SIMI'S GEM STRONG OFF TEE LOST CANYONS A FINE FIND.

Byline: GREG WILCOX Golf

SIMI VALLEY - It is the rare occasion when the words ``spectacular views,'' ``upscale'' and ``Simi Valley'' can share the same sentence, this in a community primarily known for the freeway that runs through it, a fine high school basketball program and the place many cops call home.

Now, thanks to Pete Dye and an investment of $35 million, ``golf destination'' can be added to the list without fear of ridicule.

Landmark National's Lost Canyons, a 36-hole complex in the wilds at the north end of Tapo Canyon Road, lives up to advanced reviews.

Public play began last week on the Sky Course, which tumbles through rugged, picturesque terrain below White Face Mountain, which sits to the north. The Shadow Course, snaking through canyons to the south, opens in early January.

Greens fees ranging from $115 to $135 are the most expensive public rates in the San Fernando Valley area. The final cost will be higher because each group of players will be accompanied by a forecaddie - a kind of on-course concierge - and the suggested tip is $10 per player or higher.

For an additional $30, a forecaddie can be hired to drive the cart so the golfers can walk, something someone only in really good shape should attempt. Forecaddies will also read the greens and track shots to reduce the number of lost balls, of which there will be many.

While the tariff is as steep as some of the canyon walls abutting the course, Lost Canyons is an experience worth the money. Of course it's not a place average golfers can visit frequently, unless they have a titanium bank account.

Part of its charm comes courtesy of the famous, or infamous, Dye. He's created some of the world's hardest, most notorious courses and golfers just love to play them. Dye says this complex will eventually rank among his best and could host a professional tournament.

``Well, I've never in my life, or ever will again, have a property like this one,'' he said on the day media members were invited out to play.

``You have all of these great views from so many places and that's what you're always going to see. You're in the middle of 20 million people and out here you can hear a pin drop.''

That's because what land is not part of the golf course will be left in its natural state. Some estate-style homes might eventually be built, but they will will be tucked out of site behind ridge lines.

A small, upscale hotel is also planned.

Both courses stretch about 7,000 yards from the back tees, although it is not wise play from that point unless your handicap is in the low single digits.

The Sky Course has four sets of tees, making it easier to find your comfort zone. And it is easy to get caught up in the views. For example, holes 16, 17 and 18 are aptly named Ascent, Hawk's Bluff and Lookout.

Ascent is an uphill par 4 of 330 yards that can play into a stiff wind, and signals the climb to the highest point on the course. Hawk's Bluff is a short par 3 with the left side of the green falling off into a canyon.

Lookout offers one of the most stunning views on the course. The tee box is perched high above the driving range and 20,000 square-foot clubhouse. On a clear day you can see all the way into the San Fernando Valley. The 474-yard, dogleg-left hole drops steeply from the tee box.

Fred Couples, the 1992 Masters champion, served as a consultant to Dye. He takes no credit for the design, which features lots of bumps and contours, but promises to be a frequent visitor.

And what does Couples like best about Lost Canyons?

``I like the way he did the parking lot,'' Couples said with a smile. ``There aren't many bumps and gullies. It's pretty flat.''

ON THE GREEN

PGA TOUR 

World Golf Championships at Andalucia, Spain

Course: Valderrama Golf Club (6,830 yards, par 71)

Schedule: Today through Sunday

Purse: $5 million, $1 million to winner

TV: ESPN (today and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.); ABC (Saturday, 1:30-4 p.m., and Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)

PGA SENIOR TOUR

Senior Match Play Challenge at Dorado, Puerto Rico Course: Hyatt Dorado Beach, East Course (6,740 yards, par 72)

Schedule: Today through Sunday

Purse: $720,000, $240,000 to winner

TV: None

MONEY List

PGA

1 Tiger Woods  $9 million

2 Phil Mickelson $4.7 million

3 Ernie Els $3.5 million

4 Hal Sutton $3.1 million

5 Jesper Parnevik $2.4 million

LPGA 

1 Karrie Webb $1.9 million

2 Annika Sorenstam $1.3 million

3 Meg Mallon $1.1 million

4 Julie Inkster $957,705

5 Lorie Kane $886,189

PGA SENIOR

1 Larry Nelson $2.7 million

2 Bruce Fleisher $2.4 million

3 Hale Irwin $2.1 million

4 Gil Morgan $1.9 million

5 Dana Quigley $1.8 million

SPOTLIGHT

TIM FINCHEM

This is not what the PGA Tour commissioner wanted shined on him this week. But that's what's happened courtesy of Golf World magazine and Tiger Woods, the game's biggest draw. And it is not a flattering light. Woods blasts the commissioner for the way he runs the show. Earl Woods, Tiger's pop, warns the commish he better watch out. Finchem has yet to respond.

CAPTION(S):

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Box: ON THE GREEN (see text)