Bring Your Own Cart to the Mexican Open | Adventures in Golf Season 6

The unofficial birthplace of Disneyland. Catalina welcomes more than a million tourists per year, and it's easy to see why. The place is perfect... almost too perfect as Erik Anders Lang finds on this Adventures in Golf, presented by United.
Just outside Catalina's main strip of shops, sights and funnel cake lies the oldest course west of the Mississippi (depending on who you ask). Today, Catalina Island Golf Course is a fun, narrow and beautiful nine-hole with impressive views.
It's also host to the "Mexican Open," a bi-weekly shotgun tourney put on by the locals that Erik experienced for himself.
While the "Mexican Open" is awesome, is just a blink into the course's deep, rich history.
What started as a three-hole course in the late 1892 was upgraded into a nine-hole course in 1894. Thanks to William Wrigley Jr. (see: Wrigley Gum), it became an 18-hole course in 1928 until it was reverted back to the nine we play today during WW2.
The course was host to a pro event hosted by one of the true GOATs. The Bobby Jones Invitational Tournament, which started in 1931 and played its last round in 1955.
Golf's greatest have teed it up here at one point or another, including Tiger Woods, who played it first when he was 4 and again at 14.
While touring the area, Erik meets living Latino legend Lolo Saldana at his barber shop. At 97-years-old (as of filming in 2021) Lolo is as sharp as the scissors he uses to cut hair with. He shares classic stories about his pro days playing against Ken Venturi and how Catalina evolved into the idyllic landmark we see today.
Oh, and if you're into mariachi music, definitely stick around until the end.
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[@stephencolor2010]

The best investment United ever made.

[@time4toast1]

That final golfing scene with the mariachi band was filmed like if it was in narcos or this western shoot out. Grass exploding like grenades.

[@zakn897]

Man, I was devastated as a fan when we lost Bourdain. Thank the golf & travel gods I have found Erik and Adventures in Golf

[@Harrygornto]

I was just looking to see if anyone got Bourdain vibes. EAL is so good

[@bucktafoya4086]

You hit the nail on the head....exactly my thoughts!

[@camhill9559]

I had the same thoughts just before i saw your comment.

[@josephcampbell6699]

Could not agree more. Losing Bourdain was devastating. Great to see guys like Erik filling the gap!

[@TMGREVERENDX]

This series is so thoughtful about how it approaches the people it covers. I love golf and storytelling and this series is an absolute treat.

[@VVangs]

7:59 UTAH MAN AM I - Love seeing the U represented!!

[@carpentrykid7503]

Pairing the mariachi with the montage was great! Thanks bud !

[@shaunwilliamcallahan]

Absolutely loving these longer episodes. Approaching Anthony Bourdain status with golf. The craft and care in every episode, its everything to me. EAL and his team at RGC really bringing the magic to Skratch.

[@milesmccreery7676]

EAL has hit another gear lately, so much incredible content coming from him and the RGC/Skratch team

[@JosesWorldHD]

Play traditional Mexican music to end this video is truly something special, thank you

[@0miedofaithful49]

Finally a course I've actually played! LOL 😆 I travel from Northern California to LA summer of 2001 with my high school jazz band. One if our options was to go to Catalina Island and play golf. That was the first time I ever played and I've been hooked ever since. Thank Thank for this episode!!!

[@brianarzac1768]

The upmost respect and love. Thank you for showing the world that we as Mexicans love this beautiful sport as well. #PaLaRaza 🇲🇽

[@supafuzz42]

Watching this, makes me forget how much I suck at golf and reminds me how much I love to play.

[@buckfiden9913]

Years ago a salesman from a helicopter leasing company invited me to a wine mixer held on the island. There I heard a man sing the most beautiful rendition of "Por ti volare" I have ever heard. It was like hearing an angel sing. The drummer played a pretty kick-ass solo as well.

[@NTXbirdwatching]

😂

[@chamrynum]

The story that these episodes tell are second to none. I had to pause the episode at 7 mins in just to shake my head. What a fucking masterpiece lol

[@garzafamily6804]

Thanks for a great story Eric; that music made a perfect ending!

[@michaelrivera7304]

Great video Eric! Being a Mexican and an avid golfer I really appreciated the content. I’ve also been a SoCal resident for the last 35 years and never been to Catalina. Also, being a Navy veteran I’ve been all around it many times.

[@jslime8090]

It’s a damn shame these videos only have 200k views, I’ve been obsessed with the channel for a while and they deserve so much more. The quality of the videos are worthy of there own tv show

[@antoniojimenez372]

Wow fan of your channel but today with this video of Catalina and Mexico video you sr hit a hole in one and albatross hat 🧢 off respect

[@squeak350]

Stuff like the details about how he wears his watch is why I keep coming back… you and your team are truly incredible

[@thewarpsyrhead]

Mariachi does go perfectly with a round!

[@GolfandLife]

Incredible and the “Mexican Open” is now on my bucket list! I’ll take a chance and show up for the Saturday game. Thanks for the inspiration and your love of the game!

[@howlightworks]

💯

[@fatgabe]

Mexican Open is Wednesdays

[@GolfandLife]

@Pinned by Skratch sent message with Whatsapp

[@GolfandLife]

@@fatgabe Appreciate the correct information. Happy Holidays and hopefully I can make it down one Wednesday.

[@fatgabe]

@@GolfandLife if you ever do send me a msg and ill add a ball for u in the group lol

[@sirgalahad1470]

If this show was on television, it would be the best show on television. But since it's not, it's just the best show on KZbin, and that's even better.

[@dennisr6122]

I really enjoy EAL’s work. If I have a lousy round or two, I watch his videos to ground me in the reason I love golf. My perspective is refreshed, and I eagerly look for that next round. Thank you.

[@rooikatpommie8338]

A young me won a free holiday with tour guides to Mauritius, first stop Tourist Hot Spot, return to car "please, no more of that, let's see what the island is really all about,", a totally different and fulfilling experience. Everyone of your videos has this feel. So much golf content on YTube is becoming "look at me" but Erik you nail it every time, so down to earth and trying to see how things really are. We play golf because we love golf, my favourite course, the 9 hole down the road with the honesty box.

[@powerademonke]

I like to think that Erik and team did what Anthony Bourdain did with "No Reservations", but for golf. The stories he shares and the way he narrates during each episode is incredibly awesome and soothing at the same time. This is hands down one of the best shows on YT.

[@kpit-mzbz]

I watched the entire 8th season on United entertainment over 3 trips. I have been binge watching episodes in random order. I was already invested in this series; but somehow at 25:22 my senses were heighted. The 1st notes start at 25:49 just sent me to another place emotionally. Your team's work is award winning. I'm not sure how we as a community can evangelize this beyond 234k subscribers.

[@kyletheune6280]

These are the pinnacle of golf videos

[@toddsavren-mccormick922]

This episode felt like sitting in a comfy sofa chair and feeling the warm ocean breeze of the pacific blow in the smell of salt, sand, and dessert sage, while sipping on a lemongrass sparkling water. Well done! I am always amazed by the content you make. Thank you so much.

[@plutoniumrocket]

I hear Catalina has a great wine mixer they put on once a year.

[@sc-ie6kg]

The narrative, history, the humanity, the scenery, the humor, and of course, the GOLF. Not too long or too short. Golfer or not, this is storytelling at its best. I'm so glad to have run into this channel. My only misfortune is having found it Sunday night. I'll try to sneak in a watch during my lunch break. 👍

[@bretnuttall8302]

Erik to golf is what Anthony was to food, the bridge is the cultural, societal and political representation. The poetic waxing of sounds and gestures. Beauty.

[@DubSun33]

Golfing on Catalina looks like going to a dance on the beach. You don't have to be a professional, just enjoy the idea of playing golf. Great vid.

[@marcozarate8]

I love how you included javier’s music in the video, such a small detail but probably meant a lot to him, i love it.

[@wadepatton2433]

This one hit me as if you were channeling Bourdain. I like that. Thanks for the visit to Catalina.

[@gbiscuits]

beautiful story telling. watching Erik's videos feels like reading a good book. I dont know if that makes sense.

[@akivarubinstein9648]

You know what? I never thought about the unifying social aspect of golf. Certainly, you have open my eyes to a new way of golfing. Thank you!

[@batchou69]

the Anthony Bourdain of golf !!! ... very nice episode, thx

[@Kevin1873]

I have to say God bless EAL and the entire team. These videos your team brings are absolutely phenomenal and I love that you do them in Mexico as well with the Mexican culture in other areas like Catalina Island. To me, Mexico looks like a home away from home and I love everything about it that is good.

[@michaelgallegos1002]

Best KZbin series out there!!! Please keep telling peoples stories!

[@paulfmurphy617]

Great episode E. Magnified by Javier's crooning over a beautiful Mariachi melody !!!!!!!!!!!

[@afiqhakimi8439]

Man this is one of my most favorite episode ever. It'd shown me one side of golf I've never seen before :))))))

[@jm.goingsnake]

That was great. Dude had 2 jobs, a sweet voice and a kick ass 'stache...orále...

[@edwardduarte7393]

After graduating from CSULB. About fifteen of us went to Catalina. Did a little partying. Stayed the night. I even my brought clubs along on my instructor's boat. Played golf there with my instructor and couple classmates. FUN! BTW the opening sequence is tight...

[@troutlookout]

He’s the sober Anthony Bourdain of golf. Love it

[@yarkbb3903]

EAL has no business being this freaking amazing! Wonderful job guys once again killed it.

[@roryfirth76]

Love the way EAL has pivoted to spend more time doing these vlogs and providing a supporting role to the amateurs on the breaking series (and I need that sweatshirt he was wearing while on the tour)

[@_dboy_]

Lolo is an absolute legend. Danny too. How you can be 90 something with that head of hair makes my late 30s, balding headed self a little envious. But he's earned it!

[@_kdotp]

Every installment just gets better and better. I never knew that there was a 9 hole course in Catalina. I, like many SoCal residents, haven’t been to Catalina so this really drives me to visit and see the culture. Hopefully, I could play/witness the “Mexican Open”. Great job Erik and Skratch! Keep up the great work 🤙🏽

[@Horsenado]

Danny seems like the first one to notice he is living in a dystopian nightmare lol. Erik you are killing it lately

[@zombiehunter1152]

One of the best things about golf is it brings everyone together from all different backgrounds.

[@augustusmarks7882]

Simply one of the best golf uploads on KZbin. I live in Southern California and simply completely and ultimately love the three parkours on Catalina Island. The island company is impossible to work with. I know due to affiliation with local yacht clubs that lease property on island. Completely out of touch with reality.

[@falconjgc]

Just got into the show/golf a couple months ago. Cool to see Long Beach referenced and an episode on Catalina.

[@charliesykes4006]

‘That fight club nod’ so perfect

[@robertneary3273]

Love these shows so much.... your the Anthony Bourdain of the golfing world... and he was my hero. Always capture the feel of a place from watching your vids, just like he managed to do... love it 👌

[@alecbrownworth3408]

I dont know what it is about this season, but these are so beyond good. Genuine art pieces about the love of golf.

[@heshwuan]

Erik + Golf + Culture = Gold

[@George-je9vk]

I am so glad to see the course thriving. I played in junior tournament there about 6-7 years ago and was so disappointed to see the state the course was in. My coach at the time was always telling me how nice of a course it was when he played there as a kid. When I showed up to play a practice round I saw the greens were half dirt and the fairways were basically ground under repair. I thought to myself I wouldn't ever be going to play golf there again even though I thought the design of the course was unique and fun. After watching this I think I'll be giving the course a second chance soon. Thanks Eric and keep up the great work I've been loving the content recently.

[@kevinstrickroth2347]

Best production yet…thank you EAL for the joy

[@dtlocke]

That final scene. Legend.

[@JustinEsquibel]

This made my day…the golf, the music. Thank you for the story

[@aaronshepherd4719]

Loving this series. Erik when you’re not on camera but talking I keep thinking it’s Chevy Chase.

[@nickcabellero6068]

Absolutely loved this episode. Im from South OC and have never learned the story of the little island not too far away. Really enjoyed the perspective you were able to show us about the island and the life it has. Amazing storytelling, thanks for sharing

[@sethbeiden1305]

Hot damn, these are so so so good. This is the ONLY side of golf I need to see more of, and maybe, all of!

[@MUY-BN]

I just began viewing your channel, boy do I have some catching up to do. Absolutely fantastic! Golf has been in my blood since my Dad reluctantly took me to his club as a young child. Never felt comfortable with my Dad or the fancy club, but I loved the feeling of being on the course. I feel so fortunate every time I play golf, whether it a muni or high end club that I've managed to back door my way onto. I'm on about hole # 13 in life, so your show kinda chokes me up. I forwarded a couple of your episode to a golf buddy, " hey did you watch those KZbin videos with that golf guy?" His reply was "oh, yeah I did". That's it !!!. Some of us have a much deeper appreciation for the game of golf. Thank you for these moments in golf!

[@patosos4998]

I’ve played that course; what fun it was! Great video!

[@jpruppert]

Brilliant job Erik and team. Fantastic storytelling.

[@davidjones6447]

Fascinating story about the island! Never had any idea, thanks for sharing!! These videos keep getting better and better!!! EAL is legend!!

[@darrickzellmer2591]

Wow!! Every episode keeps getting better!!!

[@CarlosRivas-gj2ow]

What a neat story. Thanks EAL!

[@SuperJojoman19]

EAL the dude! Videos keep getting better and better! I think mariachi and golf is a perfect combination.

[@Nashy027]

A very special video, thank you.

[@outdoorse7969]

Wonderful and rich story! Golf ⛳️ is for everyone 😀.

[@billclifton3267]

what a hidden gem of a place, it was a pleasure to see everyone to be very sociable and have a story to tell, Kudo's Eric.

[@hydenmathys8146]

Awesome content EAL and team. Warms the heartstrings 😀. What a place ..What people!

[@niknayak]

Thank you for another gem. What a great series!

[@bucktafoya4086]

Cool. I never knew about golf on Catalina.....adding to my bucket list.

[@bucktafoya4086]

@Pinned by Skratch am I too late for the gift?

[@AdamRice1]

This channel and EAL’s other works are a gold mind of entertainment. So so good!

[@AppPope303]

Two of my favorite things (Disney & Golf) have some how crossed paths in a very unexpected way.

[@danielpeniche86]

Great content Erick, every episode gets better and better. Congrats

[@brothersdunne]

Looks like my kind of course..great community vibe, and good times all around! My kind of Open too. Way to rock it!

[@briarmeadow]

I love this story, a big kudos out to the crew of 2. What is it about 9 hole courses that makes them a gathering place? All the ones I've been to have a different feel then their 18 hole big brothers. Something more 'local'. Somebody mentioned these stories read like a good book. I'll second that. And the music was spot on.

[@seanmcerlane9317]

Dope and dig with the music in the vans close-ups

[@seanmcerlane9317]

ENDING

[@sergiohernandez8682]

This is the coolest video I’ve seen. You’re awesome Erik and what you’re doing for the game of golf.

[@MrJohnnyb74]

These videos have inspired me to check out more new courses. Thanks!

[@barrygreenberg7256]

Thanks for another great video experience Erik. Your storytelling just gets better and better. Thank you for the way you listen to the story and let it take it's natural course.

[@billyd072]

great job using the CD Looks and sounds beautiful

[@dwightseymour6720]

Great content awesome storytelling Everyone gets a turn at golf I'll remember that saying for the rest of my life. Great video keep them coming great work

[@beckmanchilds756]

Cool that they play scramble. I’d like to see one year 👍🏼

[@robertocontreras86]

This is incredible. Thank you for this.

[@golfluv2seeit]

Brilliant journalist...

[@golfluv2seeit]

@Pinned by Skratch ???

[@perfectjays]

Lolo looks sharp for 97, he’s enjoying every minute of it! I want to be a barber so that’s cool to see him still doing it at that age and being able to do it and move like he does

[@gsaldana22]

93 btw. They got his age wrong. Small detail.

[@joshgibson1982]

Wow just keeps getting better and better

[@paulobrien5899]

I'm an og eal fan.. so happy hes back here

[@jonnythunder92]

That is the best golf to me....casual a group of mates getting out and having a hit...no pretentious elite standards. Perfect as the game should be for the local golfer....

[@golf007sd2]

Very inspiring and educations. Thank you for the ride.....

[@davidjames3164]

I really enjoyed watching this

[@A.M.E.R.I.C.A2008]

The song at the end and you playing in the back round. best part

[@A.M.E.R.I.C.A2008]

@Pinned by Skratch I dont have that app. U can email me?

[@bayareagolfclub1505]

@erikanderslang This is such a wholesome, great narrated story. Catalina has been on my bucket list for sometime and now watching this, it might come sooner than later. Hopefully take my 3wood, 7i, 56'w, putter and sneak in a round at this hidden gem of a course. Great content, keep it up!

[@paulgoulding2291]

Incredible! Made my day. Thanks.

[@ronniezr201]

A very rich episode my dude thank you ~