Designed 50 years ago by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the course renovation at the Tarzana, Calif. club involved a modern redesign and lengthening by his son, Rees Jones. All turfgrass was replaced with hybrid Bermuda that, along with more native landscaping, will require 30 percent less water. Strategic tree removal and better-positioned bunkers have also helped to make the course more challenging and rewarding. The renovation also included upgraded tennis and newly built pickleball courts, and a fine-tuning of the dining program.
Culminating an ambitious three-year, $10 million renovation to modernize and increase the environmental sustainability and all-level playability of its championship golf course, El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, Calif. recently celebrated the course’s long-awaited relaunch. Originally designed 50 years ago by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the course has been redesigned by his son, Rees Jones.
El Caballero’s par-71 course—which has been recognized by Los Angeles magazine as “the finest in the Valley” and has a long history that includes hosting a USGA championship, numerous U.S. Open Sectional Qualifiers, LPGA events and charity tournaments—has been lengthened to approximately 7,019 yards, with all turfgrass replaced with hybrid Bermuda, a more drought and disease-tolerant blend. Along with native landscaping, the new course design will save more than 35 million gallons of water per year, using 30 percent less than in the past.
Other features of the renovation included strategic tree removal, improved designs on all putting greens, better-positioned bunkers and other elements, to make the course more challenging for the better player and more rewarding for the average player.
“The course’s modern redesign will give players a state-of-an-art experience, providing them with the tools they need to improve their skill level,” said Tasha Bohlig, PGA, El Caballero’s Head Golf Professional.
El Caballero’s golf practice facility also features tech-driven diagnostic tools, including Toptracer and Flightscope, to benefit players of all levels as they are guided by a team of PGA-certified golf professionals.
The $10 million renovation also touched other aspects of the club, including upgraded tennis and newly built pickleball courts and a fine-tuning of the dining program.
“We are excited to relaunch El Caballero and position our championship golf course for the future, especially in light of recurring drought conditions in California and the need to be a responsible environmental leader in the golf community,” said Phil Lopez, El Caballero’s General Manager/COO. “Now more than ever, we all need a sense of community and shared experiences to sustain us during these challenging times. We know our members feel that at ‘El Cab.’”
Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, El Caballero offers a welcoming second home and ambient sense of community. Many families have belonged to ‘El Cab’ for generations, and its diverse membership continues to reflect its founding mandate in the modern era of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The club set a new national standard as a non-discriminatory country club upon its opening in 1957. Founder Bernie Shapiro declared that “No person shall be denied the privilege of the club, or employment by it, because of their race, color, creed, gender or religious belief.” Instead, potential members were evaluated based on their reputation, community service and philanthropy.
Tell Us What You Think!
You must be logged in to post a comment.