Los Angeles County Golf Course Reviews
Robinson Ranch, Valley Golf Course Review
Santa Clarita, CA
74.5 rating; 140 slope |
Robinson Ranch Scorecard from the longest tees, as of the date of last review
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Robinson Ranch, Valley Course Overview: The more difficult of the two golf courses at Robinson Ranch is a brutal test of golfing skill. The back nine features “Death Row” that runs from holes 13 through 17 and is one of the more difficult strings of golf holes anywhere. The running theme throughout the course is strategic use of large trees in fairways that must be maneuvered around for optimal results and hazards seemingly everywhere. HOWEVER, note that a few years back the Robinson Ranch golf courses changed ownership (and names) and were consolidated into three nines. Some of the original holes may exist, but I have not been back to review any of the holes at this complex since. See a few of the many good golf holes reviewed below:
Robinson Ranch, Valley Course Hole 2: This tight par four features a fairway that slopes from left to right, which pushes balls towards a dry creek bed. Left of the fairway, however, is a large tree, bunker and hillside that will nab the over-protected shot. Thus, a well-sculpted drive is a must. The approach appears reasonable, but like most greens at the Valley Course, getting close to most pins is made difficult by deep bunkers and strategic slopes.
Robinson Ranch, Valley Course Hole 6: One of the shorter golf holes at the Valley course, this one features a fairly straightforward drive, as long as it doesn't go right into the trees, or too far into the creek. The approach, however, is to a wide, shallow green with deep bunkers that will make life miserable for any shot that isn't on target.
Robinson Ranch, Valley Course Hole 8: A short par four at less than 300 yards seems simple as two short irons can do the trick, but the fairway is narrow, and the elevated green is fronted by a series of pot bunkers short and contoured slopes and hills on all the other sides. So, hitting the small green is difficult, but hitting the wrong part of the green will make three putting an all too familiar scene. The gutsy (or foolish) golfer can try to put their drive over the hill and reach the green in one, which is a tough, but would-be miraculous, option.
Robinson Ranch, Valley Course Hole 9: This par five has a great view from the elevated tee box. A huge oak tree in its dead center plagues the fairway. It can be flown or avoided left or right, but it takes a good shot, especially as a wide berth of wood chips surrounds it. The second and third shots must avoid the lake to the left of the fairway and green.
Robinson Ranch, Valley Course Hole 13 (right): The start of “Death Row” is a long, sweeping dogleg right par five that requires three excellent shots. The tee shot must be hit long and straight to avoid the chaparral on both sides of the fairway. The second shot must then set up a good third depending on pin position. The green is situated on the far side of a dry creek bed and the best angle of approach if the pin is middle or back is from the right side of the fairway. However, if the golfer is too far right or too far away, large oak trees will become part of the already difficult equation.
Robinson Ranch, Valley Course Hole 14 (below): This par 3 is almost too difficult. From the back tees a fairway wood or driver will most likely be the play, which isn’t comforting as the chaparral surrounding the green left and right isn’t too far away. To make matters worse, there is an enormous tier running through the middle of the green, which is huge. So, any pin placement in the back of the green makes the shot unbearably long and difficult. Par here is a real victory.
Robinson Ranch, Valley Course Hole 14 (below): This par 3 is almost too difficult. From the back tees a fairway wood or driver will most likely be the play, which isn’t comforting as the chaparral surrounding the green left and right isn’t too far away. To make matters worse, there is an enormous tier running through the middle of the green, which is huge. So, any pin placement in the back of the green makes the shot unbearably long and difficult. Par here is a real victory.
Robinson Ranch, Valley Course Hole 15: Another good hole making use of existing oak trees, this one has an elevated tee box and doglegs left around the trees. The tendency is to go big and clear the trees, which leaves an easier approach to the tricky, multi-tiered green, but should the long drive go even slightly right, a hazard stroke will be collected. The lay up shot will require a long approach that must successfully navigate around the trees.
Robinson Ranch, Valley Course Hole 16: This par four is a classic cross-over hole with a twist. Most golfers will put their drive in the fairway, avoiding the lake left. However, any shot right of center will be left with a very difficult angle to the green, over another lake (now on the right, which also wraps around behind the green) and a bunker. The truly aggressive play is to fly the original lake on the left with driver. However, it is a long carry and a dangerous alternative. The back right pin placement is diabolical as anything hit long or right will careen down the slope into the water.
Robinson Ranch, Valley Course Hole 17: The end of "Death Row" is a long dogleg left par four with a tough drive. Trouble in the form of bunkers and trees left and hazard right make a long, straight drive a must. This is even more important as the green is relatively small, well-guarded by sand, and over a dry creek bed.
