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After a year-and-a-half of construction and renovation work, Oliva’s Links opened its fairways May 1. Formerly Oliva’s Park Golf Course, the new facility is built to resemble a traditional links-style track, whereas the old layout was a prototypical parkland course with a straightforward design. “It is a completely new golf course,” said Lee Harlow, the western region manager for EAGL Golf. “It’s now a very natural type of golf course with native grasses and a lot of mounding. It has a very rugged feel about it.” Redesigned by architect Forrest Richardson, Oliva’s Links has four sets of tees and plays about 6,830 yards from the tips. With the prevalent ocean breezes and subtle undulations throughout the course, it can play fast and firm. There is not a significant amount of bunkering around the greens, allowing golfers to be creative both off the tee and with their approach shots. “The premium is on driving accuracy, not on length,” Harlow said. The course, which has opened to strong reviews, boasts a full practice facility with five target greens and about 20,000 square feet of space for players to hone their short-game skills. There is currently a temporary clubhouse in use, but plans are under way for the establishment of a permanent facility. “We think that people are going to come here and have a golf experience unlike anything else in Southern California,” Harlow said. (805) 642-4303 or olivaslinks.com. BUENAVENTURA STILL ONE OF THE REGION’S BEST VALUES Buenaventura Golf Course, which re-opened in March 2005 after about a year of renovations by Forrest Richardson, continues to stand out as one of the best values and experiences in the Central Coast region. The par-70 Buenaventura is not overly long, but it requires an emphasis on shot selection and accuracy off the tee amid a variety of eucalyptus, cypress and pine trees. “Every fairway is shaped by trees that have probably been there for the last 70 years,” said Lee Harlow, the Western Region manager for EAGL Golf. With five sets of tees, the course is an ideal venue for those learning the game. Buenaventura also is appealing because of its ease for walkers and efficient pace of play. Perhaps even more appealing are the green fees. Almost all rates, both for residents and non-residents, are below $40. “We believe we have very affordable rates,” Harlow said. One of the most unique aspects of the Buenaventura property is the presence of “The Big Swing,” a 12-foot sculpture of a golfer made of bronze strips. The piece of art was made possible by a public art commission on behalf of the City of Ventura. (805) 642-2231 or buenaventuragolf.com. RENOVATED RANCHO SAN MARCOS TO REOPEN SOON One of the most bucolic golf settings in the state will soon be back in business. Rancho San Marcos Golf Course in Santa Barbara will reopen in early July with notable renovations on holes 1, 3 and 15, along with other general changes. The first hole now has its original green and bunkering intact from when the facility opened in 1997. Flooding from the adjacent Santa Ynez River shortly after the course’s debut forced a reconfiguration of the hole, but it will now play according to the intended design of Robert Trent Jones Jr. Jones, who headed the renovation, also changed the look of the par-4 third hole, which could be drivable for long hitters but risky because the green abuts the river as it did 10 years ago. “I think it will be one of the most challenging and fun holes on the course,” said director of golf operations Greg Villeneuve. The third prominent change is on the par-4 15th hole. While Rancho San Marcos is renowned for its ancient oak trees, one in particular caused issues with sight lines from the tee box. That oak has been replanted 25 yards away. “The players will now be able to see the fairway and see the ball land,” Villeneuve said. “The playability is going to be enhanced.” All of the bunkers on the par-71 track have been refurbished with white sand, and new bunkers have been added. The course also has a license now to sell beer and wine. (805) 683-6334 or rsm1804.com. BETTER IRRIGATION, IMPROVED GREENS AT SANDPIPER A links-style layout with incredible ocean views is in store for golfers who visit Sandpiper Golf Club in Goleta. The William F. Bell-designed course, which opened in 1972, has been enhanced in recent years with a better irrigation system and the reduction of poa annua on the greens. “We’ve been working on it over time and we’re working on it every day,” said director of golf Greg Villeneuve. “Golfers will see a completely different product from what they saw two years ago.” While any fan of natural beauty will appreciate the ocean views and breezes along the course, Sandpiper isn’t necessarily designed for beginners. It plays to a 74.7 rating from the tips and, at more than 7,000 yards from the back tees, high numbers can easily be made. Different tee options, however, make it accessible for golfers of all skill levels. But for those seeking a challenge, this is a proven ground. Sandpiper has hosted an LPGA event and the final stage of the PGA Tour’s Qualifying School in the past. “It’s just a great test of golf,” Villeneuve said. With views of the ocean on 14 of its 18 holes, Sandpiper Golf Club is an intriguing option for golf along the Central Coast. (805) 968-1541 or sandpipergolf.com. |
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