El Caballero Country Club celebrated its long-awaited relaunch last week, the culmination of a three-year, $10 million renovation to modernize its championship golf course.
The par-71 course in Tarzana was upgraded to increase the environmental sustainability and all-level playability of the greens. The course has been lengthened to approximately 7,019 yards, with all turfgrass being replaced with hybrid Bermuda, a drought and disease-tolerant blend.
“We are excited to relaunch El Caballero and position our championship golf course for the future, especially in light of recurring drought conditions in California and the need to be a responsible environmental leader in the golf community,” General Manager Phil Lopez said in a statement. “Now more than ever, we all need a sense of community and shared experiences to sustain us during these challenging times. We know our members feel that at El Cab.”
Improved designs on all putting greens, better positioned bunkers and other elements are intended to make the course more challenging for the better player and more rewarding for the average player.
“The course’s modern redesign will give players a state-of-an-art experience, providing them with the tools they need to improve their skill level,” PGA Head Golf Professional Tasha Bohlig said in a statement.
Along with native landscaping, the new course design will save more than 35 million gallons of water per year, using 30 percent less than in the past. In addition, the club has upgraded tennis courts, newly built pickleball courts and an upgraded dining program.
The club — whose long history includes hosting a USGA championship, numerous U.S. Open Sectional Qualifiers, LPGA events and charity tournaments – was originally opened in 1957 by founder Bernie Shapiro.