Poppy Hills Golf Course

Monterey houses two courses inside the top 5 in America, and top 7 in the world.  Unfortunately for the average golfer, most courses inside the 17 Mile Drive are not as affordable as their local muni, with the exception of Poppy Hills Golf Course.  This ex-PGA Tour stop was part of the AT&T Pro-Am for years, recently replaced with Monterey Peninsula Country Club, is an exceptional public facility.  Plans to reconstruct the clubhouse and the golf course are in order to attempt to have the course play more to the lay of the land, reduce the drastic dog legs, and possibly return back to being on the big show.

For anyone who has a NCGA card, this course is only $55.  A huge discount in comparison to the $200 it is for the rest of the public to play the course.  Although it doesn't even reach 6900 yards at it's longest, the rating from their longest tee is still 74.3.  That's one tough course.  It's a difficult start with a dog leg right par 4 at 413 yards, it still has a ton of bite throughout the entire 18 holes.

The back nine, in my opinion, is the easier of the two.  With the tenth hole as a downhill par 5, it is one of my favorite holes I've played, up there with 18 at Kapalua's Plantation Course.

The seventh hole, one of the most demanding driving holes on the course, is no easy task from the fairway either.  It may look open, but the green complex is a tricky one like most on the course.  

Respect to RTJ II for a worthy challenge that is still fun.

Hole ten offers a downhill holes, and with a good drive, the kick down the hill gets you even closer to the green.  There is a tree on the left that attempts to guard the green as though the lake short of the green isn't enough.  The bail out is long... Easy task isn't it?  What does this course tell you? Play from the tees that your course handicap suggests, or suffer.  Have some fun.  

The "Tee it Forward" program from the PGA of America is one of the best programs designed.

Poppy Hills offers great golf, no matter how hard the PGA Tour Pros bashed the course, no matter how silly Tiger Woods says some of the holes are, it is a course that you have to think a lot on every hole.  It's tree lined.  It's difficult.  And although made slower for public play, so pace of play isn't dreadfully slow, if made firm like the pros like it I can see it making a good chance of coming back to the tour.  Let's look forward to that, and maybe even a USGA junior event some day.  If you come to play Pebble and are staying at the resorts, it's worth it to see what it's made of.

California Golf Club

I must have good luck with the great city of San Francisco, because I had yet another sunny and warm day at another classic course.  Unlike some classic courses around America, The Cal Club has roughly three or four designers.

It's original routing for the course was designed by Willie Locke, a young Scotsman with a great eye as his routing for the back nine is still in place today.  However due to creative differences, the club decided to choose a different designer for the hole by hole design by the name of A. Vernon Macan.  His designs aren't well known, but locals do know his other Bay Area project, Lake Merced Golf Club, for holding Sectional Qualifying for the U.S. Open every other year.

While playing I noticed the bunker design looked familiar, and for good reason.  The club hired (at the time) young Alister MacKenzie to work on his second golf course in America.  His bunkers are well known for being cloud shaped and irregular which leads to many picturesque holes.

Finally after the new millenium, the club hired a new architect looking to make the front nine look like the back, and play like the back as well.  Kyle Phillips redesigned much of the front nine, created three completely new holes (which are great holes that are long enough for new technology while keeping with a very classic feel), and managed to design sand traps that aren't far off from MacKenzie's.

Driving up to the club was a breeze.  Just off the freeway the views and essence of the entire club take you back to a time where there weren't any freeways anywhere.

The Club's Driveway with cypress trees, preparing you for what you are going to be shooting through all day.

As you approach the clubhouse it almost looks reminiscent of an old colonial house you would see the south, or with it's columns... The White House?

The entire course is filled with adventure.  I hit a lot of shots that weren't too bad.  This is one course that doesn't accept shot's that aren't too bad.  You hit good or great shots, or you pay the price.  I realized this course is the true definition of a difficult course, 18 holes losing no balls that leaves you a possibility to shoot a high number.  Playing from the "Venturi" (back) tees you will experience 7200 yards at a course rating of nearly 75, that is a monster course. 

The approach to the Par 5 4th hole

Par 4 7th hole.  It leaves the long hitters in good weather thinking whether to carry the 280 gap to the green complex or not.  

The approach to the 7th hole taking the standard route.  Bunkering on this hole is done very well. 

Looking back at the clubhouse from the 10th green.

The shoot from the 13th tee box is not the widest, especially if you're a right hander and cut the ball.  It's not the longest but still makes for an interesting hole.

A true standout among other Top 100 courses are The Cal Club's flag sticks.  Double stitched so the number of the hole is on both sides of the flag is rare enough, but here they use wood flag sticks, something I've never seen before.

I took two pictures from the 15th tee boxes.  This view is from the Black tee box, which is the second longest set of tees.  You have a fairly open view at the fairway from here.

This view is from the Venturi tees, the longest set of tees on the course.  The bunkers on the left squeeze together when you try to get close to the trees.  It leaves the whole right side of the fairway wide open, however it makes your reachable Par 5 a three shot hole very quick.

The 16th hole from the tee box.  It's supposed to be the easiest hole on the golf course as a short downhill Par 3.  The bunkering surrounding the green does make it play slightly more difficult than the yardage would suggest.

The view from the right side of the 16th green.

The last Par 5's approach displaying classic MacKenzie bunkers.

The final approach shot which is slightly downhill but with a huge valley to cross.  This is one of two greens that were redesigned by MacKenzie, coupled with his bunkering make the last hole a lasting memory.

I didn't notice it at the time, but the greens themselves are not the largest.  Considering the original designer was rumored to be replaced because he wanted to make small greens, it makes me wonder just how small the original designer wanted them.

The Cal Club has one heck of a golf course.  It is most definitely atop the few that I have played so far.  The design has stayed true to its roots as the fairways often converge with holes that are next to each other rather than some clubs that have rough follow throughout the hole.  Their cart paths are only by tee and greens so that they would not interfere with play, a feature most new courses and young architects today do not take advantage of.  The maintenance crew puts out cart signs directing drivers towards the side of the fairway, which, since recent renovations, don't seem necessary on a day to day basis because they drain so well.  The greens today slightly reminded me of the recent President's Cup at Royal Melbourne the way that they were firm, fast, and incredibly healthy while still showing some of the dirt underneath.  Some of the best rolling greens I've seen without being a thick bent like Augusta.  Overall, I can't wait to play the next course to see how much higher (Or lower depending on how you look at it) I would place The Cal Club... #97 seems pretty high for such a great course.

Rustic Canyon

I'M GOING BACK!

On my journey down to Carlsbad, CA for a graphite shaft fitting from Fujikura (completely amazing) I made a side trip on my way back to the SF Bay Area.  About 45 minutes off the I-5 was Rustic Canyon.  Haven't heard of this one?  I'm not surprised, but you should!

Why?

Best Valued golf course in America in 2010

Best New Public Affordable Golf Course in America in 2002

#63 Top Modern Golf Courses in America in 2005

#5 Public Access in California in 2010

Best Places to Play in 2004 by Golf Digest

Although I've only played the front 9 due to my 3 pm tee time (Thank You LA traffic...) I ran out of light and still have this as my favorite public course I've ever played.  The overall design is kept very well in touch with the course condition, and the greens crew does a great job making sure course stays true to it's original design.

I won't call it a links course... because it's definitely not.  It's in the middle of two mountain ranges, fairly flat, uber walkable, and left me thinking why can't all golf courses be THAT enjoyable.  It was just a ton of fun, with so much versatility and amazing for golfers of all abilities.  $79 as the MOST expensive rate (which does include the cart) during the prime hours of weekends and holidays??? 10 minute tee times intervals??? Sunshine of So Cal???  This is the course for you... The only way you won't like this course is if you don't enjoy golf.  Every golfer enjoys a well maintained course with wide fairways and a great background... If you're planning a trip to the Los Angeles area this is the must stop course for you.

Los Angeles Country Club

The Los Angeles Country Club

The is among America's finest clubs for a reason, what a classic golf club.  Before even pulling into the facility, you might miss the turn if you're not prepared.  When you begin to pull up the guard welcomes you to the club... This just prepares you for the absolute treat that is LACC.

When entering the locker room, the motion sensors in front make it feel beyond welcoming.  Locker room attendants welcome you to the club, for guests they offer you a locker for the day, and then you walk outside to the golf shop.  It's a small and simple shop and yet has everything you can ask for.

There is no doubt that this club doesn't get much play, the starters booth uses a hand written tee sheet with no tee times from the looks of things.  Next to the first tee is a long practice green, a big scoreboard, the Walker Cup in 2017 has a gem of a venue with LACC.

Off the first tee you have two fairway bunkers, one on each side of the fairway, and a big Beverly Hilton right in the middle of the fairway.  One might recommend aiming for that because this par 5 is no easy task.  The first hole also displays the genius bunkering that Gil Hanse and his team are capable of.  I would also rank this T-1 for best opening holes for any golf course I've played to date.  Beautiful lines and an amazing grounds crew are what make this the start to a great 18 holes.

The second hole in an interesting one.  Once you reach your tee shot you are then faced with the decision of which green to play to... Yes, there are two greens on this hole with a fork in the fairway.  An uphill dogleg right... A forced carry over a ravine with a bunker right... You decide.

Each par 3 at LACC is a spectacle.  The longest par 3 you may need a wood, the shortest you may use a wedge.  You have one downhill on the front, one downhill on the back, and the two are relatively level, and one is uphill.  All greens are heavily guarded with either bunkers, a stream, or both.  In my opinion there's no better test, it's a a full range of challenge.

The par 5's are all much different than the others.  With one being straight and flat, you might wish for the rest to be that "simple"... prepare yourself because the first hole is the easiest par 5 on the course.  What I like is they actually become progressively more difficult.  Climaxing in a near 600 yard par 5 with a gentle bend all the way to the green.

As always, the most difficult holes, according to the scorecard and USGA, or typically par 4s... These par 4's do not disappoint, especially the closing par 4's.  16, 17, 18, from 451 yards to 469 yards from the black tees... for us mortals.  I checked out some other tee boxes that weren't on the card... I presume they are for the 2017 Walker Cup.  18 tee box looks like it might actually be as far back as another 50 yards... which could make the left fairway bunker in play for them finally.  One thing is for sure... The Los Angeles Country Club is downright brilliant.  This is my third course inside the Top 25 and depending what the others have to bring I think it might be a little low on the list.  Absolutely loved my day there.

Cypress Point

Truth be told... I don't even know how this happened, I never thought that this would happen this early in my journey, and I'm thrilled that I can remember every moment of this trip.

Started off with a journey down 17 Mile Drive and finding midnight in the middle of the road with a bright light, and once you see the light it's a sharp left to the most hidden clubhouse I have had the pleasure of finding.  Such a classic clubhouse, tiny little parking lot (they don't need a big one with they're BUSY 20 player days) with both practice putting green and first tee less than 30 steps from your car.  Inside the clubhouse and locker room you sense the history with the paintings of the Crosby Classic and such a small amount of lockers that everyone shares.  In fact I think the only upgrade made in the locker rooms since opening may be the restroom sinks and toilet seats.

Stepping out of the locker room you're virtually right on the first tee where the fairway appears, well, doesn't appear.  With a tree off to the right, which actually becomes your aiming point with a baby draw, you see the amazing dunes in the background which will amaze you throughout your entire round.

As you walk through this property you will find some of the most unique holes, incredible views and receive some of the best service from their caddies than anywhere else.

Here's a quick peek at some photos

A perfect rainbow before we headed out means only good things for this round.

Me in the 1st fairway bunker... I swear things are gonna be good for this round.

Rain Stops on #2.  Clouds part and sunshine fills the course.

And then rain falls again but still looks like a perfect day in Monterey as you look down #2 in the foreground, #3 green and #13 fairway between the dunes and forest.

Eyeing down the first par 3 of the day.

The view down #7 fairway.

#7 green barely visible, large face bunkers as your aim points keeps the course incredibly natural.

Looking from #8 green back down #8 and up #9 fairways.  This is one of a handful of holes on the course that are not appreciated nearly as much as their better known brothers (#15 and especially #16). 

Looking from #9 tee box at #13 green (lower), #2 green (above dunes and bunkers), and down #14 fairways as it maneuvers up the hills, in between the forest and next to the Pacific.

Let's not get ahead of ourself, this is #10 from the fairway.

A better view of the green complex of #10 with all its bunker surrounds.

An incredibly natural hole, #11 proves to be a fun and fair test.

Looking past #12 green to the right, #13 (middle of the photo) looks like it would be the highlight of any other golf course with that view.

A view from the tee box of #13.

A beautifully natural set of holes, from just left of #13 tee box you can see #12, #13 and #2 green including #1 and #14 fairways with the incredible dunes that are hard to find anywhere else.

The only two back to back par 3's that I know of that I would be willing to play day after day...

An incredible short par 3 tucked among the ocean to the front and right and the forest to it's back and left.

A rarely seen view as you walk from the tee box to the green... At least I've never seen this angle.

This is the walk you get while headed to the famed #16, shrouded in trees.  

A quick peek before you get to the tee box to get everyones heart racing.

We arrive and sun shines down on #16... and with it brings a wind only the great seaside courses can face.

Yes... Driver is definitely required for such an epic shot... with a hard draw shot at the left side of the green to hope the ball can hold on from the wind just long enough.

#17 green looking backwards towards its fairway and #16 green... Sad to see the end so near.

I've kept this post short because I could write a novel on my day here.  I may come back to write more.  For now I'll try to keep you interested.

Valley Club

Have I mentioned that MacKenzie is my favorite golf course designer???  In the past 2 months I have played two of his most exclusive golf courses on the West Coast.  Both of them are some of the best walks I have had in golf thus far (the other great walks I've had the pleasure of having are LACC and Rustic Canyon).

Upon driving up to the club some may feel a bit in awe with the neighborhood, and by the time you reach the golf club you come to a sign which looks similar to the Cypress Point sign but on a larger scale.  The clubhouse is stunning in its age, its scale and it keeping its incredibly classic feel.  The locker room has numerous historical pictures and notations on the course's renovation.

The golf shop is not updated in many ways from initial looks as it small with wall fixtures and about 3 racks of clothes in the middle carrying mainly essentials for many golfers.

When you step out of the golf shop or the locker room you see part of what makes this course, this facility so special.  Not only can you see the ocean from the patio of the clubhouse, but you can see about 6 of the holes as the design is that of many classic golf clubs around the world.  The course has many bunkers designed with the purpose of players to aim at them and use them to your advantage.  That is displayed especially behind the 15th green (below) where there is a bunker in the face of the hill below the golf shop in the shape of a check mark.  Green surrounds and collars blend in to the next tee box throughout most of the golf course which reminds you that the course is not only a special place with the shape that it is kept in, but that it is a classic design that is truly special.

As you step out of the golf shop you nearly step right on to the first tee, which is not a feeling you get at many newer golf clubs.  When I mean nearly step right on it, I mean you can take the stairs to the right to the clubhouse, or you can go left and the tee box is five steps away.  It is such a classic first hole design being directly next to the golf shop and clubhouse for big events it must really put a lot of pressure on players who aren't used to being watched. The first hole itself is a long par 4 opener.  A 460+ downhill hole has a green that is skirted on the sides with deep menacing bunkers.  You may see two flags in the picture and while you walk down the fairway.  Make sure you aim for the 1st hole flag and not the par 3 14th directly behind it.

The second hole is a relieving par 5, short one at that.  The hardest part?  For newbies it will be the drive.  With the fairway sweeping left with only a fairway bunker on the left hand side and a few trees on the right, you don't have the luxury of seeing the full landing area.  It appears that the trees serve as an aiming point if you hit a good draw and the bunker would make a great aiming tool for anyone who favors hitting it dead straight or a cut.  A number of bunkers interfere with your approach shot should you try to run the ball up and on to the green.  An aerial approach is almost always required for a decent first putt on this green.

The 3rd hole is the hardest hole on the golf course.  Nearly 460 yards you will have an uphill approach... which is the easier half of the hole.  With the fairway tightening with a bunker, a tree and a lateral hazard the tee shot proves to be a daunting task to any player.  

Below is the first par 3 you face, the 4th hole.  Downhill with a short iron does initially sound like an easy task.  However this narrow opening is also prevalent in many older golf courses, more on the East Coast than the West Coast, however this is a great example of what so many 

memorable tee shots provide.

This is the green surrounds close up.  As you can see the tree gap is the least of your worries.  MacKenzie as usual uses incredible bunkering to make it appear as a more dangerous shot than it actually is.  The nearest bunker is approximately 60 yards away from the green, though this hole is still slightly memorable of 15 Cypress in the sense that it all carry and surrounded in bunkers.  

Just a great hole.

This is the view from the par 4 5th hole's fairway where you can see the right fairway bunker is actually a greenside bunker for the 7th hole as well.  The way the tight fairways move around the golf course with such a great flow is a feature I enjoy every time I see it.

This fairway bunker is another classic MacKenzie design feature.  Notice in the picture below it looks like it may be a large greenside bunker guarding much of the front of the green.  

 Here you see that there is nearly 70 yards between the end of that same bunker above with the front of the green.  This is something only the best new course designers 

can develop into their design with new courses.

This is the DRIVABLE 298 yard par 4 6th hole.  The great short holes in golf typically have an aiming bunker short, a greenside bunker to catch arrant drives and an empty front of the green to give players a hope and a chance in order to entice you to try and drive the green.  Another note: most of the great golf courses in the world have at least one drivable par 4 on it's property (pending redesigns).

This is the 7th hole where you see the greenside bunker that is also a fairway bunker.  A rare design feature that works perfectly as shown here. 

The par 3 8th hole is uphill and again a par 3 that is all carry.  A great design with adventure and temptation with a little illusion.  And if you are wondering, yes those bunkers are silly deep.

This is the view from the 8th green back towards the tee box (to the left) and has the 7th green in the background as well (middle of the picture).

The last of the front nine brings you to the farthest point away from the clubhouse to a green that has a false front, a forced carry, and ample opportunity to be aggressive long on one 

of the Valley Club's largest greens.

The par 4 13th is adjacent to the second hole and again has a bunker that appears to be in play off the tee.  We all really appreciated having a laser with us that day so we could find out that it was out of reach at a subtle 330 yards away from the tee box on a 383 yard hole.  

This is the final par 3 of the golf course and brings you one of the most picturesque views while you're playing.  The 13th hole in front, the first green directly behind the rear bunker, and the amazing clubhouse in the background.  Stunning.

This is the view as you walk up the final par 5 of the golf course.  On a picture perfect day like this is does make it a little difficult to concentrate on the job at hand sometimes.  

We all had to pause and take it in and take a picture.

A view back up the 18th fairway with the two cottages that are on property.

A different view as you walk up the 18th fairway with aiming bunkers lining the entire length of the left side of the fairway. 

The final green of the day, clubhouse in the back right, cottages in the back left, and bunkers all over the place.

One last panorama of my two friends walking up to the green 

and showing you all that the 18th has to offer.