San Diego County Golf Course Reviews
The Bridges Golf Course Review
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
73.7 rating; 143 slope |
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The Bridges Overview: This very exclusive golf club is noteworthy for hosting the “Battle at the Bridges”
televised event held for several years, featuring some night golf on the
closing holes. It is also the home club
for Phil Mickelson. The clubhouse and
amenities are opulent. The course itself
is a traditional Southern California affair
with use of hills and canyons to provide the challenge, and a few water hazards
thrown in for good measure. The most
memorable holes are reviewed below:
The Bridges Hole 4: The fourth is a fairly long par 3 with a tee shot that must clear the water fronting the green. Other than going long, the only other bailout is to the right, where four bunkers await. |
The Bridges Hole 5: The fifth has the most demanding drive on the course as the lake to the right is definitely in play and the tree line hugs the left side of the tight fairway. With the hole uphill and well over 400 yards, driver is a must, which makes the accuracy needs that much more difficult.
The Bridges Hole 6: Heading the opposite way as number five, the same lake plagues the tee shot on the right, but allows more room for error. However, the lake also bothers the second shot right of the green.
The Bridges Hole 10: Far and away the best hole on the course, the drive must clear the canyon to the fairway running at a 45 degree angle. The safest shot will stay right of the bunkers but leave a slightly longer approach to the green on the edge of the earth. A more aggressive line can fly the bunkers, but anything hit a little stray risks finding the canyon.
The Bridges Hole 11: After the adrenaline rush at the 10th hole, this short par three will not steady the nerves as it requires perfect distance to hit the shallow green and avoid penalty strokes. Also, for the shot hit on the wrong side of the tier, putting will be difficult.
The Bridges Hole 15: This hole has a long forced carry over canyon and a great view of the surrounding orchard on the tee. The second shot is uphill to a well-protected green complex.