Picturesque and punishing: Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Calif. -- Love him or hate him, Donald Trump always makes a splash. That splash at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles comes in the form of cascading million-dollar waterfalls, not to mention the stunning ocean views from virtually every hole.

Most golfers have heard the backstory of Trump National, 30 minutes south of Los Angeles. The 18th hole of the original Ocean Trails course slid into the ocean in 2000, leaving only 15 holes open for play. Trump bought the course in 2002 and redesigned it from 2004-06, creating a 7,242-yard visual wonder. A version of the Golf Channel's popular reality show "Big Break" aired soon after the grand reopening, showcasing the spectacular setting in colorful HDTV.

A typical Pete Dye design, Trump National Los Angeles is as visually intimidating as it is beautiful. There’s always a barranca, bunker or ball-gobbling brush ready to strike. Waterfalls frame the first and 17th greens. The par-3 eighth, par-4 ninth and par-4 16th all require daunting approach shots around ponds.

The golf course tends to beat people up, but that's okay because the rest of the place spoils them rotten. A posh clubhouse and massive driving range have Trump's signature all over them. Staying at the equally swank Terrenea Resort nearby is the ultimate luxurious L.A. golf getaway.