A Review of Industry Hills Golf Club

California is known for having some of the best and most famous golf courses in the United States.  However, many of the best golf courses in California are very exclusive private clubs that require either huge membership fees or having a lucky connection to an existing member.  While private clubs rule the rankings of the best golf courses in California there are many famous public options like Pasatiempo, Torrey Pines, and, of course, Pebble Beach Golf Links. While not often found on the list of California’s top golf courses, Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Resort has been a favorite amongst Southern California golf diehards looking for quality open-to-the-public golf at an attractive price.

Industry Hills Golf Club, nestled in the picturesque foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California, offers an unparalleled golfing experience. Boasting two championship courses, the Eisenhower and Zaharias, designed by legendary architect William F. Bell, the club provides a challenging yet scenic environment for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. With meticulously manicured fairways, stunning vistas, and top-notch amenities, including a driving range and clubhouse, Industry Hills Golf Club promises an unforgettable golfing adventure amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

 

History and Overview

Located in the San Gabriel Valley, the Industry Hills Golf Course at Pacific Palms Resort offers 650 acres of lush green featuring 36 holes of fantastic Southern California golf.  Players have access to two legendary courses, the Eisenhower (Ike) and Zaharias (Babe).

The Eisenhower course plays at 7,211 yards from the tips, plays to a par 72, has a slope rating of 140, and has a course rating of 74.8.  A true test of golf!  Since reopening in late 2006 after a multimillion-dollar renovation, the Ike has won over golfers with its traditional layout, plush fairways, and huge undulating greens.  The Ike is home to US Open Qualifying events and played host to the 2011 LPGA Tour Kia Classic.

While The Ike won’t register as one of California’s most famous golf courses, this William F. Bell design will win you over with its scenic vistas of the San Gabriel mountains and rolling terrain.

Industry Hills Golf Club

Industry Hills Golf Club’s lesser-known course is The Babe.  Affectionately named after decorated multi-sport athlete, Babe Didrickson Zaharias, The Babe ranges from 5,363 yards from the forward tees to 6,821 yards from the championship tees and plays to a par 71.  The course also features slope ratings ranging from 126 to 138.  Known for its narrow fairways, The Babe places a premium on accuracy and punishes wayward tee shots.  On many holes, the wise play off the tee could be to leave the driver in the bag and opt for iron or Fairwood off the tee instead.

For example, the par 4 2nd hole is a short dogleg right that entices a player to hit the driver off the tee. Hit it too far however and there’s a good chance you wind up in one of the bunkers hugging the left side.

Industry Hills Golf Club / The Babe #2

It doesn’t end with two great golf courses at Industry Hills Golf Club as the facility also features a full range of practice facilities to suit all skill levels of play. Practice amenities include a bi-level and night-lit astro turf driving range with target greens, a state-of-the-art short-game area with two bunkers, two greens, a rough, and four putting greens.

Industry Hills Golf Club / Practice Facility

Outside of golf, the Pacific Palms Resort offers endless amenities to make your experience off the golf course a memorable one.  The resort offers luxurious rooms and suites for overnight visitors, on-site fine California-style dining at Red Restaurant and Bar, and the Sally Spa where patrons can “experience full relaxation that will restore, realign and nourish their mind & body.”

 

What Golfers Are Saying About Industry Hills Golf Course

The common refrain on Industry Hills Golf Course is that it’s a true test of golf at a great value.  One commenter on the Industry Hills website had this to say: 

“Pristine condition, heavenly fairway, difficult greens, breathtaking views One of the best-conditioned courses I have played. The place hosted U.S. Open Qualifier and LPGA events in the past. Expect to see many great young golfers here. For the price, this is golf heaven.”

Another player after their round on The Babe remarked:

“This course is always narrow and punishing off the tee, often OB or lost on both sides of the fairway. In my mid-October round, the rough was so thick that balls easily became lost (my playing partners and I found dozens belonging to other players), and, especially given the steep slopes, nearly impossible to play out of. So if you couldn’t hit the fairway, you couldn’t play the hole. You have to be either single-digits or a mid-handicapper having a good day to have any chance, regardless of tee selection.”

So take it from your fellow amateurs, if you aren’t one of the lucky few who has access to Southern California’s more famous golf courses, visit over to Industry Hills Golf Club to get an incredible bang for your buck.

 

The Fees at Industry Hills Golf Course

Speaking of your buck, current rates at Industry Hills Golf Club are very reasonable.  On weekdays, The Ike can be played for $84 during prime hours and $55 for twilight.  The Ike will run you $99 on weekends and holidays during primetime while the twilight rate stays the same.  The Babe is even cheaper with prime rounds running for $69 on weekdays and ranging from $79 to $89 on weekends and holidays.  The Babe’s twilight rounds are also $55.

At the practice facility, a small bucket of driving range balls goes for $5 while a large bucket consisting of $100 balls goes for a very reasonable $10.

 

Conclusion

Opened in 1980, Industry Hills has been a quiet stalwart on the Southern California golf scene for over 40 years.  With two excellent courses to choose from, incredible views, and top-notch amenities that include a comprehensive practice facility, highly rated food, and a fully stocked pro shop, Industry Hills should be a must-visit if you’re looking for quality public golf in California.  It may not get nearly the hype or coverage of the more famous golf courses in the state but it still delivers plenty of value and leaves you with intentions to make a return visit.