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No initiation fee or monthly dues at the Catalina Country Club in Avalon
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Catalina Island is a little bit of paradise located 22 miles off the coast of southern California. Like most vacation destinations, the island has a golf course and country club. The difference here is that this country club has no initiation fee, no monthly dues – and no members.
A home for the Chicago Cubs
The hacienda style building is situated on a hill, and boasts a sweeping view of Avalon and the blue Pacific beyond. It was originally constructed in 1921 by William Wrigley as a clubhouse for his baseball team, the Chicago Cubs. It must have been tough duty for the Cubbies, but Catalina was the site of their spring training for 30 years, except for the WWII years, when the military ran the island.
What is a home without a golf course?
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During their off hours, the ball players often enjoyed a round of golf with Hollywood celebrities, dignitaries, and other guests invited by Mr. Wrigley. The golf course dates back to 1892, and therefore pre-dates the clubhouse that now adjoins it. The links are reputed to be the oldest in California, and perhaps the entire west.
The course has nine holes with two sets of tees for 18 hole play. Five par four and four par three holes make up the 2,100-yard course that meanders through a verdant canyon. The small greens and narrow fairways provide an ample challenge for players at all skill levels.
Golf clubs and carts are both available for rent from the well-stocked Pro Shop. Only soft-spiked shoes are allowed on the course.
Today, the only lingering memories of the Chicago Cubs use of the golf course and the beautiful Spanish Colonial club house are the pictures that decorate the walls, and the sports memorabilia.
A country club that really is not
It was an unfortunate decision to rename the old Cubs Clubhouse the Catalina Country Club. The name “country club” usually conjures up word images like “expensive, exclusive, and private”. None of those words applies here. The Catalina Country Club is open to the public, reasonably priced, and well worth the short five-minute walk from town.
Climb the front brick stairs and enter through the graceful arched portico to arrive at a sunny brick patio frequently used for receptions and weddings.
Relax under a mantle of market umbrellas in the outdoor fountain terrace – enjoy the mid-day Mediterranean like sun, or savor a delicious dinner and cocktails under a cavalcade of evening stars. See slideshow below. This is truly the good life.
A dining experience to remember
The Spanish mission style dining room with its arched windows and hill views provides an exquisite setting for a relaxing dinner. Wrought-iron chandeliers hang from a wood- beamed ceiling and cast soft light and gentle shadows throughout the room. A decorative fireplace adds to the warmth of a classical setting enriched by mahogany doors and plush upholstered chairs.
You will likely be seduced by the surroundings, but even greater pleasures await you on the menu. The Catalina Country Club restaurant is Avalon’s premier dining facility. Featuring organically grown produce, local seasonal delicacies, and seafood from environmentally sustainable fisheries – the food is as unique as it is delicious.
The deep wine list includes American and old-world offerings. Several wines on the menu are pressed from organically grown grapes, and some are from vineyards that practice biodynamic farming.
When you visit Catalina, be sure to dine at the Catalina Country Club. You are sure to add the experience to your list of unforgettable culinary events.
Happy travels!
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© Travels with Wayne and Judy (syndicated)
Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff
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