse to fix ball marks. I ... Continue »

It's been a while since I played out here and man-o-man has it gone down hill. The greens are recovering from punching but there are many bad patchy spots and people still refuse to fix ball marks. I played with a threesome that I saw actually step over, on and around them but never once in 18 holes did they actually fix one. When I mentioned it on several occations they just smiled and chuckled.
The tee boxes are really thin and some had no grass at all in areas. The fairways were ok in spots but not at all that great even for an often played muni.
Overall the course has always been a nice layout that is wide open and fairly easy to play and for $25 walking it's hard to complain but it could be in much, much better condition. While I understand it's the end of summer and the water issues being what they are the simple fact that players are not doing what they can to help out not only the course, the game, each other and even themselves by filling divots in fairways and tee boxes and fixing ball marks on the greens is completely unacceptable to me. Sorry for preaching but it doesnt take much effort to respect the game we play and the field we play it on.

Played on 9/16/2009. Several bunkers are being re-worked, and many areas of ground under repair. Greens are spotty, and sloooooooooow. Got around in just under 4 1/2 hours. If course were in great con... Continue »

Played on 9/16/2009. Several bunkers are being re-worked, and many areas of ground under repair. Greens are spotty, and sloooooooooow. Got around in just under 4 1/2 hours. If course were in great condition, the layout is interesting enough to keep your attention. Many undulations in fairways, but flat greens. $37.50 weekday price is fair fee, but I would not play here if fees were any higher. Nice view of San Gabriel mountains...Give it a try.

I was lucky to get out this morning before 7:00AM and finished the round before 11:00AM at which point the temp was 100 degrees. I thought that the condition of the greens was below what I normally s... Continue »

I was lucky to get out this morning before 7:00AM and finished the round before 11:00AM at which point the temp was 100 degrees. I thought that the condition of the greens was below what I normally see at this course. The held fine (mainly due to all fo the watering) but were really bumpy, due to some really bad patches on most all of the greens. The fairways had a few bad spots, but I anticipate that this time of year. They are repairing most of the bunkers. I was only in one bunker today, on the front of the 15th hole. This is not one of the bunkers that is currently under repair and I do not know if the super intends to make any improvements to some of these old bunkers. I found out that below the thin surface of sand is nothing but hard compacted dirt. All of these old bunkers have deepend over time (this is a very old course) and really need to be improved. I don't know the conditions of too many of the other courses in LA as I typically play in Ventura County these days, but I would give Santa Anita a bit of a rest until it corrects some of these problems. I don't think that the heat and water shortage can be blamed for all of these problems.

For years, this course has always been in excellent condition....but not any longer! It is quickly becoming a cow pasture. The greens used to be pristine, now they look like crap.....yesterday guys we... Continue »

For years, this course has always been in excellent condition....but not any longer! It is quickly becoming a cow pasture. The greens used to be pristine, now they look like crap.....yesterday guys were saying it was like they had to putt through a sand trap on some greens, others look like a war zone. Fairways are thin with many bare spots. While they are remodeling some traps on the course (working very slowly), the rest has deteriated over the past two months. I have played here every Wednesday for the past twenty weeks....I'm done and not coming back. Don't waste your money here.

For years, this course has always been in excellent condition....but not any longer! It is quickly becoming a cow pasture. The greens used to be pristine, now they look like crap.....yesterday guys we... Continue »

For years, this course has always been in excellent condition....but not any longer! It is quickly becoming a cow pasture. The greens used to be pristine, now they look like crap.....yesterday guys were saying it was like they had to putt through a sand trap on some greens, others look like a war zone. Fairways are thin with many bare spots. While they are remodeling some traps on the course (working very slowly), the rest has deteriated over the past two months. I have played here every Wednesday for the past twenty weeks....I'm done and not coming back. Don't waste your money here.

I played Santa Anita Wednesday morning and the conditions were nice, especially this time of year. Typically the crew pours a lot of water on the course early in the morning during the summer. Howev... Continue »

I played Santa Anita Wednesday morning and the conditions were nice, especially this time of year. Typically the crew pours a lot of water on the course early in the morning during the summer. However, I did not find much standing water anywhere. I arrived on the course at 8:45, and Ed got me out with the next group off the first tee. The tees were in good shape. The greens were a little on the slow side, but held all iron shots. They are creating new bunkers on the 9th and 18th holes. On the 9th there will be a new fairway bunker on the left side at about the 200 yd mark. The bunker on right side of the 9th green will be improved and made bigger. On the 18th green there will be a new bunker on the back right. I think that the new bunkers on the 9th hole make a lot of sense. I am reserving judgment on the the bunker on the 18th green. For most golfers, the 18th hole does not need additional problems to avoid.

I finished my round in under four hours which is pretty good for Santa Anita. Most of the bunkers on the course have been improved with new sand (it was about time). The staff was very nice (as usual).

Played 7/26 Arrived at 4:35 to get on the waiting list as a 2sm. Got out as the 4th group out of the day. Played with two singles great guys whick made for a great round of morning golf. Course was in... Continue »

Played 7/26 Arrived at 4:35 to get on the waiting list as a 2sm. Got out as the 4th group out of the day. Played with two singles great guys whick made for a great round of morning golf. Course was in great shape as always just stay out of the bunkers. They are working on them so its understandable. Only 2 tee boxes where a little ruff but greens rolled well and fairways where in great shape. 4 hour round never had to wait to hit a shot.

***MAINTENANCE ALERT*** Played here 7/24 and was surprised to see some major work being done on many of the bunkers. This is good news considering the bunkers have been the biggest inconsistency on ... Continue »

***MAINTENANCE ALERT*** Played here 7/24 and was surprised to see some major work being done on many of the bunkers. This is good news considering the bunkers have been the biggest inconsistency on this course which is almost always in good to really good shape. I noticed that they are adding and even EXPANDING a few bunkers. I look forward to seeing how much "teeth" they will add to this shortish course. My buddies and I played them as G.U.R. (lucky for me) Otherwise the course is in its regular good playing conditions. Play well!!