Having recently switched the order in which the two nine-hole loops are played, the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) Golf Course now saves the layout's most undulating and scenic holes for the back-nine. The corollary of putting the drama at the end, is starting the front-nine with a long par-3, which demands an accurate shot over water to find the safety of the green. As the holes weave their way either individually or in pairs through an assorted collection of real estate, there is no doubting the quality of Trent Jones' design work, with many dog-legging holes wrapped around good sized lakes and ponds. Occasionally the housing comes close alongside the course, as at the par-4 6th. However, most of the time it is out of harm's way, separated by the water hazards, plenty of stylish bunkering, a generous margin of not overly penal rough, and a scattering of tall eucalyptus and smaller pines, palms and birch trees. The back-nine contains considerably more elevation change than the front, creating some of the best holes and the most scenic views. The nearby Hogbacks range and more distant Santa Margarita mountains provide the panoramic highlights. Housing is still present on the back-nine, but the feel is more natural than on the front, with bush-clad, grassy banks skirting several attractive holes, the pleasant array of trees also playing its part. The plunging, downhill par-4 12th, and uphill par-4 16th and 17th holes are three of the best to look out for.