Late in the golf season, my thoughts start to drift to the south. As the winter months approach, I have found that on many days Ojai can be 5-7 degrees warmer. This is a wonderful excuse for a visit to one of the finest resorts on the West Coast.
The resort
The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa has long been a weekend retreat for Hollywood’s elite. This relationship dates back to the filming of Frank Capra’s “Lost Horizon” which was shot on location nearby.
The Inn’s classic Spanish-style architecture fits perfectly into this warm valley with large mountains rising up in all directions. The property sits atop a knoll affording comfortable views from its restaurants and most rooms.
In recent years, the inn has had a complete makeover to achieve a peaceful Mediterranean feel throughout the resort. Spanish tile floors give way to white stucco, wood beams and red rooftops. There are numerous water fountains and the landscaping is immaculate adding to the serenity.
The rooms are large, averaging 425 square feet and never too far from the activities. We were just steps from the pro shop, driving range and 1st tee. The restaurants were no more than a wedge shot away uphill, with the Spa equally close downhill. The resort features the finest linens with its signature “Ojai Nest” bedding. The bathrooms are oversized and stocked with Spa Ojai amenities.
The Oak Grill is one of my all-time favorite places to dine and a must for all resort guests. The views of the golf course and surrounding mountains are stunning as you dine underneath the 200-year-old Oaks giving ample protection from the sun. The food and service were excellent, as was my Moroccan Grilled Salmon.
Spa Ojai is perennially ranked in the top 10 in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast, USA Today and Trip Advisor. The spacious, relaxed setting with its Moroccan design is sure to please and another good reason to visit.
The golf
The Ojai Valley Inn Golf Club is one of the finest layouts in Southern California, having been laid out by George Thomas who also designed Riviera, Bel Air and Los Angeles Country Clubs. The course was updated in 1988 by Jay Morrish and is a classic “long short course.” While only 6,300 yards it actually plays longer with a par of 70, including many par fours more than 400 yards and par threes more than 200.
Through the years, famous pros and celebrities have flocked to its fairways. Jimmy Demaret and Doug Sanders have been pros while Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Will Smith, Kevin Costner and Michael Douglas played regularly. The Michael Douglas & Friends event was played here several times along with the PGA Champions Tour.
The most famous holes are no doubt the “Lost Holes,” which were reintroduced in 1999 having been part of the original Thomas design. The par-three 7th will command attention at just under 200 yards and slightly downhill.
The approach will need to be perfect with OB to the right, lateral canyon just left and large bunkers short. Over the years I have found it safer to shoot for the front of the green regardless of the pin position. This gives the player more landing area and a good chance to walk away with a 3 or 4 on a potentially devastating hole.
The trip
The drive to and from Ojai is a good enough reason to make the trip, especially if you are sitting in the passenger seat. If you take the 101 you will be oceanfront along the Gaviota Coast and then again just south of Carpinteria.
Take Highway 33 just before Ventura for the inland drive. Check out the Creek Rd cutoff, which will save you 10 minutes if you do not want to drive through downtown Ojai.
Junior Golf shoes
If you have junior golfers, you no doubt have had a tough time finding golf shoes that are attractive and the right size. Nike Golf has come out with an attractive line of Junior Golf shoes that will make your protégé very happy.
The Nike Advance Junior Golf shoe is the latest innovation from this company that gives juniors and women the same attention as men, a rarity in the industry.
