Sandpiper Golf Course, Santa Barbara, CA

June 25th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Santa Barbara, William Bell, golf courses 

Sandpiper Golf Course is located in Santa Barbara, CA

Phone: (805) 968-1541

Sandpiper Golf Course, Santa Barbara, CA

Website: http://www.sandpipergolf.com

Course History:

This beautiful course was designed by William Bell and first opened to the public in 1972. It quickly became one of the most popular courses in Santa Barbara and has been a top rated course for many years. Most recently, Golf Digest named it one of the top twenty five golf courses in the United States.

The course stretches out over 7000 yards and has a rating of 74.5. This is a championship level course that has hosted many PGA and LPGA players but novices should not find it terribly intimidating.

What You Need to Know:

Tee times can be registered online or by calling the number listed above. Please note that this is a soft spike facility. All metal spikes must be changed out before arriving on the course. There is a dress code at this course as well and the management asks that all players and spectators abide by it. For men, a collared shirt with sleeves must be worn. Slacks are preferred, but shorts are allowed as long as they are at least knee length and no shorter.

For women, collared shirts are a must, but the rules are a little more relaxed when it comes to sleeves. Tank tops are not allowed, but a sleeveless shirt may be worn so long as the shoulders are covered. Golf shorts and skirts are allowed, but must not be shorter than mid thigh. Denim is prohibited for both sexes.

Reservations are available but must be made up to 60 days in advance. Please be advised that the course does have a 48 hour cancellation policy. If you fail to cancel within that time period, you will lose your fee.

If it fits your schedule be sure to take advantage of the very reasonable weekday twilight and super twilight rates.

Playing Hints:

The beautiful course is alongside the ocean, but you won't have to worry too much about water hazards. The main trip up here are the numerous bunkers which can be found on every single hole. Most holes are straightforward, but quite long. The seventh hole is perhaps the toughest on the course. It features a sharp dogleg to the left and there is a nice big bunker in the middle of the fairway. It's best to keep to the center on this one and go a little short off the tee. From there, you'll have a clear view of the bunker and the curve.

The eighteenth hole features the one and only water hazard. You'll be shooting across a large lake to make it to the green, so give it a good one off the tee. Just make sure to avoid the bunkers around the green. With practice, you can easily birdie this hole to save your score.


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Course Fees:

Mon - Thur / Fri - Sun, Holidays

Daily Fee

$129 / $149

Junior

$95 / $95

Twilight

$69 / $84

Replay

$69 / $84

Titleist Rental Clubs

$60 / $60

Cart Fee

$16 / $16

Spectator Fee

$20 / $20

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Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Golf Course, Sonoma, CA

June 4th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Sam Whiting, Sonoma, golf courses 

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Golf Course, Sonoma, CA Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Golf Course is located in Sonoma, CA

Phone: 877-289-7354

Website: http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma/Recreation/Golf/

Course History:

This is an incredibly idyllic course located in the middle of a resort. Even if you're not planning on staying, you should give this course a try. It was first designed by Sam Whiting in 1928 as part of the then Mission Inn. Throughout the course of history, ownership has changed hands, but the course has remained. In 2001 the course was privatized after being rejoined to the resort on the same location. The 7100 yard course was recently chosen as the season ending course for the PGA Champions Tour Season.

What You Need to Know:

There are some specific rules of play that you will need to know before visiting the course. Management states, "The Sonoma Golf Club adheres to a strict dress code. Collared golf shirts and slacks or golf shorts are required for men. Golf dresses, skirts, slacks or golf shorts and blouses or golf shirts are required for women. Tank tops, other athletic wear and denim are not permitted. Cellular phones are not allowed on the practice facility, in the golf shop, clubhouse or anywhere on the golf course."

In order to play you must make a reservation by calling the number listed above. Without this, you will not be able to go out on the course. The pro shop here is absolutely astounding and the lessons are incredibly popular. Kris Moe teaches throughout the year here and we've included their most recent rates for his special golf schools.

Playing Hints:

This is a championship course and it can be difficult at times. However, even novices can enjoy their round with a little patience. It's going to take a few times to get this one figured out, so go with the flow and remember to have fun.

The long par 5 off the second hole will get you started off right. With the right tee shot, you should be able to birdie this one. It's a good thing too since the holes just get tougher. Watch out for the 11th hole it can be a bit tricky, and it's hard to make this par 3. You'll get another challenging par 5 on the sixteenth hole but you can use the last two to salvage your score after a tough round.


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Course Fees:

$215.00 USD Range balls and cart are included with all greens fees.

Golf Clubs (Titleist Irons and Taylor Made Woods): $75 USD

Tee times are available every ten minutes beginning at 7:30 a.m. until dusk. Reserve now to guarantee your tee off!

Kris Moe Golf School Rates

$325 USD full day (January 01 to April 30, 2007 and November 17 to December 31, 2007), 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

$495 USD full day (May 1 to November 16, 2007), 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

$175 USD, one hour private lesson with Kris Moe, $150 USD with the rest of staff

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