Southern California: A Golfer's Paradise

Southern California is home to some of the best and most exclusive golf destinations in the world. Whether you golf for pleasure or for business, the vast array of courses located in our very backyards should not be missed. A phenomenal networking tool, belonging to one of these exclusive golf and country clubs could have you playing rounds with some of the world’s most popular actors, powerful politicians, and even world-class athletes.

Perhaps the most elite course in Los Angeles is the Pacific Palisade's Riviera Country Club. This course is second to none and has been home to some of the most prestigious tournaments: one U.S. Open, two PGA Championships, & one U.S. Senior Open. This illustrious members-only haven evokes LA's eponymous allure -- it was once a popular hangout for Humphrey Bogart in his heyday. Although the course has gone through some cosmetic repairs, the course has not been drastically changed since its inception in 1927.

The front nine is inviting yet challenging at the same time; Riviera opens with a short par five that tempts players to use their driver, but they must be careful, as there is a lot of room for the ball to travel out of bounds on the left side. One of golf’s all-time best players, Ben Hogan, has called the fourth hole “the best par 3 in America.” The front nine challenges players throughout each hole with narrow fairways and well-placed bunkers. It's not the longest nine holes, but the litany of obstacles makes it enough of a test for any golfer to want to play again.

The back nine tests players' moxie. The tenth hole is a short par four, and the farther the ball is hit, the easier scoring will be. However, if your tee shot is less than desirable, a plethora of bunkers in the fairway and near the green protect the hole. The back nine boasts holes with multi-tiered greens, blind tee shots, and windy conditions because of the breeze that whips off of the Pacific Ocean. 

Par is 71 for 18 holes and has a total yardage of just a hair over 7,000 yards. 

Riviera Country Club (image via ronnieanddaniela.com)

Another exclusive, swoon-worthy Los Angeles adjacent course is the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes. This breathtaking, public club boasts exquisite views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island and is home to the annual Michael Douglas Pro-Celebrity and Friends Golf Tournament. Trump National Golf Club offers everything you’d come to expect out of a Trump owned property; it is the apex of the luxurious public golf experience. It has world renowned dining, unrivaled customer service, a 45,000 square foot club house, state of the art locker rooms, a stocked-to-the-brim pro shop, and even a grand ballroom. The course itself was designed by famous golf course designer Pete Dye and offer golfers a challenging yet scenic day of play.

Trump National Golf Club (image via trumpnationallosangeles.com)

The Los Angeles Country Club is another top-tier Los Angeles golfing destination, and is located mere blocks from the UCLA campus. In 2010, LACC unveiled a new links course, meaning one that is flatter and longer than most normal golf courses. The ‘links’ style is refreshing for LA golfers and pays homage to the style in which the first ever golf courses were designed. Many golfers enjoy this style, as there are less obstacles than regular, non-links styled courses. LACC boasts a beautiful ballroom, wonderful restaurant, and is an all-around top quality exclusive club that is truly everything LA stands for.

Los Angeles Country Club (image via golfadvisor.com)

A roundup of the most exclusive golf destinations in Los Angeles would not be complete without highlighting Wilshire Country Club. Wilshire has a storied past and is significant to the city of Los Angeles. Similar to LACC, Wilshire is located in the heart of LA and has been attracting LA’s elite since 1909. Whether it’s a business tycoon or a movie star, Wilshire is often where LA’s most successful tee-off. Howard Hughes was such a fan of Wilshire, that he built a home right off of the green on the course’s eighth hole. 

The course itself is challenging and has hosted a myriad of prestigious tournaments, including the LA Open, and most notably, the Senior PGA & LPGA Championships. If you want to play at Wilshire, you’ll have to know a member; one way Wilshire retains its exclusivity is to require anyone playing to be accompanied by a member.

Wilshire Country Club (image via hopeforlosangeles.wordpress.com)

Bel Air Country Club boasts the most prestigious list of famous members, including Jack Nicholson, Dennis Quaid, Luke Wilson, Kelsey Grammar, Clint Eastwood, and Tom Cruise.

Bel-Air is renowned for its lush estate and a creatively guided course that makes for a variety of tricky approach shots. Players are taken over a bridge, in multiple tunnels and much more.

Past members have included the likes of Ronald Reagan, Bing Crosby, Richard Nixon, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, James Stewart, Fred Astaire and Spencer Tracy, and many, many more notable individuals.

Bel Air Country Club (image via travelblog.com)

Just outside of Los Angeles, in Pasadena is Annandale Golf Club. This five star private club has been an LA golfing staple for over a century and was founded in 1906 by prominent members of society including Henry Huntington. Renowned golf course architect Brian Silva redesigned this course in 2007; with 6 sets of tees for every skill level, this beautiful course is accommodating for golfers of many skill levels. Annandale is known for boasting some of the best groundskeeping in the world. The course has wide vistas and is known for having some of the best grounds keeping of any golf course in the world. If their impressive course and tournament schedule aren't enticing enough, Annandale's year-round calendar of varied social events, such as their Summer Friday Night BBQs, Daddy Daughter Dances and delectable brunches will make you want to join as soon as you move into the 91030.

Annandale Golf Club (image via annandalegolf.com)

As a member of Wilshire Country Club for 28 years, and having frequented Los Angeles Country Club as my mother-in-law's guest, I might be a bit biased... these clubs are all phenomenal, though, and are such a fun aspect of living in the greater Los Angeles area! 

The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast and the Lakeside Golf Club in Burbank are also exquisite golfing destinations in Southern California that should not be missed. Are nearby, top rated golf courses an important part of your home-buying search?

South Bay: Unrivaled Beauty

Image via www.laexeclimo.com

Many considerations go into purchasing property in a new location. Choosing this location becomes a matter of balancing your needs with what the region you’re considering offers. Whether you’re looking to start a family, open a new business, or enjoy a relaxed life at the beach, knowing what regions cater to your needs is crucial. The South Bay offers an outstanding, high value myriad of property choices across its 19 different cities. With its many beach cities and fine school districts, South Bay neighborhoods carry a distinct charm that influences their accessibility and excellent standard of living. 

South Bay’s beach cities provide aquatic entertainment for all. From surfing to scuba diving, fishing to boating, and beach volleyball to scuba diving, there’s something for everyone. When you’ve had your fill of the ocean, land attractions and entertainment options await.

South Bay’s beautiful beach cities enjoy wonderful climates and a bevy of entertainment options both on and off the beach. One option, Manhattan Beach, has ideal weather great for daily trips to the beach. A part of The Strand, Manhattan Beach is home to many charming shops on its world-class beaches, and this beach often hosts professional beach volleyball tournaments. Hermosa Beach has wonderful weather, as well, and is home to many festivals and iconic establishments such as the Comedy & Magic Club which hosts Jay Leno on Sunday nights. This beach also has many parks that boast smog-free air, despite their proximity to Los Angeles. Redondo Beach offers a blend of its neighbors’ entertainment options; here you can enjoy a surf session one morning then tour the Redondo Beach Historical Museum in the afternoon. This beach is also home to the South Bay Galleria, a three story monument for shop-til-you-drop fashion enthusiasts. Finally, El Segundo distinguishes itself from other cities as a very urban neighborhood. A winner of awards for most business-friendly, its proximity to LAX has incentivized businesses in the aeronautics industry to open up shop in this area. 

South Bay is also home to many fine dining options (some cities have even outlawed the development of fast food restaurants to preserve a unique dining experience). 

If you’re looking for properties that offer competitive school districts, South Bay’s cities have some of the most highly distinguished districts in California. Manhattan Beach is commonly referred to as the 2nd most educated city in Los Angeles and Forbes recently named its school district 6th overall in the country. Hermosa Beach proudly ranks among the top 10% of schools, consistently ranking in the 80-90th percentile range. Palos Verdes takes the cake with one of the highest average SAT scores, highest percentage of students successfully taking Advance Placement exams, and has one of the highest API scores in California. 

The 19 cities of South Bay hold attractions and community offerings for everyone. From leisurely beach-living to successful family-oriented school districts, you’ll find a property here that’ll fulfills each of your lifestyle needs. 

January Newsletter

The Best Energy-Saving Appliances

When enhancing your home with any upgrade, big or small, it’s essential to consider how much of your investment you’ll ultimately receive in return. When most homeowners consider upgrades, the first priority that comes to mind is the kitchen, which leads to appliances. Investing in the best quality energy-saving appliances on the market will not only increase the value of your home, but also save you ample money on a monthly basis.

Heating and Cooling Units

By Far, central heating and cooling units use up the most energy in homes – it takes significant amounts of energy to maintain the perfect temperatures you desire. By finding a central air unit that strikes a balance between being an energy saver and being a good price, you can add additional value to your home. Consider systems that also have easy to use interfaces so that setting up the thermostat is a breeze. Coleman’s Echelon HC8B has quite a high 18 SEER value, is quiet, and comes with a touch screen display for programming the temperature. The Dave Lennox XC25 A/C unit has received top remarks for its silent efficient operation, as well. For a comprehensive guide to what an energy-efficient air conditioner is, and how to choose one, click here for IceBlast’s guide.

Refrigerators

Refrigerators are often major focal points when designing or renovating a kitchen. Seeing a current, large fridge sets the tone for evaluating a kitchen’s design. Although most are stainless steel, variations in door types (a French variety, for example) add small hints of unique design palettes. Most refrigerators on the market with modern designs use larger amounts of energy because of the placement of the freezer, but if you’re looking for a comfortable balance between the two, try Fisher-Paykel's Active Smart RF201ADX. It boasts a beautiful French door design, has a generous amount of space, and is a smart buy in terms of energy efficiency. You can also sift through 2015’s best fridges to make choosing the right one for your home an easier task. 

Washing Machines

This third appliance that contributes to your energy bill has a doubling effect on your bills; washing machines use both electricity and water. By updating to a more efficient model, with larger space and more efficient cycles, you can cut down on how long it takes to do your laundry, lower how much water is used over time, as well as minimize how often you wash your clothes. The LG WM4270H is an example of an efficient low-cost upgrade to your washing machine; it even has an intuitive LED display and settings that wash a full cycle of clothes in just under 30 minutes!

If you’re not quite ready for new appliances, consider a smaller change, like installing Energy Star windows, to help lower your energy bills. Be mindful of all options available to you when upgrading – it’s key to making the right choices. Whether your goal is to create a more aesthetically pleasing environment by ridding of anything out of date, or if you are trying to conserve energy and lower your monthly household bills, there are a bevy of energy-saving appliances worth researching —and installing—!

Home Features Worth the Splurge

When choosing to splurge on an expensive home feature, like a new swimming pool or the addition of a guest house or tennis court, consider if you’re motivated by the potential resale value, your own personal enjoyment, or both. Choose to splurge on the little things to make a large overall impact on your home, both for you and for the health of your future list price.

Additional bedrooms are smart additions that add tremendous value to your home if done well, and if you truly have the space to do so. Don’t cut an existing bedroom in half to make two very tiny ones, but if the size of your lot allows you to expand, choose this investment! Don’t forget about the possibilities in your attic or basement, as they could make media rooms or home offices that can be useful to your family right now, and provide more living space for future buyers, should you decide to sell.

Paint and hardware are prime examples of details making a big difference. Fresh paint in every room of your house and on the exteriors truly will transform your property, making it instantly feel current, clean and comfortable. Often overlooked, paint is a terrific investment when looking to spruce up your home, especially if you’re putting it on the market. Also, consider your hardware. Are your handles and cabinet pulls all in keeping with the décor and design aesthetic of your home? Go a step forward and switch out your light switch covers… there’s a myriad of options, from gold to stone to wood that are guaranteed to immediately make your home feel more put together and chic.

Landscaping is something that can be a sporadic expense (or a nonexistent one) that needs to be taken care of. While the inside of your home may matter the most to you, the exterior is how your home is presented. Hire a great landscaper, or, if you have a green thumb, DIY your outdoor space, front and back, to notice a drastic difference in the look of your property. Seasonal flowers, bushes and other foliage will brighten up your property, for either your family to enjoy, or for potential buyers to marvel over. 

If you love your house, but there are areas you’d like to improve, why not make the changes so that you can enjoy your home even more? When and if you list your property, these additions will surely boost its value. It's a win, win!