The Ike And Babe Go Hollywood And Get Facelifts

The two 18's at Industry Hills are easier now and that's a good thing

By Eric Tracy
erictracy@earthlink.net

What I like most about the Industry Hills Golf Resort is that with two 18-hole championship courses to chose from, there's rarely a wait to play these tournament-ready hilltop playgrounds that handle about 100,000 rounds a year. And here's the good news, known for years as tough tests of golf--some thought too tough--these side-by-side courses have had a little makeover. They're easier now and as Martha Stewart would say, "that's a good thing."

The two 18's in question are the Dwight D. Eisenhower course nicknamed "The Ike" and the Babe Didrickson Zaharias course referred to as "The Babe". They are as distinctively different as the two people they were named after. The Ike is long, the Babe more narrow. The course cosmetics going on are very much welcomed. In the last year, Majestic Reality (run by L.A. Kings co-owner Ed Roski) has sunk lots of dead presidents into renovations that are still going on, but not affecting play. They are widening the fairways, cutting the rough down and strategically removing trees. The result is that the Industry Hills courses are much more playable, especially for the mid-to-high handicapper. To quote Goldilocks, the 18's at Industry Hills are "just right". One other new wrinkles: new rules now allow carts on the grass and they are letting groups out in 8-to-10 minute intervals, that's led to faster play.

A few words of caution:

There are no caddies at Industry Hills so if you walk this place you better be in shape. Either that or you may want to bring a Sherpa guide along because the climbing involved can be Mt. Everest-like. I also suggest making sure the brakes on your golf cart work, because there are no seat belts or air bags and some routes are a real roller-coaster ride, I mean "chills and thrills". Actually, it's neat to have a thrill ride mixed in with your golf. By the way, in the mornings there are joggers from the nearby Sheraton Hotel who use the course as a workout facility and jogging track. I'm sorry, there are no extra points for striking the pedestrians with errant drives.

The Ike Course, my favorite holes:

• No. 2, 345 yard par 4, which I like to call the testosterone challenge. You must make a choice: try to drive the green over the water-filled pond with a mighty poke of about 275 yards or tell your pals to shut up and play safe hitting to the right with a middle iron which leaves you a flip-wedge chip to the green. I suggested before the acid reflux kicks in, throw one back from the hip flask and at least air one out. Try not to be the first, let someone else go so you see how the wind is blowing. After your drive it's a trip down the Lombard Street-like cart path as you zig-zag to the fairway.
• No. 15, 154-yard par 3: A lovely picturesque stop with a water fall and gazebo in case you want to hold a wedding while waiting for the group ahead to putt out. Since the green slopes toward the wet area, shoot high and to the left. By the way, if the gurgling waterfall drives you nuts, the next pit stop is after the 16th hole.

One other Ike perk:

I always suggest playing the Ike first if it's your first visit. Reason being a very neat perk. After finishing the 9th hole, you and your cart get a lift, litterally. You'll get from the lower levels of the front 9 it's up to the back nine in a funicular. it's just like the one on Buncker Hill, except it's free.

The Babe Course, my favorites:

No. 3 356-yard par 4. Somehow, this wonderful pine-tree filled golf course turns into the set of "Hawaii Five-O'' when palm trees come into play for the first time. I wasn't the only one to notice this striking change of scene, it's such a shock this hole is the picture on the scorecard. Anyway, after launching off an elevated tee to a wickedly wide landing area, there's a 90-degree turn to the right to more water and palm trees. When you putt out and finish No. 4, it's back to finishing off this tropical experience on the 401-yard par 4 5th hole. The potato chip shaped green makes pin placement vital to your well-being or you'll be scuba diving in search of your little dimpled pal when he rolls off.

No. 13 and 14: Two par 3s (182 and 189 yards) give you a chance to take a breather and, if things are backed up, you can hop the fence and visit the Industry Hills Chiropractic Clinic on Azusa Ave., for a quick checkup.

Another Babe perk:

Before hitting the back 9, swing past "Babe's Junction" which may look like some kind of hokey train station, but the $3.75 Hebrew National dogs with jalepenos make stopping worth it.

How many balls to bring?

How many does your bag hold? Make sure you have enough. The renovations will save you from losing some, but if you spray it wildly, you' ll lose it.

History lesson:

Tiger Woods played here as a junior in one of the many kids' tournaments held here annually, but that was about eight years ago. Industry Hills is still very active in Junior Golf. And the LPGA used to stop here but they don't anymore. I don't know why, could it be The Babe is too tough? And, no, Ike and Babe never got a chance to play either course. But there are giant photos of them in the lobby of the hotel leading to the pro shop just in case you slept through Social Studies class and don't know who these two legends might be.

Summing it up:

On a clear day, this is the place in the San Gabriel Valley to be. And as for being bias, the Babe's backside may be very alluring, but I like Ike.

Eric Tracy

KFWB RADIO