Pasatiempo Golf Club

When I asked my friends if they want to play an Alister MacKenzie design, they basically made fun of me for even asking the question.  The man who created some of the best golf courses in the world has a handful of courses in the San Francisco Bay Area from Fairfax down to Monterey, and today we are somewhere in the middle at Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz, CA.  It was what any Santa Cruz native could call a "Picture Perfect Day".  Typically a town with fog (being right on the ocean), this was a day for us to shed the extra layers and enjoy the sun.

Down the first hole, an almost long par 4 is down hill, with views of Monterey and the ocean, which is more than a little distracting if you're not used to it.  As we tee off the starter informs us that some people that have had the honor of playing Augusta told them that the undulation of the greens are strangely similar to those of Augusta National, and to keep up pace but be careful reading them.

We tried to be careful... we failed.  The greens are the most difficult green complexes I've played yet.  The course going through the roaming hills also was reminiscent of MacKenzie's famed course on the east coast, which really made it a special day.  The bunkering was updated from years past as it steadily became more and more bland.  The club got the bunkers and greens back to it's glory throughout the past years to make it look as close to how it did when it was first opened.

Third Hole Par 3 has bunkers nearly everywhere, except where you can run it it.  But be careful... It's actually a false front.

Hole 4 green in the foreground is short hole, but allows you to play it many ways.  Hole 5 in the background is another par 3 with bunkers everywhere you can imagine.  Iron striking is at a premium. 

As you go through the course there is one piece of property OFF the golf course that you must see and thank.  Off the 6 fairway at 100 yards out from the green is the house of Dr. Alister MacKenzie.  There are rumors that Pasatiempo was his favorite course because he spent his final years right here.  

Known for using natural terrain, you wouldn't think that there are gorges you would have to fly over at any MacKenzie course, but Pasatiempo is one exception.  He used the natural terrain and used them as one does a wide stream or river.  On hole 12 it gives you the decision to be bold, or accept a long approach into the green.  You Decide.  

 Overall, this course is definitely up there as one of my favorites of all time.  It's early in my quest... but I can't remember the last time I had this much fun on a golf course.  This place is something special.