Another Golf Jet-A-Way

Written by: Doug Kelly	11:58 AM PST - 3/12/2009
Photography by:	|  Next Photo

The phone rang, as it often does, with urgency.

On the other end was my editor, the very editor of this magazine, with a proposition.

“How'd you like to fly down to LA, play golf at a great course, have lunch and be back the same day?”

“Okay,” I replied, warily. “There's got to be a catch right?

No catch, I was told. All that was required was to be transported in a state-of-the-art private aircraft; play golf at one of the United States' finest facilities, public or private; then eat a sumptuous lunch at a premier Los Angeles eatery.

Oh, and be back home the same day, with plenty of my experiences to share.

“All right,” said I. “Count me in!”

I was instructed to bring along my caddy, but since Steve Williams and 'Bones' Mackay were already spoken for, I decided on my investment banker, Bill. He'd taken excellent care of me over the years, so here was my chance to repay the favor in some small way.

The deal was, Bill and I would fly to Los Angeles aboard a Beechcraft Kingair 350E, I'd play 18 holes at the Trump National Los Angeles layout, we'd dine at Zucca Ristorante, then fly home.

So, bags and shoes in tow, with new investment advice to pore over, Bill and I boarded the 350E. Bill allowed as to how he had once flown on a plane somewhat similar when he was trying to convince the owner of the San Diego Chargers to further diversify his already-bulging portfolio.

The plane seated eight comfortably, with chairs configured in a double-club arrangement. The seats not only reclined, but swallowed up your person to the extent you felt as though you were on a hammock. Bill pulled some papers out of a manila folder and we got right to work.

Takeoff was the smoothest I've ever had. It felt as though you were in the air six seconds after the pilot began his ascent.

Once airborne, our pilot notified us it would be approximately a 1-hour flight to Los Angeles, and that we could “track” our journey with the GPS apparatuses built into the plane's flat screen television displays.

With 'SportsCenter' muted in the background, Bill and I used the hour for the express purpose of making my portfolio look less like my own and more like that of his friend who owned the Chargers.

The Kingair has been in continuous production since 1964. It is part of a line of twin-turboprop aircraft produced by the Beech Aircraft Corporation.

Soon we were in Southern California and on our way to Trump National in Palos Verdes. Opened in January 2006, Trump National is a totally public course and is the world's first and only Donald J. Trump Signature Design.

We did not see Mr. Trump as we climbed the clubhouse steps. I'd resisted the notion of donning plus fours, instead deciding on pleated front slacks and pima cotton/rayon blend polo [both by Tehama], diamond golf belt by Brighton and black lizard print saddle and black golf shoes from FootJoy. I was determined to at least look the part of a single digit player.

With Bill on the bag, he wore the traditional caddy attire popularized at Augusta National. Sufficiently buttoned down, off we went in search of high adventure.

Or, in my case, a probable C-note on the scorecard.

Since Trump himself designed the five-tee layout [black, blue, white, yellow, green], he made certain Trump National offered a challenge for all players, regardless of skill level.

The blue tees measured a manageable 6,640 yards, par-71. Even though it was early fall, the track was in spectacular condition. Freshly-cut, lush green fairways led to well-bunkered, white sand enclosures that protected layered greens.

Trump National was built above the California cliffs and each hole offers several breathtaking views. Constructed at a cost of over $250 million, the layout offers a challenging round of golf coupled with spectacular waterfalls and lakes that complement the experience.

Daily fees run $275 Monday-Thursday, $375 on Friday-Sunday. Midday, afternoon and twilight rates are also available. Fees include a GPS-equipped golf car, practice range, valet parking and locker room services.

Bill and I continued our 'get me more diversified' conversation on the course, and he even threw in a few golf hints as well. However, because of my less-than-stellar course management, the scorecard carried a '92' when the last ball dropped on the 486-yard, par-4 closing hole.

With a highly-satisfying, if not artistic, 18 holes in the books, it was time for a late lunch. That meant a short trek to the Zucca Ristorante, on South Figueroa Street in downtown LA.

The bright décor matched our mood as we were directed to a table that afforded a view of the entire dining room. Following a celebratory icy cold beer, Bill and I waded our way through portions of three different appetizers, notably the calamari, parmigiana, tricolore. Today, caloric content be damned!!!!

Our toughest decision of the day proved to be what to select as our main course. I had worked up a rather healthy appetite over 18 holes, so I opted for lasagna. It was perfectly prepared, wholly cooked throughout but not burned on the fringes. Bill knew what he wanted the moment he spied it on the menu, the salmone in salsa verde. Conversation ceased as we enjoyed our mutual feasts.

The wait staff knew their restaurant well, and that only enhanced a tasty meal and memorable dining experience.

Satisfied, but not stuffed, we motored back to LAX and the return flight to Sacramento. This time, the leg would include a selection of Pilsner Urquell, Negro Modelo, Heinkeen and other cerveza choices that made the hour's flight home speed quickly by.

A day that had begun 12 hours before would begin to come to a close as our pilot touched us down on time at Sacramento International.

For one day, at least, I felt like Tiger Woods.

Even if I didn't play like him.