Golf rich area for sure and of course it’s all subjective. SFGC’s back nine didn’t stick with me like the front (sadly couldn’t take pictures). That doesn’t mean it’s not good because memorability is not a negative for me because I don’t remember individual holes like I used to.
Cal Club however felt better/stronger start to finish.
New Merced looks great though and need to see Olympic too. As you said, so many good courses.
And the best part, they’re all open to public play!
I played Sunken Gardens in Sunnyvale CA (Bay Area), which is a cute little 9 hole executive course owned by the city of Sunnyvale. I grew up less than 20 mins away from this course but somehow never played it before. I had my own 18 hole executive down the road that I worked at (Deep Cliff).
It was perfect for a quick break from family for a 9 hole match against my Dad (he smoked me).
The course sits in a small sunken (imagine that) valley. There are a lot Redwoods mixed with Palm Trees, which is an interesting mix. The Redwoods really add character and soul to the course and make you feel removed from the suburban jungle the course sits in.
Palm Trees vs. Redwoods
Ginkgo Biloba tree on fire
Almost dunked one from 135. Missed the putt.
The one very cool feature of Sunken Gardens is their restaurant/bar/patio area. They have a good BBQ place that operates at the course and then a nice bar that makes you feel like you’re in Palm Springs (or Gleneagles GC if you’ve been, although not as cool). The patio is big. This would be a great place to hang in the summer or to watch an NFL playoff game after a quick 9.
I love Sunken Gardens! I work down the street so when it’s slow at the office I’ll head over and hit a small bucket at lunch. Always a great spot to squeeze in 9 after work with some buddies when daylight allows.
Northwood GC on 12/30 with the RACDG NorCal bearcubs. Teed it with @NotADoctor @oski and @StrokesGained in our special, happy place.
Those trees are huge!
Our event was called “Battle in the Big Trees”
AND it’s dog friendly! Sick!
Played Rustic Canyon yesterday best round I’ve ever had one double and a couple birdies. Beat my best by 4 strokes and has moved from the whites to the Hanse tees. Was in the zone and super enjoyable.
Had a buddy with an ace on #6 out there yesterday!
My favorite hole on property
This is such a wholesome bit and I love every time it happens.
I got out to play golf for the first time in India. Outside Bengaluru in the state of Karnataka, there is a wonderful golf destination movie mashup of “Stepbrothers” and “LoTR” called Prestige Golfshire. It is operated by Troon. It is set up well for traveling golfer, good locker room setup and welcome. There is an affiliated JW Marriot, and a whole housing development around the course. You have a caddie come with you, riding on back of golf cart (buggy). 7000 yards par 72 from the tips. I decided to play the one ups at 6500. Got paired with a lovely couple who picked the game up during covid, and were a delight to play with. Ex-pats from Malaysia/Singapore. Did not play well, lots of hazards and OB came into play for me today. The course is firm/fast and undulating. Fastest greens I have played in quite a while.
This first pic is off the tee of a huge cape hole (I think number 8), where the locals are down in the area that is usually filled with water collecting golf balls. After I skulled my chip over the green into the hazard, one of them tossed the ball back. It was only 275yds to green today, I hit my tee shot short left. Apparently when weather is more wet this whole thing fills up with water.
This next pic is the first time you get to see the Nandi-Hills clearly in the distance. The one on the right is a popular hiking trail going up to roughly 1500meters, from local elevation of about 1000 meters. I think this was the 4th hole.
I had to take a picture of this, I think the 14th hole, with razor wire along the course boundary, presenting a true hazard off the tee on this par 4.
In general, was more than a resort course. I was significantly challenged, particularly around the greens with different sand textures, very fast greens, and grabby grass in the surrounds, making short game tougher than it usually is for me (or at least taking some adjustments).
Probably among the priciest golf there is to be had (gree fee around $110 (USD equivalent). Was worth it to me. I feel the need to go play it again, and will.
put the word out… we back up now that Im not in the middle of the woods
My biggest regret when I was in Bengalaru for 3 weeks for work in 2022 was not bringing my clubs! Looks like it could’ve been a fun time.
Took a gamble and booked a majorly discounted January round at Sheep Ranch three weeks out hoping the weather would comply for me and my missus; and, folks, did it ever comply. Mid-50s, nothing but sun, and almost zero wind. Can’t imagine there are many better weather days than the one we had, and it was the most unreal walk of my life. Despite questionable company (one of the singles we were paired up with literally almost walked off the course after 11 after chunking drives on 4 straight holes, which was unquestionably sick), it was truly one of those golf days you just dream of. The severe hail we experienced on the par-3 Preserve the next day felt like a worthy penance to pay for such an otherworldly round of golf.
TL;DR: if you have a chance to book a offseason severely discounted tee time at a place like Bandon and you’re willing to roll the dice on the weather, this is your sign that you should absolutely 100% do it.
Got my first round of the new year in this past Monday. I played a little hidden gem called Spring Hills, just outside the city of Watsonville, CA.
I love to play this course because the staff treats everyone like a regular. The front nine is really difficult, with penalty areas or OB on every hole. The back nine opens up and allows for some fireworks down the stretch, with two 5s and a driveable 4 to finish.
I played Spring Hills when I was out in California a few years ago. It is a fun hidden gem. That first hole is quirky but I really enjoyed the course.
