This course was designed on and around one large hill, which makes the terrain heavily sloped. Even on the holes that appear somewhat flat, this slope will come into play, affecting not only your shots, which will tend to drift away from the top of the hill, but your putts as well. The key to scoring low at Montebello is to maintain solid course management through the first eight holes. Six holes measure over 400 yards, including #4, a 461-yard, par 4, requiring a pair of good shots to reach the green in two. Hole #7, a 380-yard, par 4, requires a blind approach shot to an elevated green at least 100 feet above the lowest point on the fairway. The back nine plays a little bit shorter, but the finishing holes can be real challenging, including #14, a 216-yard, par 3. One of the many features are its double greens on some holes. These aren't like the double greens you'd find at St. Andrews in Scotland, but two completely different greens altogether. One day you may hit to one green, and on another trip you may find yourself hitting to the other green. This enables the maintenance crew to keep the greens in better condition. Additionally, there are no water hazards that should affect your game, unless you really shank one on #10, but there are numerous greenside and fairway sand bunkers. William F. Bell redesigned five holes in 1962. decently priced for the green fees.
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