Santa Anita Golf Course

Originally part of the "Lucky" Baldwin Ranch, Santa Anita's history dates back to the days when its broad oaks sheltered places where Indians camped.

Ross was an observer with the 8th Balloon Company and was killed in action in France on September 26, 1918, the only U.S. Army balloonist to die in combat.

A sand green golf course appeared following the closure of the school and Arcadia citizens took it over and operated it as a highly successful club.

In 1935, through an act of Congress, the United States Department of War deeded 185 acres to Los Angeles County with the provision that it be used as a park and recreation center.

The original dog leg left configuration and chute of trees has been lost and the hole now plays due east and relatively straight.

Additionally significant changes were made to the short 281 yard par 4 17th hole where the large expanse of sand on the left side (south) was replaced with grass.

The hole retains its name from the time (Desert) but has lost much character and altered the strategic challenge of its original configuration.

The 18th Green was moved forward to make way for clubhouse construction but the total yardage remained the same as the tee box was lengthened.

In 2016, the course ownership was once again changed to the local private equity firm Strato Partners who operates it on behalf of Los Angeles County.

Named "Power" for the strength required to reach the green when the original design measured 580 yards.

The landing area for second shots is undulating and features a central bunker that forces a decision on the angle of approach to the green.

A ridge runs diagonally across the fairway in the landing zone and will hold back a short drive forcing a long shot to an elevated and well protected green.

As designed the area to the left of the green featured a bunker that was replaced with a grassy swale that allowed a secure bailout option.

The green is 38 yards deep and protected by a false front, a large bunker on the left and a massive 20 foot drop off to the right.

The swale to the right of the green was subtle as designed, but with time and traffic it has eroded and now will challenge the unfortunate golfer with an extraordinarily difficult recovery shot from a dirt lie.

Time has increased the forward slope of the green and the large false front creates an optical illusion and complicates club selection.

The dog leg was protected by numerous bunkers left and shots played out to the right were funneled into a swale with difficult side and uphill lies.

The deep green sloped towards the back and with rear pin positions could play as long as 460 yards.

As constructed the hole ran straight to the green with the wide fairway protected by bunkers left, right and center.

The hump obscures many of the pin positions and requires a thoughtful drive to insure an clear approach to the flag.

This classic piece of golf architecture usually is designed to be played with a running shot that would feed to the green and down to protected pin.

The changes with grasses over time has significantly limited this style of shot as it now grabs most approaches and forces a long carry into the green made more difficult by afternoon winds.

Named "Crow's Nest" as an homage to Lucky Baldwin's old race track that once occupied the site.

Named "Thorn" in honor of the rose bush planter that decorates the area between the 15th green and 16th tee.

Following the 1955 remodel the maturing trees protect both sides and a swale on the left makes for uneven lies.

Named "Desert" in honor of a large 200 yard sand waste area that once ran up the left hand side of the fairway forcing tee shots to the right.

The difficult dog leg right once featured an extensive bunker complex and an out of bounds to the right along the 10th fairway (removed once the trees matured).

The fairway is undulating and the landing zone is bisected by a large ridge that runs away left to right from the teeing ground.

Time has deepened the area between the ridge and the fairway and significantly altered the strategic nature of the hole.

The depression is worn bare by carts and maintenance equipment and makes for an incredibly difficult second shot .