A Christmas Card from Santa Barbara,CA

[Aidan Bradley]

Seasonal Greetings from Santa Barbara.

May 2007 bring more golf and interesting discourse.

Be well, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, love your family.

Slainte

Aidan.

[Tom Huckaby]

Rancho San Marcos GC!

What's cool about that pic is the only fake part is indeed jolly St. Nick.  The rest really happened.... didn't it?

TH

[Aidan Bradley]

Tom,

March of 2002, I believe. BTW I would go easy on the "fake Santa" part. My kids watch this site.........

[Bill_McBride]

That's a very cool par 3.  Love that carry across the corner of the barranca.

Literally "cool" in this case!

[Aidan Bradley]

Tom,

It's a diabolical par four called the "Bears back" which I believe is going to be softened when the remodel starts.

[Tom Huckaby]

Aidan:

Please... by fake all I meant is that the great man wasn't really there snow-shoing across that cool golf course.  It is exceedingly clear he exists, just has better things to do.

TH

[Bill_McBride]

Aidan, isn't that the par 3, maybe #13, the second one up top side?  With the canyon to be carried to reach the left side of the green but the right side you can run it on.......

[Aidan Bradley]

Bill,

The first shot below is the #14, which is the second of the two back to back par three's.

The others are two versions from behind #15(the snow shot) and the fourth image is pretty much from the same spot as the snow image, just on a warmer day.

Tom, thanks for the clarification. My kids now feel more confident of getting something for Christmas.

[Bill_McBride]

Thanks for clarifying, Aidan.  Those are lovely photos as always, only played there, wasn't 100% satisfied, now want to go back for another look.

[Mike Nuzzo]

Thanks Aidan.

Although that green looks pretty fake too....

Cheers

[Aidan Bradley]

"Although that green looks pretty fake too...."

Not sure where you are going with this one Mike? With the exception of Santa helping me out, this image is 100% natural(nothing has been retouched or in other ways altered).  The grounds crew cleared all the snow off the green as soon as possible to avoid any damage.

If you doubt my statement I am happy to Fedex you the original chrome, you will have to return it!

Aidan.

[PThomas]

more beautiful shots  Aidan...thanks as always

[Tim Leahy]

I remember about 20 years ago when I was living in Canoga Park and the Angeles National Forest got dusted with snow like that,  it looked like the Alps over the San Fernando Valley. I love Rancho San Marcos, but how is my favorite Sandpiper doing these days, have they started the remodel?

[Aidan Bradley]

Tim,

No, and my guess is it it will be several years. Still a fun place to play.

Aidan.

[Mike Nuzzo]

Aidan,
Sorry.
I wasn't referring in any way to your most excellent photography...
Cheers