COURSE DESIGN

A MAGNIFICENT DESIGN
By Arthur Hills

Arthur Hills, world-renowned and award-winning golf course architect, was presented with a unique piece of land from the Pechanga Tribe that was magnificent, but very challenging. With respect for the natural habitat and cultural sensitivities relative to the Pechanga heritage, Hills and his team at Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest & Associates, developed an 18-hole master plan for Journey at Pechanga that is challenging yet playable and enjoyable.

Journey at Pechanga was designed with environmental responsibility and a keen sensitivity to preserving the beautiful and historic tribal lands and rich culture of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. Many of the protected sacred Oak trees on property were deemed "untouchable" as were other sacred areas, and the course and holes were creatively designed around them. The result? An exhilarating, one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

"The grandeur of panoramic vistas, rock outcroppings, stately old oak trees and the mountain edging one side of the course became a tapestry on which to weave the strategic aspects of the game of golf in order to evoke the spirit of competition," said Hills. "Throughout the design, we have remained dedicated to leaving plenty of room for relaxation and fun along the way."

The vision for the course focuses on highlighting the drama and natural beauty of the rare and distinctive site while preserving the sensitive areas and creating a golf layout that exhibits the highest standards and traditions. It is the perfect union of nature, form and function.

Steve Forrest
Architects’ Vision for Journey at Pechanga

The land that we were given for the Journey at Pechanga was spectacular, but very challenging.

It was spectacular in terms of its natural beauty. The grandeur of the panoramic vistas, the rock outcroppings, the oak trees and the mountain itself is a rare find.

The challenge came in the form of rugged terrain and the preservation of features that were highly sensitive relative to the Pechanga heritage and culture as well as the natural environment.

Our vision focused upon the creation of a golf course that would highlight the drama and natural beauty of the unique site while preserving the sensitive features. Into this tapestry, we would weave the strategic aspects of the game of golf in order to evoke the spirit of competition, yet leave plenty of room for fun and enjoyment along the way.

As President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, I am charged with the mission of creating golf layouts that "exhibit the highest standards and traditions of golf." The land and the people of Pechanga provided everything that was needed to make that mission possible.