CrossCreek Golf Club

When CrossCreek Golf Club opened in 2001, it was a beautifully secluded course with a gimmicky premise.  The course was presented as a Scottish links-style course. Everything related to the course, from the logo to employee outfits, tried to replicate that experience. I even saw a bagpiper out there one time.

CrossCreek seemed to have a lot of promise, destined to become one the most highly regarded tracks in the area.  I’m not so sure that came true.  The absolute biggest draw, in my opinion, is the land. It is one of the quietest places around. Other courses have a similar feel, but you are quickly reminded of where you are with houses or buildings. 

Some courses feel like the layout is just crammed in there. That is certainly not the case with CrossCreek.  There is not a single house on the course—though there are several massive properties up in the hills nearby. The front 9 is a traditional semi-links style with native grass and undulating fairways. The back 9 plays much like a Southern California mountain layout, with elevation and chaparral.

CrossCreek Golf Club Acquired In 2022 

CrossCreek never really created much buzz throughout its history. It’s just too remote for it to cross most golfers’ minds. But a renewed interest in golf means a renewed interest in this property. Cross Creek was recently purchased for $4.65 million by Kentina LLC. The company owns Galway Downs, a multi-purpose equestrian facility in Temecula, California, and hosts weddings.  New ownership provides hope that Cross Creek can finally reach its full potential as a signature Southern California wine country course. 

The sale of CrossCreek demonstrates a renewed interest in golf from players and investors. It also illustrates the growing prominence of the Temecula region, said Greg Bedell, one of the agents involved in the deal. “Since reopening in May 2020, CrossCreek experienced over a 30% increase in rounds played,”

Many of the rounds at played by golfers from LA/Orange County seeking an outdoor escape, he said. 

“The sale of CrossCreek exemplifies a renewed interest in golf from both players and investors while also illustrating the growing prominence of the Temecula region. Since reopening in May 2020 following the COVID shutdown, CrossCreek experienced over a 30% increase in rounds played year-over-year many of which were played by first-time golfers and players from Los Angeles/Orange County seeking an outdoor escape. This year is on track to be CrossCreek’s best on record.”

As far as potential future upgrades, Club + Resort Business says, “The Temecula-based buyer has deep roots in the region and is excited to build on the success of Cross Creek by enhancing the customer experience and upgrading the property. This sale reflects the trend of Inland Empire properties being acquired by Inland Empire investors [vs. LA or Orange County] demonstrates the wealth increase amongst inland investors.”

The drive into the course builds up anticipation as you enter hidden valleys that feel well off the beaten track but are just a few miles from civilization.  Many courses promise a wine country golf experience, but at CrossCreek, you genuinely feel like you are playing at a winery; the landscape is reminiscent of something you might see in Northern California.  The course is so secluded, do not expect cell phone service the entire round; this can be a problem, especially if your cart breaks down somewhere on the back 9.  As you climb up the hills to the course, you get a sense that you will see something pretty special.

The front nine is in relatively good condition and straightforward as it meanders through a meadow, creeks, and vineyards.  The first three holes require lengthy forced carries, as do several other parts of the course, so this is not necessarily the best course for beginners. 

While the par 71 does play just over 6800 yards from the blue tees, several holes require less than the driver, making this course quite challenging for even the best golfers.  While I have heard that some people walk, Cross Creek is quite spread out and hilly, so I would not recommend it here. 

CrossCreek is surrounded by native scrub and trees, so strategically placed tee shots are at a premium. Despite trouble left and right on virtually every hole, the entire course plays as a lateral hazard except for hole 7, which plays adjacent to massive vineyards—the front nine finishes with two challenging holes. 

The back 9  is much more challenging; if you do not know the course, several holes require specific distances as there are significant elevation changes and trouble on nearly every hole.  These nine plays more target-style, and you can run up the score quickly on several short but tight par 4s. The back 9 is never dull, and some stunning views are far off. The par 3s are pretty straightforward but are very scenic. The course closes with another strategically placed drive and then over a creek, the day’s theme.  

Overall, CrossCreek presents an excellent value.  The greens are in perfect condition, albeit a bit slow.  For what you are getting, you will be impressed; the other golfers at CrossCreek mentioned how the course would be 2-3 times the price if it were located anywhere else.  I don’t think you will be too disappointed to risk going a little off the beaten path to check out CrossCreek.