Trump National Golf Club near Los Angeles, California was originally called the Ocean Trails Golf Club and was designed by Pete Dye. Prior to its opening in 1999 a landslide destroyed several holes on the golf course and it was never opened. In 2002 Donald Trump stepped in and purchased the property and had big plans for this seaside track. Trump National is located 35 minutes south of Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes.

After much thought, Donald Trump brought in Jim Fazio and together they increased the length of the golf course to over 7,300 yards from the back tee. This golf course is known as a Donald J. Trump Signature design. This is also the only golf course in California that has an ocean view from all 18 holes.

The golf course opened for play on January 20, 2006. In addition to the golf course, players can also enjoy the over 18 miles of public access beaches that line the property. Plan to arrive early to get in some practice on the dual-sided driving range. There are three separate teeing areas that allow golfers to practice shots from different wind angles. The practice center also features areas for bunker and chipping practice.

Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles is a links-style golf course with an American flavor. You will still find the traditional pot bunkers here but most of the bunkers have the tradition "Flash" faces found on American layouts. Players are able to determine where the hole is going from the tee with very few blind shots.

There are no trees on the golf course but you will find small ground shrubs that have been known to eat a ball or two. The sides of the fairways are guarded by tall grass that can be dangerous to a good score.

The 18th hole is one of the most challenging on the golf course. Playing at over 510 yards from the back tee, this par-4 usually plays into the prevailing headwind. In order to make the hole more appealing, Trump positioned the tee 45 ft. above the fairway. This dramatic elevation changes makes for a memorable finish to a great round of golf.

From the tee the player is faced with 18 bunkers that run down the left-hand side of the fairway. The best tee shot is toward the right side of the fairway to allow for a more open shot to the green. The greens at Trump National Los Angeles are very undulating and usually run between 9-9 1/2 on the stempmeter. Many of the holes allow the players to run the ball onto the green and access the flag even if they don't hit the perfect shot.

Players are faced with similar shots they might find on the old golf courses of Scotland. As a side note, Donald Trump has deep roots in Scotland as his mother is originally a MaCleod from the Isle of Lewis.

The golf course is seeded with a great mix of grass that keeps the golf course in great shape all year round. The tees are Bluegrass, the fairways have a Bermuda base and are overseeded with Rye, the roughs are Fescue and the greens are a 1021 Bent grass. To contrast the green grass of the golf course, the bunkers have been filled with an Augusta sand that is very white.

Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles is the only golf course owned by Trump that is open to the public. Depending on the season, green fees can range from $145- $375. In order to keep the country club experience, this Trump golf course has 10-minute tee time intervals. This keeps the groups spaced out on the golf course and maintains a very quick pace of play.

According to Mike van der Goes, General Manager, "the best time to visit the golf course is in the Spring or Winter. It is during these seasons that the golf course is in the best condition. Also during the Spring everything is in bloom and the visual appeal of the golf course is greatly enhanced." Trump National-Los Angeles was ranked 38th on a recent list of "Best Courses To Play" by Golf Magazine and is always rated among the "Top 100 Golf Shops in America."

For more information about this golf course you can visit their website at www.trumpnationallosangeles.com.

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