Central California Golf Course Review
Rancho San Marcos Golf Course ReviewSanta Barbara, CA
|
|
Rancho San Marcos Golf Course Overview: Located in the Santa Ynez River Valley to the north of Santa Barbara, this golf course does a good job of weaving around the oak trees and other hazards it is natural surrounded by. A couple of golf holes on the back nine offer views of Lake Cachuma (depending on the water level). The best holes are reviewed below: Rancho San Marcos Hole 3: This dogleg left par four centers around well-place oak trees. The ideal drive will fly, or just miss on the right, the enormous tree sitting on the inside of the dogleg. However, getting behind that tree or to its left will spell doom for the golfer. (not pictured) |
|
Rancho San Marcos Hole 5: A good one-shotter over water, this hole requires accuracy as well as distance control. The only bail out area is short right.
Rancho San Marcos Hole 8: Dubbed “Twin Oaks” it is no secret where this hole gets its name. The drive must fly between two enormous oak trees that have their bases approximately 230 yards from the back tree. Any tee shot that hits these will leave a 200 yard plus approach to the green. (not pictured)
Rancho San Marcos Hole 9: The ninth offers the most frightening approach of the day as the green is bordered by a lake on the left. Any drive that can stay on the right side of the fairway will leave the preferred angle to the green.
Rancho San Marcos Hole 9: The ninth offers the most frightening approach of the day as the green is bordered by a lake on the left. Any drive that can stay on the right side of the fairway will leave the preferred angle to the green.
Rancho San Marcos Hole 10: The back nine starts with this great, short par five. If the golfer can fly the inside corner of the large fairway bunker, the green can be attempted in two. However, this green is tucked behind a dry creek bed with three large bunkers behind it, so any aggressive shot must come in fairly high and soft. (not pictured)
Rancho San Marcos Hole 14: This one-shotter requires the golfer to fly a canyon to a large green with many contours. Getting your ball close to the pin is key to scoring par or better while enjoying the views of Lake Cachuma.
Rancho San Marcos Hole 14: This one-shotter requires the golfer to fly a canyon to a large green with many contours. Getting your ball close to the pin is key to scoring par or better while enjoying the views of Lake Cachuma.
Rancho San Marcos Hole 15: This 400+ yard par four provides the tightest tee shot of the day with natural chaparral hazards on both sides. The green is snuggled against the canyon left so both shots on this tough golf hole must be hit dead straight or disaster waits. (not pictured)