During its heyday , CCC hosted an amazing array of members and players . The 1966 USGA Junior Amateur Championship was held at CCC . Gary Sanders defeated Ray Leach . Ray Leach can be seen in the picture here with member Greg Castleman in the 1967 CCC Jr . Championship . Ray Leach is considered one of the greatest NCAA college players ever , winning 16 tournaments while at BYU . Greg Castleman is a golf teacher in South Cal who has coached multiple LPGA Tour stars . He tells the story of planting the trees between 1 and 18 fairways after the Head Pro saw him exhibiting behavior at the club unbecoming a young member . Oh , those life lessons do a young person good . But 18 would surely be a bit easier without the trees on the right ! Also pictured is Jack Spradlin , PGA and Champions tour veteran . If you get a chance to talk with the McNamara ’ s , Pat and Steve , they have plenty of great stories from CCC .
The 605-freeway extension was built in 1971 , so there were some changes to 12 & 13 at that time , as well as an earlier expansion and redesign that took the course from 9 to 18 holes . One of the holes where you can still see evidence of the change is hole 14 . At about 190 yards from the green , left of the fairway is a large plateau . If you have ever been up there , it gives you a great view of the green . That is because it ’ s the former tee box for the hole when it was a par 3 . The change from a par 3 to a par 4 is also what makes 14 so tough . It was designed to accept a shot from a different angle , so next time you approach that green , check your strategy .
William Bell Jr . ( also known as Billy Bell ) designed CCC , under the tutelage of his father William P . Bell who passed away in 1953 . Besides CCC , the Bells are responsible for some of the best courses in Southern California . Torrey Pines , Hacienda CC , Brookside , Newport Beach CC , Saticoy CC , Oakmont CC , Industry Hills , Los Coyotes , and the list goes on .
Golf is technically one of the oldest sports in existence , with recorded history going back to 1454 . And the fairways of CCC contain so much history going back over 70 years . We are indebted to the legacy of those who provided us such a great golf course for us to challenge ourselves and grow our games . And we are responsible for continuing that legacy , supporting our fellow members , and club staff who care so much about our wonderful golf course home . As my coach , Art Texiera use to say , “ Take care of the golf course , and it will take care of you .”
Ron Eastman Member since 2012 . CCC player since 1993 .
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