36 HOLES OF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF
The two regulation 18-hole, par 72 championship golf courses at El Prado, “Butterfield Stage” and “Chino Creek,” are perfect examples of architects Harry and David Rainville’s genius. While each course has its own distinct personality, both courses present an enjoyable challenge for players of all skill levels.
Both layouts are straight forward and golfer-friendly. The gently rolling fairways make both courses easy to walk and there are enough hazards, bunkers, water and mature trees to make any day memorable. Most days a round of golf can be completed in less than four hours by those following “ready golf” guidelines.
The fairways and roughs are comprised of a combination of grasses dominated by Kikuyu. The firm, fast and undulating greens are a combination of bent grass and poa annua. Over the years both courses have received rave reviews on the appearance and playability of the greens.
And to make things even more interesting, playing the courses at El Prado in the morning is often different than playing them in the afternoon! That’s because there is a prevailing wind that often starts blowing shortly before Noon. That wind changes the personality of both courses by affecting club selections, drying out the greens and making them firmer and faster.
Surrounded by mountains, the courses at El Prado can provide visual entertainment as well. While strolling the fairways it is not unusual to see snow-capped peaks at Mount Baldy and in the San Bernardino Mountains. Closer in, both courses play host to lots of Red Tail Hawks, migratory ducks, birds and Canadian geese. You may even see an occasional coyote scampering across the fairways.
The El Prado property carries an early California/Spanish theme with mission tile, arched openings, large roof overhangs and colorful patio areas. The theme ties in with the club’s location, a stagecoach stop local to the golf course property called “Butterfield Stage” used by early California pioneers traveling in the “Wild West.”
The character of El Prado extends from its courses to its clubhouse where a warm and friendly welcome awaits. Come in and sample our hospitality, have a drink and a meal in the pleasant surroundings which are there for your enjoyment.
Butterfield Stage
This is the shorter and more open of the two courses at El Prado, playing to 6,568 yards from the back tees to a par of 72. This is a “second shot course” that rewards accuracy and excellent iron play…and the need to be good out of the sand. Emphasis is placed on accurate driving and with all 18 of the small greens having strategically placed bunkers around them, the challenge also demands good club selection and careful approach lines into the greens. It’s possible for long hitters to reach all four of the par 5’s in two. But water can come into play on all four holes forcing many to consider the risk/reward options.
Chino Creek
This is the longer of the two courses at El Prado, playing to 6,850 yards from the back tees to a par of 72. This course requires long, accurate driving and solid mid-range irons to be successful. Many of the fairways on Chino Creek are more narrow and challenging than those on Butterfield Stage. The greens are small and many are protected by sand and thick Kikuyu rough. Creeks and water hazards come into play on seven of the holes, adding to the degree of difficulty. The course features six par 4’s measuring more than 390 yards. Two of the four par 5’s may come within two-shot range for the longer hitters.
