Vista Valencia Golf Course

Course History

Vista Valencia dates to the mid-1960s, when designer Terry E. Van Forder (whose surname also appears as "Van Gorder" in some course records) laid out an executive-length course on the rolling terrain of the Santa Clarita Valley, just south of today's Six Flags Magic Mountain and about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Golf databases list opening years of both 1963 and 1966 for the layout.

The privately owned, publicly accessible facility has grown into a 27-hole operation: the 18-hole, par-61 Vista course and the shorter par-3 Chica nine, backed by an expansive lighted practice range. The local Signal newspaper named Vista Valencia the "Best Golf Course in the SCV" in 2012, and the course keeps its park-like setting green with a combination of potable, well, and reclaimed water.

The Design & Architecture

The Vista Course has nearly 50 bunkers, with water in play on ten holes according to the operator. Its Blue-tee scorecard measures 4,366 yards at par 61, with six par 4s and twelve par 3s. White and Red tee sets are also published.

Signature Holes

The signature moment comes late in the round: the 17th is a 158-yard par 3 played to an island green surrounded by three bunkers and reached only by a bridge — the course's postcard hole and a genuine card-wrecker if the tee shot leaks. GolfPass reviewers regularly single out the island par-3 17th as the highlight of the round.

Playing the Course

The current operator-hosted card rates the Blue tees 61.1/105. Hole 17 remains a 158-yard island green, a distinctive late-round test. The separate Chica par-3 course offers a shorter nine-hole option at the same public facility.

Know Before You Go

• Public course at 24700 Trevino Drive, Valencia, CA 91355; call (661) 253-1870 for tee times and details.

• More info and booking at https://www.vistavalenciagc.com/.

• Amenities include a lighted driving range (typically 6 AM–9 PM), junior golf programs, custom club fitting, and a bar & grille.

• Tip: proper golf attire is required — no bare feet, flip-flops, or open-toed shoes on the course.