The reviews are in, and the new Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, near Los Angeles, is "better than Pebble Beach!" Well, so says hype-meister owner Donald Trump. (He also bragged that "nobody has better lawnmowers than us!") Forgive him his enthusiasm. It took three years, $264 million and a million cubic yards of relocated earth to turn Pete Dye's punishing former Ocean Trails Golf Course into this fun and forgiving track. Redesigned by Trump and Tom Fazio, the 7,150-yard course is big and brash, just like the Donald. It sports wide fairways, bunkers lined with pulverized marble and Pacific views on every tee. The most memorable hole is the 238-yard par-3 17th, with a 45-foot waterfall that mists your cart as you motor to the green. It's equal parts golf hole and water ride, which is fitting because when your round is over, you'll want to get in line and go again.
Greens fees are $300 on weekends (Friday-Sunday) and $195 on weekdays. 310-303-3240, trumpgolf.com
