The San Fernando Valley is more likely to conjure images of Jeff Spicoli and Julia Richmond than it does links golf. Yet, tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Susana mountains likes a true gem of a links course, designed by none other than Gil Hanse (LACC, Winged Foot, Oakland Hills).
Like many great courses, Rustic Canyon does not establish itself with a sense of place until you are well into your round, as the location reveals itself to be something truly special. It's open, inviting layout instills golfers with a sense of confidence, as the fairways are firm and wide, allowing for the ball to easily be played on the ground. With strong Santa Ana winds battering golfers from the Northeast, Rustic was designed to play as a links-style course, with no ocean in sight. These 20+ MPH winds create issues on every single shot, and Hanse creates magic in the relationship between the ever-present winds, and the ways each player can mitigate them on each hole.
Rustic Canyon reveals itself to be one of the premier public courses in America, for the sheer value of the design on display across all 18 holes. Golden-age design features like Lion's Mouths and Biarritz are all on display, while incorporating the classic links ethos of a course shaped by the land that can be easily walked. There's even a replica of the famous "Valley of Sin" from the 17th at St. Andrews (don't be short left on 5!). Natural hazards are constantly in play, and golfers must be sure to miss their shots in the correct places, otherwise they will rightly punished.
The cult-like following this course has amongst elite amateur golfers in Southern California speaks to the quality of its design and conditions, as many players I talked with will routinely drive more than 2 hours just to play this course. The combination of world-class architecture and tournament quality playing conditions can't be found anywhere on the West Coast outside of the most exclusive country clubs, or $400+ greens fees.
Rustic Canyon is a true gem of a golf course that thrills players time and time again with its thrilling design, fantastic conditions, walkable layout, and accessible greens fees. This course should not be missed on any trip to southern California.
SPOILER RATING: 8.7