As far as the rough, the first time I ever played IH was probably around 1982, and if you hit anywhere in the fairway rough, the ball was gone. You simply couldn't find it. Most liked this, because it was all part of that tough is good mentality that seemed to be influencing golf at that time. Simply put, in those conditions Industry Hills was a very penal golf course.
And of course back then, there goes the old story of Tom Kite and Tom Watson playing there as a scout team for the PGA Tour to see if it was an acceptable venue; where Kite walked-off in disgust after 12 holes, and Watson shot like an 82 or 83.
I also remember all so well the Oly Gold LPGA Tournament that was held there one year. The winning score was like 3 or 4 over, and the women refused to return there the next year.
#9 on top of the hill was a monster. Partially because for a guy like me, you had to hit a really long lofted club up there usually from an angle. I don't know if its still out there or not, but one of the best most wacky greens, a huge behemoth which they used also used for the turf nursery and for teaching a short game class was left of #16, on the Ike at the most Western part of the course.
I have to add, I have had some really fun and enjoyable times up there at IH. It was a place I found out where you could play on Saturday or Sunday afternoon for only $30.00 and during the week for $25.00 at twilight rates, then go into the Putter's Cup afterwards for a NY Steak or Prime Rib dinner for under $10.00.
If I got up there and didn't feel like golfing or it was really slow, I would instead go into the library and visit with Marge and Saundra till they closed, and it was all very memorable for my golfing education.
When people got wise to the twi-light rates, it became a zoo, and after a couple of years they raised the rates, plus, the the golf course(s) just finally got to me to the point they weren't fun to play anymore.
I agree with RMD, there are some interesting holes that require smart play, otherwise your going to get it handed to you and but good. I still think one of the best greens on the course is #1 on the Ike, and for the life of me, I'm still trying to figure out why BB Jr. thought a large slice would the best tee shot from there, especially when the only smoother part of the fairway is loaded with bunkers and trees. I have been on that hole when they were filming the Jackie Mason hooked to a teaching contraption scene from that bomb, Caddyshack II. Most of the driving range scenes and other golf course stuff was filmed on the hill just above #1's driving area. I also got to see first hand that day what a jerk Chevy Chase is in real life when he cursed out the really sweet lady in Winston Churchill snack bar.
I loathe Industry Hills!
RMD, How is El Camino playing these days?