The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage
Just a short drive from downtown Palm Springs in Southern California, The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa enjoys a prime 360-acre setting in sunny Rancho Mirage boasting luxurious accommodations and championship golf.
Relax at one of the three pools at this world-class golf resort, or admire the mountains from a private patio. The hotel’s unique architecture and landscaping reflect the natural beauty of the Southern California desert, and the extensive recreational facilities-everything from golfing, basketball, soccer, biking and tennis, all taking advantage of the ideal climate and don’t forget to take advantages of the spa at this AAA Four-Diamond desert sanctuary resort. For More Information, Visit www.ranchomiragemeetings.com
The resort is located at the corner of Bob Hope and Dinah Shore drives, named for two celebrities intimately associated with the game of golf. Two championship courses are available to guests, the Pete Dye Course adjacent to the resort and the Gary Player Signature Course (a two minute drive).
Pete Dye Resort Course
(Reviewed by “Two Guys Who Golf”)
Designed by Pete Dye, ASGCA, the Pete Dye Golf Course opened in 1970. It’s one of the area’s loveliest, but toughest courses. The rolling fairways, water hazards, and four sets of tees provide a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
Diabolically Dye, the course is distinguished by hidden pin placements, carries over water, pot bunkers, elevated tees, and railroad ties. This 6,706-yard, par 70, award-winning championship course is just steps away from the resort, and as such shares the same majestic mountain views.
The course features four sets of tees that play to distances and slopes measuring 6,706 yards/131 slope, 6,158 yards/126 slope, 5,587 yards/ 116 slope for men (and 126 for women) and 4,841 yards with a slope of 117 for ladies playing from the forward sets.
There are 64 sand bunkers situated along the fairways and greenside – some of them quite large and deep. A key to scoring well here is to hit the fairways while avoiding the sand traps and rough, which can make recoveries for par quite difficult. Most fairways are bordered by mounding and trees, which though not dense can certainly come into play on errant tee shots and approaches. The green complexes come in variety of shapes in sizes, with true running putting surfaces that are often raised, and protected by sand, depressions, grassy swales and collection areas. The sixth hole looks easy on the scorecard – a 330 yard par four – but golfers will need an extremely accurate approach to avoid the slope and deep rough situated immediately left of the plateau green complex.
Water comes into play on just five holes, but the challenge they present on these holes is quite formidable. This is particularly true of the par four 14th and par four 18th, which provide landing zones that are defined by ponds intruding upon the fairways. Golfers not executing a well placed tee shot, may find themselves laying up to a peninsula landing area and playing for an up and down with a wedge or short iron on the third shot. Generally, we found the back nine to be tighter off the tee, with trees and water squeezing the landing zones.
This is an extremely beautiful golf course, with outstanding mountain views at every turn. From the back tees, the challenge is formidable. The Gold tees provide a fair round with trouble lurking off the tee and greenside if proper shots are not executed. Seniors will enjoy the Jade tees, and women playing from the forward sets will find this experience very player friendly – especially on the water holes, in which the 
hazards are basically taken out of play. This is a thoughtful design that allows vacationers to enjoy a wonderful experience, and scratch golfers to use all the tricks in their bag. This course is highly recommended.
Gary Player Signature Course
(Reviewed by “Two Guys Who Golf”)
This 7,062-yard, par 72 course is renowned for its environmentally careful integration with the desert landscape.
The Player Course is situated just a two minute drive from the resort property and features its own clubhouse with 1,000 square foot pro shop, the Gary Player Grill featuring indoor/outdoor eating facilities, a grass range and a practice green. Built in 1991, this course is open for public play and upon initiation was voted “One of the Top Ten New Resort Courses” in the United States by Golf Magazine. Considered to be one of the best courses in the Palm Springs area, this is the only Gary Player Signature course in Southern California. It has served as the home to the 1992 Senior PGA Tour Qualifying, the 1992/93 California State Open, 1992-99 and 2002 LPGA Tour Qualifying, 1993 US Open Local Qualifying, and the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Tournament.
Four sets of tees play to distances and slopes measuring 7,062 yards/131 slope, 6,643 yards/124 slope, 6,044 yards/115 slope for men (and 130 for women) and 4,907 yards with a slope of 118 from the forward sets.
There are 68 sand bunkers situated on the perimeters of the well manicured fairways, or greenside near the medium sized, sloped putting surfaces. Water comes into play on 11 holes, with a few forced carries.
There is a nice mix of tightly tree lined landing zones, together with those that are open and meandering with generous playing areas. From the two back tees this is a formidable challenge, accentuated by the long par fours that require both precision and distance. Numbers one, two, four, nine, fourteen, sixteen and 
eighteen all play to distances covering more than 400 yards. From the Silver sets (6,044 yards) the layout is very playable for average golfers and high handicappers. From the forward tees many of the water hazards are basically taken out of play, with the exception of forced carries to the green complexes on the par three 5th and 12th and the par five 11th.
Land on the greens in regulation, and good scores can be had. Though the putting surfaces present slopes and ridges, most of the pin placements provide level areas which from which birdies and pars are possible. Pin placement sheets on the back of carts are helpful, indicating the day’s hole locations. Sprinkler heads are measured to the center of the green, and 150 yard stakes are visible on all par fours and fives. Golfers should appreciate the straight forward start, as holes one and two present good scoring opportunities. From there on challenges await in a variety of hole designs with one constant – the gorgeous mountain backdrops that frame the fairways, tees and greens as the course winds through an upscale residential community. The route finishes with a long par five and beautiful par four that can make or break a round.
With excellent conditioning, spectacular scenery and wonderful service – it is no wonder this course is recognized as one of the best in the Palm Springs area.
For more on resort of “Golfing in the Desert” visit our website at: www.sandiegopremier.net or go to www.twoguyswhogolf.com and read more on their reviews for golfing all over the U.S.
The post Golfing in the Desert first appeared on San Diego Premier.]]>
The Resort
Originally a haven for celebrities and athletes looking for a respite from Hollywood and Las Vegas, La Costa Resort and Spa continues to be the pinnacle of activity, offering a taste of the California Lifestyle to all 
guests with golf, tennis, spa, pools and activities for all ages. La Costa’s proximity to San Diego, just 30 miles north, and Los Angeles, 90 miles south, make it an easily accessible destination. Located in Carlsbad, California just three miles from the ocean, and amid the rolling foothills, La Costa Resort and spa is Southern California’s largest golf resort.
Recently renovated and expanded, La Costa Resort now spans 400 acres with 610 guest rooms. The buildings pay homage to the California Mission Style with white washed walls, terra cotta tiled roofs and interiors of darks woods and rich fabrics. With a Mediterranean village atmosphere, the central heart of the resort houses the clubhouse, shops and restaurants. Spa, pools and other amenities can be found in the immediate surrounding areas. The resort is connected by beautifully landscaped walkways and fountains. Benches, seats and hammocks can be found throughout the resort for guests who want to take a moment in the surrounding peace and beauty.
Luxury Villas, added during the renovation, are available in one-two-or-three bedroom suites for purchase or rent. The Villas are fully equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen with a seating area for up to six, all appliances and can be pre-stocked with specific groceries and amenities upon request. Room service and charging privileges also apply for guests. Larger than a standard room or suite, Villas also have an oversized marble bath and washer and dryer. Fire places create a more homelike atmosphere in the bedrooms and parlors, as do the furnished private patios offering additional outdoor space to each room.
La Costa Resort is more family friendly than ever, with Kidtopia Club for kids and Vibz teen room. Offering daily camp sessions and child care, it’s easier than ever for the golfer or spa-goer to fit in family time and a treat for themselves. Splash Landing water complex offers a poolside café, slides, interactive water area and baby pool. The new Garden Pool area and café offer a more adult atmosphere. Seven pools and numerous Jacuzzis are found throughout the resort, so finding alone time is never difficult.
Membership
While guests enjoy the many amenities that La Costa Resort has to offer, local residents can enjoy them by becoming a member. La Costa Resort has many options to become a member, offering varying access to the golf courses and practice facility, tennis courts and daily drills, fitness facility and daily classes, Kidtopia and child care and pools. Membership at La Costa offers privileges including programming and events 
exclusive to members, discounts on dining, spa and retail, and rooms. Classifications now include a golf membership, tennis and fitness memberships with a refundable deposit or one time initiation fee.
Golf
La Costa Resort is probably best known for its 30 year history of tournament golf play, most recently the 2006 Accenture World Match Play. Every legendary player has had their turn at La Costa for one tournament or another, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Tom Lehman and Tiger Woods, who won the Accenture tournament 3 times.
Designed by Dick Wilson, the La Costa courses offer a traditional design from the tees to the greens. Both North and South courses feature lush fairways, flawless greens and plenty of challenges with large, 
high-lipped bunkers on many holes, expanses of water and sneaky streams with fast bent grass greens. North Course is 7,094 yards, par 72, with a slope of 141, while South Course is 7,077 yards, par 72, with a slope of 140.
The resort originally opened with one course, and through the years a second was added. Players are encouraged to read the large stone monuments that grace the Legends Trail, the original 18 holes. Many include information from matches, including 16 North, the famed water feature that Tiger Woods landed two inches from the pin to win the Mercedes tournament in 1997. When rain forced Woods and Tom Lehman to return Sunday morning to break the tie, play started on the 189-yard hole near the clubhouse. Woods hit first, virtually sealing the competition immediately. Woods tapped in for birdie and the playoff ended with just one swing.
With two courses, La Costa can offer double opportunity for guests and members to play. One course is designated as the member course each day. A new $1.5 million practice area is large enough that guests and members have separate sections. All are invited to take advantage of the expertise of the pros at the La Costa Golf Academy. Specializing in custom programs for all levels, they can offer assistance for a session, day or ongoing program. La Costa Resort is also home to the Roger Fredericks, noted golf instructor and flexibility specialist. The golf pro shop offers club rentals as well as carrying the latest in apparel and gear.
La Costa Golf Academy
The La Costa Golf Academy is run by the Director of Golf T.R. Marritt, one of the premier instructors in San Diego. T.R.’s extensive knowledge of the game has been gained through years of experience playing junior golf, high school golf, collegiate golf and 11 years of competitive professional golf. A PGA Class-A professional since 1995, T.R has created and runs one of the best Golf Academy’s in San Diego.
The Academy and T.R. offer instruction for all level of players from beginner to advanced. The Academy offers individual adult and junior lessons, family programs, junior programs, ladies programs, couple programs, playing lessons, corporate programs, customized golf schools, and a very innovative personal coach program. T.R.’s teaching philosophy is “I have found that for most students there is a need to 
simplify. To take what they know and relate it back to a simple concept. That concept for me is that in golf we are swinging a club and the physics of the movement of that club will dictate the flight of the ball. Therefore, we must understand the proper movement of the club and increase our ability to control that movement. I strive for each student to use their unique natural swing to move the club in a way that will produce the shot they desire.”
Lessons and programs are available to members as well as non-members, and can be purchased individually or through a series or package. The Academy focuses on all aspects of the game from short game (putting, chipping, pitching, and sand), full swing, equipment analysis, course management, mental/psychological techniques, and golf fitness. The Academy’s new $1.5 million practice area is beautiful and well manicured, and the instructors utilize state of the art video technology for swing analysis. Therefore, if you game is in need of a quick tune up or a complete overhaul, the setting at the La Costa Golf Academy is the perfect opportunity. T.R.’s exceptional golf instruction, and superior attention to his student’s needs, will bring each guest “greater golf”! (T.R. Marritt can be reached at trmarritt@pga.com or 760-274-7147)
Written by Sharm Newbold and Patrick Brown,
Broker Associates, Villa Sotheby’s International Realty
The post La Costa Golf Resort first appeared on San Diego Premier.]]>The Community of Rancho Santa Fe is located four miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in northern San Diego County, twenty miles north of Downtown San Diego. The gentle rolling hills, eucalyptus trees, citrus groves, and meandering streets provide the enchanted setting for one of the wealthiest and most prestigious communities in America. Rancho Santa Fe’s median house price is 2.5 million, and amenities of the community include a world class golf course, tennis center, riding trails, superb
restaurants, small shops, superior schools, ideal weather conditions, community center, and much more! It lies east of the City of Solana Beach, between the San Dieguito River and Escondido Creek. The Covenant and its neighboring San Dieguito River Valley environs are within the unincorporated areas governed by the County of San Diego.
The Rancho Santa Fe Covenant encompasses a rough hexagon of about 6,200 acres. This land area has been subdivided and resubdivided into its current inventory of about 1,930 separate parcels. New subdivisions rarely add more than a handful of parcels to this inventory annually. While there exist Covenant parcels ranging in size from 5,000 square feet to over 30 acres, most parcels are in the size range of two to four acres.
The Covenant features a variety of topographic forms. Dissected sandstone upland ridges form the main spine of the community, and extend along the length of Linea del Cielo from the Village to the Covenant’s western boundary. Other steep slopes form ramparts above the San Dieguito River at the southeastern edge of the community. The remainder of the community is composed of gently rolling hills and drainages. This diversity of slope and site orientation has led to an equally diverse pattern of site use and the spectacular residential settings for which Rancho Santa Fe is noted.
Planning and respect for the environment have been hallmarks of the “covenant” from the beginning. Lillian Rice, a local architect, planned the subdivision, and her vision and meticulous design continue to guide it today. The winding roads were laid out to slow down drivers and ensure that they would enjoy the scenery. The Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture was standard for all the public buildings. The school, library, the Inn, and the civic center were designed by Rice. She also designed a number of private residences in this style.
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club
In the early 1900’s Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company purchased 8,796 acres on which to cultivate more than one million Australian eucalyptus seedlings for the manufacture of railroad ties.
Severe drought in 1912, followed by the worst freeze in 40 years killed approximately 70% of the trees. The railway company abandoned the project after new chemicals were produced to protect railway ties from decay.
The railway company then secured rights to a water supply and through its subsidiary, the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company, financed the development of a master planned community, which would be named Rancho Santa Fe.
In August of 1927, the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company donated 219.1 acres suitable for a golf course. The Rancho Santa Fe Country Club was incorporated September 26, 1927. Golf course architect Max Behr (a disciple of Dr. Alister Mackenzie) was hired to design and implement the 
construction of the golf course. Behr molded the natural contours and beauty of the terrain into a 6,700 – yard, par-72 golf course. The golf course opened June 5, 1929.
Entertainer Bing Crosby began hosting the pro-am “clambake” in 1937.
The golf event paired celebrities and businessmen with professionals for a 36-hole weekend event. The “clambake” was held annually through 1942. The tournament moved to Pebble Beach in 1947 where it is now called the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Other prestigious events held at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club include the San Diego Open held in 1954 and won by Gene Littler, the 101st Edition of the SCGA Amateur held in 2000 and won by Scott McGihon, and the 2006 US Junior Amateur Championship won by Philip Fancis. In 2010 Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club will co-host the 99th California Amateur Championship with La Jolla Country Club. This will mark just the second time that the nation’s most prestigious state amateur golf championship will have been held in Southern California. (This year’s California Amateur will be played June 16-21 at Lakeside GC in Toluca Lake and Oakmont CC in Glendale; both of which are also Max Behr designs).
The Rancho Santa Fe Association took over operation of the golf course in 1934 and operated it for 25 years as a public facility. In 1960 the golf membership asked the Association to restrict the use of the golf course to Association members only and to lease the golf course operations from the Association. The Association agreed to restrict the golf club to Association members and in 1978 added the ownership of covenant property as a condition of membership, but it was not until 1987, that the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club was established as a division of the Rancho Santa Fe Association with managerial, operational and financial responsibility for all golf activities.
The Course
Most recently, the golf club completed a 3.4 million dollar renovation of the golf course. Redesigned by David Fleming, the newly renovated course reopened November 1, 2002 to accolades from the membership and the professional golf community. This world-class course is plays 7,035 from the back tees, par of 72, and a course rating of 74.7. The course condition is second to none with greens running regularly at 10, and finely manicured Bermuda fairways. The greens are smaller with many false fronts and sides which require the player to hit precise iron shots, and have a delicate touch to save an up and down.
The timeless design of the course, combined with immaculate conditions, create a layout full of variety, challenge, and character.
The course design is exceptional for walking and most members prefer it to riding. Walking the course is also the best way to experience the subtlety, beauty, and tranquility of this masterpiece.
A full service pro shop features bag storage, club repair, merchandise sales and cart rentals. The $11.8 million 28,000 square foot clubhouse was extensively remodeled in 2007. Its dining room and lounge are available for use by all Rancho Santa Fe Association members. Rancho Santa Fe GC is truly a course that is always a pleasure to play time and time again.
Hole 13
Regarded as one of the best courses in California, this course is madeup of one great hole after another. However, #13 is a hole that always provides drama and excitement every time you play it. The hole faces west and generally plays into the prevailing breeze. It measures 411 yards from the back tees and is the number 2 handicap hole on the course. The hole plays as a slight dog leg right with a river that meanders down the right side of the fairway and slowly cuts in from the left which narrows the fairway. The left side of the fairway is guarded with grassy mounds or berms and then OB. The river and mounds create a type of “V” shape, making the fairway narrower andforcing one to be more accurate the further the ball is hit. Theriver widens at the green to form a small pond or lake 
and a rock wallon the river’s edge guards the front of the green. The hole usuallyplays into the wind, and according to Matt Gibbons one of the Professionals at the club, “depending on the wind that day, you could have as little as an 8-iron or as much as a 4-iron left for your second shot”. The hole does have an open area to the left of the green, but if the approach shot is short or right, there is a good chance the ball may find the water. If the shot does miss to the left of the green and finds one of the grass bunkers, a skillfully played wedge can save an up-and-down.
Featured Estate
Situated on 2 beautiful acres of golf course frontage, this 5 bedroom and 5.5 bath home is one of only 16 homes to sit directly on the famous Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club. Reminiscent of historic Palm Springs architecture, every room looks out on either the 3rd hole or 6th fairway and is awash with natural light. With almost 5500 square feet of living space, the house has travertine floors throughout with large doors off all of the main rooms bringing the outdoors in. A huge master bedroom with amazing golf views is in one wing of the home, and a nanny suite with a private entrance is on the other. The secondary bedrooms have a private balcony overlooking the pristine pool and serene golf course. The residence is gated and situated so that there is complete privacy from both the course and other homes. It is located on a cul-de-sac far from any busy street which provides a quiet and peaceful surrounding. This is a rare and exceptional opportunity to be one of a privileged few to experience life on the course at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club. This home is currently offered at $4,800,000 through Villa Sotheby’s International Realty. Check out next month’s issue when we showcase another of San Diego’s luxury golf communities.
Written by Sharm Newbold and Patrick Brown, Broker Associates Villa Sotheby’s International Realty www.SanDiegoGolfProperty.com
The post Rancho Sante Fe first appeared on San Diego Premier.]]>Built in 1988 in the ruggedly beautiful terrain of Rancho Santa Fe, one of San Diego’s most prestigious communities, The Farms Golf Club, a private, member-owned equity club was created and built for golf enthusiasts…golfers serious in their commitment to the game and its historical traditions. Originally designed by Pete, Perry and Alice Dye with assistance from golfing great, Tommy Jacobs, The Farms golf course was extensively remodeled in 2000 under the guidance of golf course architect John Fought and his associate, PGA tour professional and former Ryder Cup Captain Tom Lehman. With modifications designed to improve the playability and maintainability of the course, changes included newly reconstructed and re-contoured bent grass putting greens that allow for more undulation and additional hole locations; new teeing areas that are cut nearly as tight as the greens, and bunkering that test a player’s ability to visualize and execute the proper shot; a state-of-the-art irrigation system; and a wonderful practice facility featuring a double-ended driving range, complete with target greens and bunkers. Nestled amidst gently rolling hills and hollows, several additional water features and newly 
created high rough landscaping add to the course’s beauty and the sense of peaceful seclusion that prevails on this championship course. Overlooking the magnificent golf course is a 38,000-squarefoot clubhouse designed by clubhouse architect Robert Altevers. Thoughtfully planned and beautifully appointed with traditional furnishings, the clubhouse offers majestic views of the golf course in an atmosphere of understated elegance. The panoramic views from the clubhouse are breathtaking; it is almost surreal looking out onto the course and makes one feel as though you are in a golfing wonderland.
With one of the most extraordinary staffs anywhere, the level of service is appreciated by the entire membership and recognized throughout the industry. Their mission is simple: to provide members and their guests with exceptional golf and dining experiences. The Farms offers breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday and a variety of holiday and themed events are also scheduled throughout the year. In addition, Friday casual dinners are scheduled June through August each summer. The membership is limited to 350 regular members, and because the Farms is “exclusively golf,” there are no pools or tennis courts. There is excellent golf course accessibility with fewer than 24,000 golf rounds per year and it offers the opportunity to ride, walk, carry or utilize a caddy. A youthful membership, the club’s average age is 56 with an average golfing index of 12. While members at The Farms are diverse in their interests, occupations and tastes, the common thread of their love for the game is the underlying reason for the Club’s being.
The Course
The Farms golf club offers a great test for all players. With 6 sets of tee markers it plays 6,911 yards from the back set and has a course rating of 73.9 with a 143 slope rating, and 4,593 yards with a 67.7 rating and a 124 slope from the forward set. Possibly one of the most fun, challenging, and thought provoking courses in San Diego, The Farms does not lack character! No matter how many times you play it, it always offers new and unique challenges. The Farms pristine bent grass greens rival the best anywhere, regularly running 11-12 on the stempmeter and with many slightly elevated or raised greens a shot missed on the short side will leave you with a very delicate shot for an up and down. The undulating and rolling Bermuda fairways play firm and fast, they are surrounded by Pennisetum grasses and Acacia plants along with multiple groves of California Pepper and Red Gum Eucalyptus trees, and along with the slight ocean breeze will require plenty of accuracy off the tee to set up your approach or second shot. The strategically placed bunkers are sculpted perfectly by John Fought, and they are as beautiful as they are intimidating.
There are also various lakes and a river that meanders through the course which come into play on at least 8 of the holes. Suffice it to say; in order to play well at The Farms, most parts of your game should be in tact. You will need great course management, an excellent short game with a deft hand on the greens, accurate drives, precise iron shots, a vivid imagination, and plenty of creativity. And if you don’t have that now, you will learn it by playing here! Thus whether it is the multiple hazards or just the picturesque beauty, you will never tire of playing here again and again.
Hole #17
There are so many great holes at The Farms it makes it difficult to choose just one.
However the 17th is a spectacular hole and probably one of the most challenging, even to the best of players. The #2 handicap hole on the course, it is a par 4 playing 471 from the back markers. It generally plays into a prevailing ocean breeze from the west, it is a slight dog leg right, plays slightly downhill, and has a bunker on the right side of the fairway approximately 170 yards from the green. 
After the bunker on the right side, there is large grove of eucalyptus trees looming just to the right of the fairway, then 3 small ponds trail down the right side of the fairway towards the green. At the green there is another small lake guarding the entire right side of the green, and a bunker to the left of the green and a bunker back left. To make this hole even tougher, if your drive ends up on the right side of the fairway, the eucalyptus trees will prevent a straight shot to the green and you are and onto the green. The cut shot or fade may sound simple enough; however with water looming everywhere to the right, and bunkers left and back left, and into a slight breeze, this shot is not easy! If you don’t cut it, and end up in one of the greenside bunkers, you’re then faced with a tough bunker shot with water threatening just behind the green.
Thus the hole requires a very precise and long tee shot, ideally down the left center of the fairway. You would then have a straight line to the green from this position. The next shot although straight will require accuracy and probably some length just to get on the green. If need be, a safe lay-up can be found short left of the green and with a good pitch you may save a par. And a par on this hole is a great score, especially if you are trying to hold a round together or just got pressed by your opponent! It may even win the skin more times than not!
Estate Home Showcase
LIVE LIFE ON THE GOLF COURSE AT
RANCHO SANTA FE FARMS
Enjoy incredible views of multiple golf holes and the lake from this gorgeous single level
fairway home in this coveted community. When you enter through the beveled glass entry onto a stunningly designed marble floor relief, you’ll immediately appreciate the fine detailing of this custom home; custom skylights with stained glass, custom cabinets and extra storage in garage, sound system throughout with control panels in every room, surround sound in the family room, cedar lined closets in every room, and central vacuum and intercom throughout. Gorgeous travertine floors and hand carved limestone mantels in the family room and living room add grace and style to this beautifully designed masterpiece. There are custom wood shutters in the family room and master bedroom and bathroom. 
French doors open from the elegant dining room, living room, master bedroom, and family room onto a fabulously landscaped travertine patio, making this home perfect for indoor and outdoor entertaining. Also included is a top of the line pool/spa system to make your swimming experience fabulous. The gourmet kitchen is a cook’s dream, featuring Dacor appliances, bake center, island bar, and lovely granite counters and cherry wood cabinetry. Enjoy wonderful views from the spacious master suite beautifully finished with an Italian marble fireplace, gorgeous master bathroom with granite slab steam shower and two shower heads. Specialized custom lighting throughout the home will highlight your artwork. And enjoy your coffee in a fabulous breakfast room overlooking the golf course. With the combination of creative custom design and the spectacularly lush setting, this home is a uniquely stunning opportunity! The home boasts 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 5,100 square feet and is currently offered at $2,895,000.* sdp
Nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Rancho Santa Fe, The Crosby Golf Club offers members a complete array of resort amenities including championship golf, dining and banquet facilities, a full service clubhouse and spa, and a sports complex including swimming, fitness, and tennis. Themed in Bing Crosby era lifestyle and Lillian Rice Architecture, this exclusive gated community exudes the Rancho Santa Fe lifestyle. The Crosby, a Starwood development, opened in 2001 and has steadily grown in housing development and membership. Currently the golf membership is around 2/3rd s toward its ceiling of 390 golf members. Initiation fees are in the mid $100k ‘s for a non-equity golf membership. Alternatively, social memberships are offered for substantially less and include membership to the clubhouse, sports complex, spa, and social events. Dining at the club will impress the most discerning palate. The head chef, formerly from La Valencia
Hotel in La Jolla, provides a wide array of delicious culinary treats for The Crosby’s every day menus as well as for the numerous special dining events held throughout the year such as Mother’s Day and Holidays. The large banquet facilities provide the room to entertain on a grand scale, as evidenced by the recent “Swing with Bing” black tie gala that included a twelve piece orchestra. The demographics of the membership trend toward the younger side with an average age falling in the 50’s. The club caters to families and provides a wide selection of youth programs. All in all, the club amenities are everything you would expect from an exclusive private resort situated in one of the wealthiest areas of the country.
The Course
A Curley/ Schmidt design with the help of Fred Couples, the golf course offers a challenge for all levels of play by providing 6 sets of tee boxes. With fall overseeding in September, the course is impeccably maintained year round. At over 7000 yards from the back tees, this par 70 course will keep the attention of even the best players on every shot. The greens are generally quite large, but effectively play much smaller due to tiers on almost every green and numerous false fronts that can send what appear to be accurate shots rolling several yards away from their intended target. The aprons surrounding the greens are large and closely mowed, which requires creative play and an arsenal of short game shots. Much of the course sits on the western side of a large mountain that provides sweeping panoramic views and many elevated tee shots. Tee shots can be very intimidating from these high viewpoints because each hole sits separately on its own track of land and is boundaried by native bush and plant life that is not marked hazard. Shots hit into these native bush areas are in play but rarely findable or playable. Another unique aspect of the course is the bunkering, which includes many the deep penalizing fairway. Themed after the classic courses of Scotland, the fairway bunkers at The Crosby are meant to be a one shot penalty hazard. Most shots hit into these bunkers will require a sand wedge blast shot to return to the fairway.
Hole #7 The Rock Hole
Probably the toughest hole on the course and one of the most picturesque, the 7th hole is a par four (par 5 for the ladies) that measures 480 yards from the blacks and generally plays into the prevailing ocean breeze from the west. Players hit from an elevated tee down a steeply rolling fairway with an enormous natural rock protruding from it, which will catch poorly struck shots. The rock was uncovered during grading of the course and was left there partly due to its size but also as unique signature for the hole. The best placed tee shot favors a right to left ball due to the hole’s dogleg left shape. The caveat is that the landing area is tight – particularly down the left fairway where the cart path juts in around a canyon not visible from the tee.
Players will often hit down the left side to what appears to be a good tee shot only to find there ball missing in the hazard. A well struck tee shot down the right side of the fairway will leave 190 yards to a kidney shaped green with a tier on the back third and a false front center right. The second shot favors a left to right ball shape that due to a large cluster of bunkers along the front and right side of the green. Approach shots hit short and left of the green offer a good chance of up and down. Long and left is trouble as balls will end up with a severe side hill lie hitting to a green that runs away. Number 7 green, like most on the course, tends to break west toward Lake Hodges Creek. A back right pin position is the most difficult on the green because it forces the player to fire their second shot over the bunkers, which are deep and nasty. A conservative shot to the left front when the pin is back right leaves the player with a difficult chance at two putting due to the false front, which can cause the ball to roll off the green. During the long walk back to the cart, the beautiful scenery of Hole #7 helps ease the pain of high strokes that most first-timers incur.
Estate Home Showcase
Arguably the nicest golf course frontage estate at The Crosby, this 5200 square foot home beckons from above as you arrive at the 4th hole green. Designed by architect Emil Venes and built by Stonefield Development, the custom 3 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath masterpiece is flush with the finest upgrades and amenities luxury living has to offer. The prominent feature from the exterior is the expansive veranda that protrudes from the roof over the backyard patio. The views from the patio are breathtaking from all vantage points and include the northern mountains of Cielo, the endless rolling hills of “The Ranch”, and views of many of the Crosby’s challenging holes. The spacious back yard also showcases an incredible infinity edge pool with beach entry, spa, fire pit, BBQ island, and a fruit tree orchard. The bronze wolf statue, “Midnight”, faces westward howling at the moon while guarding the grounds.
The home’s thematic artwork is introduced upon arrival at the front door. Rather than a doorbell to announce one’s arrival, an ancient gong from 18th century Thailand sits with a mallet waiting to be struck. Incredible artifacts from Cambodia, Burma, and Thailand dating from the 18th and 19th centuries adorn the rest of the home’s interior. A wonderful interior courtyard and fireplace are surrounded 360 degrees by the home’s windows. One of the strikingly unique features of this house is that it contains no formal dining or living rooms. Instead, an expansive great room with 18′ ceilings and exposed 1ft square beams comprises both the dining and family rooms. In addition, this airy room opens into the chef’s kitchen and outside to the
veranda, a feature highly sought after by today’s luxury home owner. The wood cabinetry throughout the house is a beautiful warm chocolate-toned alder. The impressive library contains floor-to-ceiling built in cabinetry with detailed craftsmanship and sliding windows which open to the 4th hole. With the exception of a second story office that boasts panoramic views, the home is a single story dwelling. The master bedroom ingeniously designed with a turret style entry to the bathroom amenities which include a steam room, oversized Jacuzzi tub, and two large walk in closets.
Although the home’s interior and back yard impress with their beauty and amenities, the front also deserves mention with its impressive yet welcoming entry. The long driveway leads up to a circular drive, which highlights the beautiful turret entry. The oversized 4 stall garage is located around the side of the house and is not visible on approach. The garage boasts a spacious design and inclusion of a massive 18’X10″ storage room with 10′ ceiling. The home’s exterior is perfected with a steel trowel finish providing a patina, which makes the home look much older than its actual age. In conclusion, this incredible golf course home with panoramic views showcases the balance of luxury and lifestyle every home owner should deserve.
Written by Patrick Brown & Sharm Newbold, Broker associates
Petrone Properties
The post The Crosby/ Rancho Santa Fe first appeared on San Diego Premier.]]>The Santaluz Club provides members with an extraordinary lifestyle that fosters appreciation for relaxation and luxury. Inspired by authentic California ranch architecture from the 1920s and 1930s, the Santaluz Club sits watch on a hillside overlooking the views of Santaluz. The private 18-hole Rees Jones championship golf course is enjoyed exclusively by golf members and their guests. Golf members also enjoy the numerous
amenities of the 35,000-square-foot Santaluz Clubhouse and Spa. The Clubhouse features elegant dining in a casual setting, an award-winning golf shop, and amenity-rich men’s and ladies’ lounges. The private Spa at Santaluz captivates the senses with gardens, dramatic water features and indoor/outdoor treatment rooms.
The amenities of the 19,000-square-foot Hacienda are the centerpiece of the Santaluz Community and are included in both the Golf and Clubhouse & Spa Memberships. A Hacienda membership is also available to Santaluz property owners. The Hacienda is set just below the Santaluz Club and is host to an inspired selection of recreational activities. Adjoining a lush 11-acre Village Green, the Hacienda includes a casual coffee shop café and poolside grill; numerous outdoor lounging and conversation areas; a resort-like swimming pool; six tennis courts; fitness center and an indoor basketball court.
The programs at Camp Santaluz are appealing for all members with children 4 to 12 years of age.
A variety of other recreational and educational activities are offered within Santaluz throughout the year. These events include an annual Wine Festival in June, a Breast Cancer Fashion Show in October, the Member-Member Men’s Invitational in September, and the very popular Summer Music Festival, which has hosted artists such as Boz Skaggs, Huey Lewis and the News, and this year on July 12th it will be Kenny Loggins!
The Community
Santaluz is a model of innovative design with special care taken to protect the 3,800-acre community’s natural character and enhance the “Early California” setting. Named “Best Master-Planned Community in Southern California” by the Building Industry Association, Santaluz also received the Gold Nugget Award for “Best Land Plan” at the Pacific Coast Conference.
Santaluz is collaboration by an affiliate of DMB Associates, Inc. DMB’s name is synonymous with high-quality large-scale real estate development with projects that include DC Ranch, an 8,281-acre community in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale; Ladera Ranch, a 4,000-acre community set within the historic Rancho Mission Viejo in California; Forest Highlands, an 1,100-acre private
community with two Tom Weiskopf courses in the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona; Lahontan, a private golf community in North Lake Tahoe, California; Glenwild, a 900-acre private community with a Tom Fazio course in Park City, Utah; Loch Lomond Golf Club in Scotland and Silverleaf, a Weiskopf design in the McDowell Mountains of Scottsdale, Arizona.
As a sponsor of this year’s US Open in June at Torrey Pines, DMB is offering an incredible US open package free for new golf members. The exclusive package will include: six days of access to the US Open Championship, VIP on-site hosted Hospitality Suite with catered food and refreshments, a two-day interclub golf event hosted at the Santaluz Club, a private dinner event with entertainment at San Diego’s celebrated Evan’s Garage, US Open logo apparel, and ground transportation (or parking passes) to and from the Santaluz Club & Torrey Pines! This is an exclusive opportunity for Santaluz Golf members and invited guests to share in a DMB sponsorship at the US Open at Torrey Pines. This is a once in lifetime experience as the US Open has never been in San Diego and this will be only the second time the US Open has ever visited Southern California!
The Course
At the center of Santaluz is the Rees Jones-designed, 250-acre Santaluz Golf Course, a championship course crafted in accordance with the contours of the land and designed to blend challenge with beauty in a setting unlike any other. The course is highlighted by vistas and panoramic coastal views, and framed by an award-winning native landscape. The Santaluz Golf Course appeals to the artist, adventurer, and nature-lover that hide inside every passionate golfer.
If I were to summarize my philosophy for golf course design, it would be this: To create an environment for the game of golf that is challenging, fair, and aesthetically pleasing. I would rather create a natural, classic course that blends with its surroundings than a course full of unnecessary gimmicks which discourage the average golfer.”
~ Rees Jones
Rees Jones designed the course with the intention of giving the golfer a concept as he stands over the ball. To achieve this, he elevated tees when possible, graded fairways and added bunkers, pockets and berms or mounds. He used naturally appearing features to help contain slightly errant shots and provide a variety of approach shots.
The site has a number of “signature holes” all diverse and memorable in their own way from which a golfer can watch his ball against a variety of contrasts. Jones worked closely with the landscape architecture firm Wimmer Yamada and Caughey to create a landscaping plan that complements the fairways and greens with a natural minimalist approach.
The Santluz golfing experience also pays homage to the finer points of the game with a staff steeped in golf tradition. Director of Golf James Swift and Head Golf Professional Calay Swift oversee every aspect of play with experienced eyes. The couple made the transition to Santaluz from their respective golf careers
fashioned at Oakmont and Allegheny country Clubs- two of the country’s oldest and most revered private establishments. Their cultivated expertise enables them to fulfill the diverse range of personal preferences of The Santaluz Club members including personal instruction, tournament organization and junior clinics for families.
Hole #2
Santaluz is made up of one great hole after another, but one of the most fun, demanding, and tantalizing holes on the course is #2! From the back tees this hole plays 442 yards and faces west into the prevailing ocean breeze. The hole is a risk reward type and it forces you to make up your mind immediately. It is made up of two fairways which are created by a grass filled ravine carved through the length of the hole in the shape of a narrow “S”. The ravine is covered in long fescue grasses and rocks and is not a forgiving place to play from. The safest choice is the fairway to the right, playing down the right fairway the hole plays as a slight dogleg left. however longer than the route to the left. Along the left side of the right fairway there is long bunker running between the ravine and the fairway. And to the right of the fairway is the tall, thick fescue grass. The second shot from the right fairway can be difficult; you are faced with a green that has a bunker on the left and the ravine hazard area to the right. It doesn’t always look that intimidating, but into a slight breeze, and with the right side of the green working away from you, it can be easy to lose the shot to the right. The wise choice is to aim to the left side of the green regardless of the pin placement! Par is always a great score on this hole!
The riskier but more rewarding choice is down the left fairway which is the more direct route to the pin. The hole plays straight going down the left side, however, just to reach the left fairway it is a carry of 254 yards from the back tees (from the blue set of tees 230, white 213, gold and red 159 yards), and it is not very wide! This also includes carrying it over a bunker which protects the beginning and almost the entire right side of the fairway. To the left of the fairway is a hill or berm covered with long native grasses which have quite the appetite for golf balls. But if you are lucky enough to find the fairway the hole becomes much easier. You will be left with a short iron in, and possibly a chance for a birdie!
Luxury Home Showcase
This beautiful single-level early California style home sits on an acre lot, with partial ocean views, and offers 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms amongst its 6,800 square feet. Upon entering you are greeted with a vast 1500 sq. ft. flagstone courtyard. The home is perched above the 13th hole and provides impeccable golf course views from the back yard which has a private putting green, a custom fire pit, a 6-foot deep spa with waterfall and a 55 inch Viking BBQ. Designer Linda Johnson of Casa Bella handpicked details throughout the homes interior. Hand laid stone designs accent each end of the 100-foot main hallway. Travertine lined hallways and hardwood flooring in the living and family rooms complement 18-foot ceilings. Each of the 7 bathrooms has unique custom stone designs. Emphasizing an in home Spa experience, the Bainultra whirlpool bathtub accompanied by the rainfall shower in the master bathroom assures tranquility and
relaxation. A temperature controlled wine room, and a kitchen equipped with Viking appliances provides a setting for exquisite gourmet dining. To provide ambience throughout the entire home an Adagio Audio System runs a 5-tuner High Definition Audio and Video distribution system using CAT 6 Cable. A fully outfitted Media Room has a 110-inch High Definition 1080p Sony Projector that is flanked on either side by 50″ plasma screen televisions, each with a separate HD Receiver. The Media Room is encased with “Quiet Board” that provides extra thick drywall for media rooms with acoustic sound treatment to ensure the best sound quality from the $20k Atlantic Technology 7.1 speaker system. This Theater System enables the components to provide a constant stream of audio and video to any monitor in the house through CAT 6 High Definition technology. Continuing the high standard of technology the Wood Paneled Office has a 45″ Sharp Aquos computer monitor that runs on 100 megabit internet connection with N-band wireless and a 24-port switch. The final complement has been paid to the epoxy checkerboard racing garage floor that showcases two fully restored Shelby Mustangs, a 1967 GT500 and a 1968 GT500kr Convertible, along with an immaculate 1968 Mercedes 280sl “Euro-Version”. This home is an elegant example of the vibrant and richly-textured way of life at Santaluz. For those who desire living the luxury golf lifestyle, Santaluz is an extraordinary coastal opportunity!
Written by Sharm Newbold and Patrick Brown
Broker Associates, Villa Sotheby’s
The post The Santaluz Club first appeared on San Diego Premier.]]>The Resort
Four Seasons Resort Aviara is located in Carlsbad, California, just 30 minutes north of San Diego on the Southern California coast. Situated on a plateau overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon wildlife preserve and the Pacific Ocean, the resort is the company’s first ocean-view golf and tennis resort on the U.S. mainland. It is five minutes from Carlsbad McClellan Palomar Airport and 30 minutes from San Diego International Airport
at Lindbergh Field. Set on 200 beautifully landscaped acres, Four Seasons Resort Aviara is surrounded by gardens, fairways, Spanish colonial architecture of Aviara® private residences and Batiquitos Lagoon. The 329-room luxury resort also includes the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara with 132 Vacation Ownership villas. The Resort commands a view that encompasses much of the Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course as well as the lagoon and Pacific Ocean.
The AAA Four-Diamond Vivace restaurant is the Resort’s signature restaurant. Italian for “alive,” Vivace features innovative, Italian cuisine in elegant yet contemporary surroundings. The well-balanced wine list features eclectic Italian, American and French wines of the finest quality and vintage.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the lush surroundings and golf course, and a fireplace adds to the restaurant’s cozy ambience. Venetian plaster walls faux-finished in burnt orange are complimented by rich wood paneling and stone tiled floors. Patterned after a Versace dress, the carpet is a deep eggplant purple with light green accents. Tables are appointed with an eclectic array of accessories including elegant Italian flatware, unusual china, colorful stemmed crystal ware and hand blown glass votives. Open nightly for dinner, Vivace seats 112 guests indoors and 28 “al fresco” on the terrace. An intimate, private dining room seats up to 12 guests.
The Course
Designed by Arnold Palmer, the 18-hole championship course is sculpted around the natural topography of three valleys. The 7,007-yard, 72 par course is the only Arnold Palmer-designed course in the San Diego area.
Adjacent to Batiquitos Lagoon, which is home to more than 130 species of shorebirds, waterfowl and a variety of natural vegetation, it took nearly a decade to develop this course because of ecological concerns. The designers and builders took care to preserve these environmentally important wetlands. For example, the course uses recycled water for 95% of its irrigation needs. Native wildflowers grow to the edge of the
expansive fairways and greens; and cascading waterfalls and streams are among the water hazards positioned as visual extensions of the lagoon.
The course is complemented by golf facilities that include a practice driving range; putting and pitching greens, an industry-leading GPS system on all golf carts, and a 32,000 square-foot Spanish colonial clubhouse. The clubhouse features men’s and women’s locker facilities, The Argyle restaurant and lounge, and an award-winning golf shop.
Four Seasons Resort Aviara is also home to Kip Puterbaugh’s Aviara Golf Academy, which holds one, two-and three-day golf schools. Puterbaugh was again ranked as a Top 100 golf instructor and Top 25 U.S. golf school for 2007 by Golf Digest Magazine. The Golf Academy set the bar even higher in July of 2005, with the opening of the TaylorMade Performance Lab; a state-of-the-art club-fitting system previously available only to tour pros at the TaylorMade headquarters in Carlsbad, CA. During a two-hour session, guests adorn an electronic sensor body suit and take several swings in front of the nine camera system. A statistical analysis is composed for each guest, identifying the perfect set of golf clubs for their swing. A custom set of TaylorMade clubs is made available for purchase and can even be delivered to the guest’s room within 24 hours. In addition to the award-winning Golf Shop, the course was rated the 2007 #1 golf resort in Southern California according to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Green fees are $205 per round Monday through Thursday and $225 per round Friday through Sunday.
While the 3rd hole par three is officially considered the signature hole, it is the 18th hole that players will remember as one of the most difficult finishing holes they will ever face. Starting with the tee shot, the player faces a demanding drive that requires distance and precision. The 443yd 18th hole sits close to the banks of Batiquitos lagoon and points directly into the prevailing sea breeze that comes unabated from the ocean, just a mile away. Typically winds average 12-15 miles an hour, making the hole play more like 480yds when there is wind. A player must fit their drive between the lake on the right and a bunker and out of bounds on the left. The fairway slopes gently toward the water hazard on the right. A right-hander’s slice can easily get caught in the wind and find its way to a watery grave. The further left you place your tee shot on the fairway the better. What awaits your approach to the green is a narrow putting surface surrounded by water, bunkers, and out of bounds all down the left side of the hole and only a few yards from the bunkers and cart path that attract any slightly off-center shot. This approach would grab a players attention even in perfectly still conditions. But add the prevailing sea breeze and your last full swing of the round to post a good score and you have the ultimate test of a golfer’s mental and physical ability. From the left side of the fairway, the green opens up a bit to provide a wider landing area than a shot from the right side. A shot hit from this position with a slight draw will help penetrate the wind and hold its direction. The smart play is at the center of the green and underneath the hole. A par on the 18th at Aviara will usually win the press, the skin carryovers, or the match play finals of the San Diego Chapter PGA which has held its annual event there numerous times over the last 10 years.
Estate Showcase
As you enter this exquisite 3500sqft Mediterranean style home, the first thing you notice are the spectacular ten foot tall, hand carved, solid wood doors with iron work inlays. The entire downstairs has 18 inch diagonal tumbled travertine floors with mosaic inlays and custom 7 1/2 inch stain grade base boards. A travertine staircase with custom wrought iron railings seems to go on forever. The huge 19′ x 14′ dining room with designer lighting, 12′ ceilings, and three tier crown molding provide the perfect setting for entertaining large groups. Four sets of Pella brand sliding doors lead to an entertainer’s backyard complete with outdoor BBQ, fireplace, pool, spa, and custom fountain. The great room is wired for surround sound and boasts an amazing wall to wall, solid wood, built-in entertainment center with plenty of storage. The 21′ x 14′ kitchen has top-of-the-line Kitchen Aid and Subzero appliances, designer lighting and slab-granite
countertops with full backsplash. In addition, a raised eat-in bar counter as well as a sitting area with a one of a kind travertine and stone fireplace creates the perfect backdrop for socializing with the chef. The executive office has beautiful custom cherry wood cabinetry and doubles as a large 1st floor bedroom with full bath across the hall. In addition to a private toilet room, the master bathroom is appointed with beautiful inlaid mosaics, travertine flooring, custom designer built-ins, huge mirrors, and a large walk-in closet. A large balcony awaits off the master bedroom with custom wrought iron railing and offers sweeping views. Three additional upstairs bedrooms share a hallway computer nook and include two more bathrooms. One as a jack and jill with dual sinks. Enjoy the Aviara Four Seasons Resort and Golf Course designed by Arnold Palmer just blocks away, great schools, incredible beaches, and beautiful hiking trails around Batiquitos Lagoon. This is coastal living at its finest! Home Currently listed for sale by Patrick Brown, Associate Broker, Villa Sotheby’s International Realty, Del Mar, CA. Look for next month’s article when we feature another of San Diego County’s luxury golf communities.
Imagine a world-class championship golf course in the rustic countryside of Tuscany. Now transport the entire landscape to the spectacular foothills of San Diego’s North County. What you have is The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe, an exclusive, gated, residential enclave and extraordinary golf club. The Bridges Club is a private membership club located within The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe residential community in San Diego County. In addition to the world renowned championship golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, The Bridges Club offers an award-winning clubhouse, sports centre, pool facility, tennis, and events lawn. Membership to this exclusive club is available in 3 categories: FULL GOLF MEMBERSHIP, which offers unlimited access to all of the clubs amenities and privileges and provides an equity interest in the club’s facilities with voting rights; NATIONAL GOLF MEMBERSHIP, which offers a limited non-equity membership available only to non-residents of Southern California with members enjoying the same rights access to the club’s facilities and amenities as Full Golf Members; and SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP, which is a non-equity membership available only to owners of property within The Bridges and entitling members to use of all non-golf facilities, including sporting, dining, and social activities in the clubhouse (golf privileges are not included in this category).
CLUBHOUSE
What appears at first to be a centuries-old Italian country village is actually a magnificent 36,000
square foot clubhouse at the heart of the community. The architecture of the community’s landmark buildings reflects the timeless designs of old-world rural villas. The clubhouse offers 360-degree views of the golf course, lakes, creeks, hillsides, and bridges. The complex is notable for the quiet intimacy of its many elegant rooms and galleries. There is no vast banquet room here; only a succession of delightful
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spaces, striking in their perfect scale, their rich finishes and fine antiques. Besides the formal dining room, the clubhouse includes a comfortable club grill with indoor-outdoor seating, a living room, and an upstairs wine loft with a handsome private dining room. Tasteful men’s and women’s lounges and card rooms occupy opposite ends of the clubhouse, as do the separate locker rooms, steam rooms and spas. The large, fully stocked golf shop overlooks the 18th green. There is a comfortable atmosphere of casual elegance that surrounds the confines of The Bridges Clubhouse. Striking archways, stone walls, polished woods and exquisite Italian and French country antiques are just a few of the authentic and well-appointed features that give these grounds the ambience and flare synonymous with luxury! The sumptuous dining options offered by the team of culinary experts are only complimented by the club’s extensive wine collection. Besides the club’s private reserve estate bottled wine – made with Sangiovese grapes from their own vineyard- there’s an extraordinary selection of fine California and European labels in the upstairs Wine Loft and still more in the cellar!
THE COURSE
The Bridges course is among the most recent triumphs of the prestigious Robert Trent Jones II Group, creators of such highly regarded courses as Princeville Golf Resort in Hawaii, The Links at Spanish Bay, and Southern Highlands in Las Vegas. With 5 sets of tees playing to nearly 7000 yards from the tips, the course reflects a stimulating design precept where distance is but one element to the degree-of-difficulty. The multitude of forced carries off the tee or on the approach is one aspect that gives the course a unique character and feel. Many of these carries span large canyons and native areas, usually from well-elevated positions, and require full attention from players of all levels. Certainly one of the most satisfying shots in golf is the successful carry of a long shot over water or canyon. The course is impeccably maintained throughout the year and the greens are some of the fastest and smoothest in the region. These greens, while large, are divided into much smaller sections by subtle ridges making them effectively play much smaller. Many times players hit the green only to find at arrival that their ball lies in a different section than the pin, minimizing my chances at even a 2 putt par! While hole #10 is listed as the signature hole, Head Golf
Professional Rick Peters tells me that hole #18 generates the most oohs and ahhhs from players seeing the course for the first time. Indeed, the view from the #18 tee box looking down to the green and 36,000 square foot Tuscan themed clubhouse is quite awe-inspiring. But don’t let the view lull you into a sense of complacency! With prevailing sea breezes coming straight left to right and a large set of deep-faced bunkers on the right, it’s easy to lose your tee shot to the wind and be forced to lay up from the bunkers in front of the large water feature that protects the green. A slight draw will hold its line against the wind and is the best play from this tee box. Even if you are lucky enough to find the fairway off the tee, your challenge for par has only just begun. From a downhill lie in the fairway, you now face typically a 140-170yd approach dramatically uphill over water with numerous bunkers underneath the green. A high-trajectory mid-iron is the play here. This can be accomplished by taking an extra club, aiming at the left side of the green, and striking the ball with a slightly open face to add loft. As mentioned previously, the 18th green is one of many that has a ridge running through the center from back to front, whicheffectively divides the green into 2 smaller greens. Miss the green on the wrong section and/or above the hole and you will be looking at a 10 footer just to 2 putt! While the 18th hole might be the most dramatic, there are numerous holes that would qualify for “signature hole” status here; there is not a bad hole on the course!
SHOWCASE ESTATE
Perched atop the 9th green, this exquisite estate defines the aura bestowed on The Bridges. Elegant yet unassuming from the front with its old world Tuscan flair, this home reveals itself as you enter through the enormous front doors to find 20 foot ceilings adorned with murals, moldings, and art, along with a glimpse to the resort-themed backyard with unobstructed horizon views to the west and a view of the clubhouse as
if it were meant to be photographed. As you enter into this estate you notice the exquisite large sandstone tiles prevalent throughout the interior and much of the exterior portions of this house. With the walls consisting primarily of glass, the views from the interior are as striking as the exterior views. It’s easy to become distracted as you pan across the middle of the great room to find an entertainer’s sunken bar, chef’s kitchen, and envy-inspiring wine room, which is larger and surely better stocked than some of our finest restaurants.
The beautiful exterior of the house compliments the vast, open interior with a large loggia covering the expansive outdoor area with fireplace views to the clubhouse and setting sun. A large infinity-edge pool beckons as you continue out to this resort-style backyard, complete with spa and swim up bar tables. The master bedroom is oriented to take advantage of the views of this incredible backyard oasis. And, of course, this modern luxury estate is completed with a state-of-the-art theatre and media room, boasting an impressive HD projector, sound system, and ample seating for friends and family.
For those who demand the ultimate in luxury golf resort living along with the timeless style of old-world Tuscan architecture, The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe is your final Destination!
Written by Sharm Newbold and Patrick Brown
Broker Associates, Villa Sotheby’s International Realty
www.sandiegogolfproperty.com