If you’ve spent any time driving through the Inland Empire with clubs in your trunk, you’ve probably seen the signs. Honestly, Pomona Golf and Country Club is one of those places that feels like a time capsule. It isn't the kind of spot where you’ll see PGA pros practicing their stingers. It’s better. It is a local staple that has survived decades of development, drought, and the ever-changing landscape of Southern California golf.
It’s tucked away. Most people drive right past it on their way to the Fairplex or Western University. But for the regulars, this 9-hole executive course is basically a second home. It’s where you go when you only have two hours and twenty bucks.
The Reality of Playing Pomona Golf and Country Club
Let’s be real for a second. If you are looking for manicured, Augusta-style fairways, you are in the wrong place. Pomona Golf and Country Club is a "muni-style" vibe through and through, even if it carries the "Country Club" name. It’s gritty. It’s charming. The grass can be a bit thin in the summer heat, and the greens aren't exactly running at a 12 on the stimpmeter.
But that is exactly why it works.
Golf has become incredibly expensive. Between the $150 greens fees at high-end resort courses and the five-hour rounds at overbooked public tracks, the game is getting harder to justify. Pomona offers a reprieve. You’ve got a par-33 layout that challenges your short game without demanding a 300-yard carry over water. Most of the holes are par 4s, but they are short enough that a decent iron player can hunt birdies.
The layout is compact. You can walk it easily. In fact, walking is the preferred method here. You see retirees pulling their carts at 7:00 AM and teenagers hacking away after school. It’s a true community hub.
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Why the 9-Hole Executive Format is Winning
There is a massive trend in golf right now toward "short courses." Look at places like Pinehurst or Bandon Dunes—they are building world-class par-3 courses because people realized that 18 holes takes too long. Pomona Golf and Country Club has been ahead of this curve since it opened.
You can play nine holes here in 90 minutes if the course isn't packed.
That changes the math for a lot of people. It means you can play a round before work or squeeze in a "twilight" session after the office closes. For beginners, it’s less intimidating. There’s nothing worse than being a new golfer and holding up a line of angry scratch players on a championship course. At Pomona, the atmosphere is way more laid back. People expect you to be learning.
What to Expect on the Scorecard
The course plays just under 2,500 yards for the nine holes. It’s not "easy," though. The trees are mature. They have been growing for decades, and they will absolutely swat your ball down if you get greedy on the doglegs.
- The Greens: Small. Very small. This is the biggest defense the course has. If you miss the green, you’re looking at a tricky chip from tight lies.
- The Pace: Generally fast, though weekend mornings can get a bit sticky with local groups.
- The Value: Usually under $30, which is practically unheard of in LA County these days.
The Social Side and the "Country Club" Misnomer
The name "Pomona Golf and Country Club" often confuses people. When you hear "Country Club," you think of valets and white tablecloths. Forget that. This is a blue-collar club. The clubhouse is modest. The food is standard golf fare—think hot dogs and cold beer.
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But the "Club" part is real in terms of the people. There is a core group of members who have played here for thirty years. They know every break on every green. They know the staff by name. It’s a social ecosystem. If you hang out at the small bar area after your round, you’ll hear stories about the course’s history and the legendary rounds played by local characters.
It’s one of the few places where the barriers to entry are non-existent. You don't need a specific dress code beyond the basics. You don't need a membership that costs as much as a Honda Civic. You just need a set of clubs and a few bucks.
Survival in the Inland Empire Heat
Maintaining a golf course in Pomona is a nightmare. The Santa Ana winds and the 100-degree summers are brutal on turf. Management at Pomona Golf and Country Club has to balance water costs with keeping the course playable. This leads to some "brown out" periods in late August.
Serious golfers understand this. If you want lush green grass year-round, go to Palm Springs in January. If you want a place that keeps the lights on and the cups cut despite the California water crisis, you support places like this.
The course serves a vital role in the local ecology too. It's a massive green space in the middle of a dense urban environment. It helps with heat islands and provides a spot for local wildlife—mostly squirrels and the occasional hawk—to exist among the pavement.
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Round
If you are planning to head down to Pomona, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check the schedule. Being located so close to the LA County Fairgrounds means that during the Fair or major events at the dragstrip, traffic and parking can be a mess.
- Bring your wedges. This is a short game course. You won't use your driver on every hole, but you will definitely need a reliable gap wedge.
- Walk the course. It’s flat. It’s good exercise. You’ll save money on the cart fee and honestly, you see the lines better when you're on foot.
- Check for "Specials." They often have weekday rates or senior discounts that make it even more of a steal.
- Embrace the quirk. One of the holes runs right along the fence line. Don't be surprised if you hear some noise from the street. It’s part of the urban golf experience.
The Future of Local Golf
There’s always a fear that small courses like Pomona Golf and Country Club will be sold off for housing developments. We've seen it happen all over Southern California. However, Pomona seems to have carved out a niche that keeps it viable. It fills a gap that the huge 18-hole municipal courses can't: it’s accessible, fast, and unpretentious.
For the kid who just got their first set of sticks or the guy who needs to clear his head after a long shift, this place is essential. It’s golf stripped down to its bare essentials. No ego. No $600 drivers required. Just you, a ball, and nine holes of grass.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're ready to tee it up at Pomona, skip the online booking portals that charge extra fees and just call the pro shop directly. It’s the old-school way, and it usually works better for checking current course conditions.
Aim for a mid-week afternoon start if you want the course to yourself. Most of the "dawn patrol" regulars are gone by 11:00 AM, and the high school teams usually don't show up until 3:00 PM. That "golden window" in the early afternoon is the best time to practice your game without pressure.
Make sure to bring a few extra balls if you have a slice—those trees along the perimeter are hungry, and once a ball goes over the fence toward the street, it’s gone for good. Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes since you'll be walking on varied terrain. Finally, take a second to grab a drink at the snack bar after the 9th; supporting the small clubhouse operations is what keeps these local landmarks alive in an era of corporate golf management.