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 With a William F. Bell-designed layout that hugs the Pacific Ocean, Sandpiper Golf Course often gets compared to another prominent Southern California track that shares those characteristics. However, Sandpiper, one of the most renowned courses in Santa Barbara, is anything but a mirror image of the 2008 U.S. Open host. “It’s always an honor to be compared to such a great golf course, although we believe that Sandpiper is a completely different course than Torrey Pines,” said Greg Villeneuve, who manages Sandpiper as director of golf operations for Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts. “I think Sandpiper is always mentioned [along with the South Course at Torrey] because it has the same architect and the length. “At Sandpiper, we have 210 acres on the Pacific Ocean, and you can see the water from 14 of the 18 holes. At Torrey Pines, you’re at the ocean, but you don’t have the same connection to the ocean as you do at Sandpiper.” Sandpiper has a challenging layout that plays 7,068 yards from the tips. Playing to a par of 72, it sports a quartet of meaty par 3s, including Nos. 4 and 11, which both stretch more than 220 yards. “The par 3s all play in somewhat different directions, so the winds can make them even more challenging,” Villeneuve said. At least one bunker comes into play on every hole, and subtle angles off the tee are enough to make even the most skilled golfers think more about proper positioning based on wind and pin positions. “I think there’s a nice mix of medium-length, to even short, par 4s that provide a lot of options to the player,” Villeneuve said. If you haven’t played Sandpiper in the past few years, you’ll notice slightly tighter fairways and more natural landscaping because of the growth of a taller native grass on the furthest edges of holes. That grass is a mixture of indigenous strains, including tall fescue, and is between 14 and 18 inches in length. To maintain pace of play, it is played as a hazard, putting a slightly higher premium on driving accuracy.  “There’s still more than normal width on the fairways to provide the playability. It’s not there to scare golfers, it’s more there for aesthetics in the outlying areas,” Villeneuve said. Villeneuve also manages Rancho San Marcos Golf Course for Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts. The facility is celebrating the one-year anniversary of an extensive renovation this month. Under the direction of original architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 6,817-yard, par-71 layout has new white sand bunkers, new greens on the first and third holes and improved fairway sight lines on Nos. 15 and 18. “The course has matured wonderfully,” Villeneuve said. “It’s been very well received by our guests.” Located about 25 minutes from Sandpiper, Rancho San Marcos borders Lake Cachuma and utilizes ancient oaks and the backdrops of the Santa Ynez Mountains to present a stunning setting. Whether you have your heart set on playing Rancho San Marcos or Sandpiper — or both — they have made it easy to book a trip of any period of time thanks to a variety of stay-and-play packages. There also is a preferred player program at both facilities that offers significant savings. All you have to do is ask. “We’re so much about personalized service,” Villanueve said. “We like to listen to our guests. If there’s a way that we can accommodate you even more, that’s what we’re about.” For more information on Sandpiper: (805) 968-1541 or sandpipergolf.com. For more information on Rancho San Marcos: (877) 776-1804 or rsm1804.com.  Monarch Dunes set to unveil 12-hole Challenge Course Nipomo’s Monarch Dunes Golf Course has been recognized as one of the most distinct and interesting tracks on the West Coast by a variety of prominent sources. The facility will build on its reputation in late August with the opening of its Challenge Course, a layout of 12 par-3 holes. “People ask, ‘Why 12 holes?’” said PGA general manager and director of operations Matt Kalbak. “We wanted to create something where people could have a great golf experience in two hours or less rather than spending four or five hours. There’s a lot of value to doing this.” The Challenge’s dozen holes, which range from 85 to 200 yards, feature three sets of tees in the trademark colors for Monarch Dunes: black, orange and yellow. It’s anything but a pitch-and-putt, as velvet bentgrass greens feature undulations that call for precision on both full swings and putts. The shorter course will complement the original 18-hole Monarch Dunes layout, which opened in April 2006. Crafted by architect Damian Pascuzzo, who was assisted by Ventura native and PGA Tour veteran Steve Pate, it is framed by eucalyptus trees and features elements of links golf. The grassy dunes guarding the thin green on the short par-3 fifth hole conjure images of the famous “Postage Stamp” eighth hole at Scotland’s Royal Troon. The 437-yard par-4 10th, one of the toughest at Monarch Dunes, has a double fairway that calls for imagination and concise execution into a prevailing wind. “It’s different than most California-style golf courses,” Kalbak said. “We’ve brought something to the area that has not existed.” Located about an hour north of Santa Barbara, Monarch Dunes has a large pro shop, an expansive driving range and some delicious fare at The Pub. There’s also the Royal Rewards membership, which provides incentive to make repeat visits. For an annual fee of $149, members get up to 30 percent off green fees, 20 percent off pro shop merchandise, an SCGA membership and a dozen Titleist ProV1 golf balls. And if you’ve already got an SCGA membership, then you’ll get a dozen more ProV1 balls. There’s more: The 48 highest spenders in the Royal Rewards program earn a free weekend golf trip to Primm Valley, Nev. “If you like our club and you’re going to play golf here, it’s a no-brainer,” Kalbak said. For more information: (805) 343-9459 or monarchdunes.com.  Experience the region’s best on Central Coast Golf Trail Whether you’re an avid Southern California golfer or merely trying to experience as many of the region’s courses as possible, check out the Central Coast Golf Trail. You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store. Stretching north to Paso Robles and south to Lompoc, the collection of 10 facilities features some of the most renowned tracks in the state, not to mention some of the top values. “We have courses at the highest level you could possibly desire, and we have more affordable ones, too,” said Ken Campbell of Campbell Golf Partners, which markets the trail. “People are sometimes surprised to find out how much good golf there is in the area.” From seaside courses such as Avila Beach to hilly gems such as Chalk Mountain, the Central Coast Golf Trail has something for everyone. For those seeking a challenge, check out La Purisima — with a 75.6 slope from the 7,105-yard back tees, it is consistently rated as one of the toughest layouts in the country. No matter where you decide to book a round, a visit to the trail’s website makes it easy. With a comprehensive list of stay-and-play packages and a directory of the region’s most popular non-golf attractions — including shops, beaches, wineries, and Hearst Castle — the site has it all. “We allow people to book all their golfing through one portal,” Campbell said. “We’ve made it convenient.” For more information: (877) 679-1122 or centralcoastgolftrail.com. |
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