5 Shocking Facts About The Chino Hills Golf Course Vellano Sale And Its Future
The future of the iconic, yet long-shuttered, Vellano Country Club in Chino Hills has finally been decided. As of the latest updates in December 2025, the 269-acre property, which includes the famous Greg Norman-designed golf course, is now under new ownership following a high-profile sale earlier this year. This dramatic acquisition marks a pivotal moment for the exclusive Vellano community, promising a major revitalization—or perhaps a complete transformation—of the sprawling Southern California landscape.
The saga of the Chino Hills Golf Course Vellano is a classic real estate drama, involving a world-class course design, a stunning 2018 closure, and years of uncertainty for nearby luxury homeowners. The new owners, MGR Real Estate, have acquired a massive, prime piece of land, not just a golf course, signaling an ambitious plan to enhance the existing clubhouse and thoughtfully revitalize the entire acreage. The question on everyone's mind, however, is whether the *golf* will ever return to the Vellano hills.
The Vellano Golf Course: A Brief Biography and Timeline
The history of the Vellano Country Club is brief but impactful, marked by high praise for its design and a sudden, controversial end to its golfing operations. Understanding its past is crucial to appreciating the magnitude of the recent sale.
- Name: Vellano Country Club (also known as The Golf Club of Vellano)
- Location: 2441 Vellano Club Dr, Chino Hills, CA 91709 (San Bernardino County)
- Acreage: Approximately 269 acres
- Course Designer: Greg Norman (Greg Norman Golf Course Design)
- Year Opened: 2007
- Original Recognition: Won "Development of the Year" (Private Club Category) from Golf, Inc. magazine
- Key Features: Known for dramatic elevation changes, routed through native live oaks, and challenging play
- Original Ownership: Various entities, including WGP-Vellano LLC, which faced scrutiny from residents
- Year Shuttered: 2018
- Recent Transaction: Sold in 2025 for $17.5 Million
- Current Clubhouse Use: Operated as a luxury wedding and event venue, Vellano Estate by Wedgewood Weddings
The course was immediately recognized as a premier addition to Southern California golf, offering a world-class experience with stunning views. The Greg Norman design took full advantage of the dramatic Chino Hills topography, creating a semi-private course that was both challenging and beautiful. However, the club’s life as a golf destination was short-lived, with operations ceasing just over a decade after it opened, leaving a massive, valuable piece of land vacant.
The $17.5 Million Acquisition: MGR Real Estate’s Bold Vision
The most significant news for the Chino Hills Golf Course Vellano came in the first half of 2025 with the announcement of its sale. The 269-acre asset was successfully acquired by MGR Real Estate for a staggering $17.5 million. This sale was categorized as a "landmark golf course redevelopment opportunity," signifying that the buyer’s intention goes far beyond simply reopening the fairways.
The property’s unique status—a massive, undeveloped parcel surrounded by the exclusive Vellano luxury home community—made it one of the most compelling real estate opportunities in the Inland Empire. The price tag reflects the immense potential for development and the inherent value of the land itself.
MGR Real Estate's public statements indicate a focus on "enhancing its clubhouse and thoughtfully revitalizing the acreage". This language is carefully chosen, suggesting a multi-faceted approach that could include a range of possibilities, from high-end residential development to a hybrid recreational and event space.
For the residents of Vellano, who live in multi-million dollar luxury homes, the sale brings both relief and anxiety. Relief that the long-abandoned property will finally see investment, and anxiety over the potential for new high-density housing or commercial projects that could alter the exclusive nature of their community. The Conditional Use Permit (CUP) that authorized the original golf course development back in 2004 will be a key legal document in any proposed change of use.
The Greg Norman Legacy and Redevelopment Challenges
The core challenge for any new owner is navigating the legacy of a world-class Greg Norman design and the expectations of the surrounding community. The course, even in its non-operational state, remains a critical piece of the aesthetic and value proposition for Chino Hills luxury homes in the Vellano area.
1. The "Shark's" Signature Design
Greg Norman, often called "The Shark," is renowned for designing courses that integrate seamlessly with the natural terrain. The Vellano course was no exception, utilizing the "dramatic elevation changes" and native flora to create a memorable, challenging round. The 17th hole, in particular, was singled out for its design excellence. The new owners must decide whether to attempt a costly restoration of the 18-hole track or to completely re-purpose the land, a decision that will likely spark intense debate among local golf enthusiasts and residents.
2. The Event Venue Success Story
The one part of the property that has thrived since the golf course closure is the clubhouse, now successfully operating as the Vellano Estate by Wedgewood Weddings. This premier wedding and event location has established a profitable, functional use for the main structure. MGR Real Estate’s plan to "enhance its clubhouse" suggests they will likely invest heavily in this existing, revenue-generating operation, potentially expanding its capacity and amenities.
3. The Controversial Precedent
The previous ownership, WGP-Vellano LLC, faced significant friction with the community over maintenance and property issues, including fences and the pool. This history means the new owners, MGR Real Estate, will be under intense scrutiny from the moment they break ground. Building trust with the homeowners of this exclusive enclave will be a crucial first step in any successful redevelopment plan.
What the Future Holds for Vellano’s 269 Acres
Given the current real estate climate and the high sale price, a complete return to a private, 18-hole golf club seems unlikely without a significant residential component to offset the cost. The most probable scenarios for the Chino Hills Golf Course Vellano include:
- Luxury Residential Development: The most lucrative option, involving the development of high-end, low-density custom homes on a portion of the acreage, similar to the existing Vellano community. This would maximize the "redevelopment opportunity" value.
- Hybrid Golf/Residential: A compromise where the course is reduced in size (perhaps to a 9-hole executive course or a high-end practice facility) while the remaining land is used for exclusive residential lots. This would preserve some recreational amenity for the community.
- Expanded Event/Resort Center: Investing heavily in the Vellano Estate to create a full-service, luxury resort and event center, with the open space preserved as manicured grounds and hiking trails rather than a golf course.
The acquisition of the former Vellano Country Club by MGR Real Estate is more than just a real estate transaction; it is the beginning of a new chapter for one of Chino Hills' most exclusive and valuable properties. The community, the city, and Southern California real estate watchers will be closely monitoring every move the new owners make as they shape the legacy of the former Greg Norman masterpiece.
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