Eagle Glen Golf Club

Eagle Glen Golf Course was a delightful surprise. This course is located in the hills of Corona, California, and while the course’s best days may be behind them, Eagle Glen was once managed by upscale course operator Troon golf, so it still has a solid pedigree.

Eagle Glen is a fun and challenging course with a lot of elevation; there are a few boring holes here. I find it quite challenging to pick a signature hole. The second hole is a unique par 4 in that you will have no idea where to aim the first time you play it. The spot doglegs significantly to the right and has two fairways, a large one to the left that will leave a short second shot over a tree and ravine, or you can aim over the ridge line to clear the brush, a hazardous option.

The stretch from 3-5 are highlights of the course as this nine plays much more in the mountains compared to the back nine, which levels out into the valley. The third hole is a fantastic par five that climbs high into the Santa Ana mountains and plays along a plateau, offering beautiful views of the Inland Empire.

The fourth is a forced carry par three over a ravine to an island-type green, one of the signature holes at Eagle Glen, and reminds me a bit of Mount Woodson. The par five 5th, dubbed ‘Mount Baldy,’ is the number one handicap that requires a difficult second shot over a ravine up to a green surrounded by six bunkers. Only a long tee shot to the big landing area can consider going for it in two. And even if you do have a good look, laying up across the ravine is the most prudent play.

The ninth hole is another beauty that is a perfect way to end the front nine. The hole plays along another ridge with trouble left and right. The expansive green falls off dramatically, offering panoramic views of the valley below.

The second nine at Eagle Glen is a dramatic shift and plays in the valley but still has spectacular mountain views. The 12th hole certainly stands out; at a whopping 645 yards from the back tees, this is one of the longest par 5s in the state. 

The back 9 is much more open and forgiving overall. The 18th hole is another signature type and memorable finishing hole—a par 5 with an elevated tee box with water everywhere. A massive lake on the right side wraps around the fairway and runs up to the left side of the green.

I was impressed with Eagle Glen; it was a fun layout worth a second visit. Comparing it to a San Diego course, I would say it has elements of Mount Woodson, Steele Canyon, and The Grand Del Mar.  Course architect Gary Roger Baird also designed a personal favorite, Barona Creek Golf Club in Lakeside, California. If this course was built more recently, I imagine it would be an even more extreme layout because of the potential of the land, but there is an exciting mix of holes here that will not leave you bored.