Rancho Santa Fe GC

[Wayne Wiggins, Jr.]

I've only played RSF once, about 10 years ago, and thought it was a nice course. Nothing special except for its amazing neighborhood, but an enjoyable place to play golf nonetheless. Was told they were in the midst of some work by David McLay Kidd, and am shocked - shocked I tell ya! - that there was no mention of it here!!!


Googled this and found some news: https://www.ranchosantafereview.com/lifestyle/story/2021-04-25/rancho-santa-fe-golf-course-renovation-team-summit-meeting


Sounds like renovation work? Is there any restoration of Behr's design being done?




 

[Robert Mercer Deruntz]

Wayne, you missed a lot of the subtle brilliance of Rancho Santa Fe in your one play.  Max Behr brilliantly used the land contours for great angle of attack strategies.  He had great line of charm vs. line of instinct plays on holes 12 and 15.  And he found a natural hogs back on the 4th.


As for the currently completed work.  It might be safe to say that David McLay Kidd has a very poor grasp of strategic design.  I was waiting to write a correct review of the desecration, but since you have brought up the topic, it needs to be addressed.  The members are going to love the work, since it is an improvement on the Fleming vandalism, and they now have a 280K  year superintendent to make it look great.  However, anyone who likes NGLA cannot like this work--Kidd decided to bulldoze the hogs back!  Furthermore, greenside bunkers have been misplaced by several yards, and several of them have raised up backs like catchers mitts--not consistent with the Max Behr approach. Worse, the line of charm holes have failed to restore their strategic nature. 
Considering that 7 million+ was spent, it is surprising that they did not truck in a few thousand yards of sand to mix with the clay soil for better drainage.

[Daryl David]

Wayne, you missed a lot of the subtle brilliance of Rancho Santa Fe in your one play.  Max Behr brilliantly used the land contours for great angle of attack strategies.  He had great line of charm vs. line of instinct plays on holes 12 and 15.  And he found a natural hogs back on the 4th.


As for the currently completed work.  It might be safe to say that David McLay Kidd has a very poor grasp of strategic design.  I was waiting to write a correct review of the desecration, but since you have brought up the topic, it needs to be addressed.  The members are going to love the work, since it is an improvement on the Fleming vandalism, and they now have a 280K  year superintendent to make it look great.  However, anyone who likes NGLA cannot like this work--Kidd decided to bulldoze the hogs back!  Furthermore, greenside bunkers have been misplaced by several yards, and several of them have raised up backs like catchers mitts--not consistent with the Max Behr approach. Worse, the line of charm holes have failed to restore their strategic nature. 
Considering that 7 million+ was spent, it is surprising that they did not truck in a few thousand yards of sand to mix with the clay soil for better drainage.

This is very disappointing to me. It’s been awhile since I played Rancho Santa Fe. Definitely prior to these changes. It had its faults (maybe Fleming?}, but I loved it and hate to hear the word desecration. Makes me sad.

[Wayne Wiggins, Jr.]

Wayne, you missed a lot of the subtle brilliance of Rancho Santa Fe in your one play.  Max Behr brilliantly used the land contours for great angle of attack strategies.  He had great line of charm vs. line of instinct plays on holes 12 and 15.  And he found a natural hogs back on the 4th.


As for the currently completed work.  It might be safe to say that David McLay Kidd has a very poor grasp of strategic design.  I was waiting to write a correct review of the desecration, but since you have brought up the topic, it needs to be addressed.  The members are going to love the work, since it is an improvement on the Fleming vandalism, and they now have a 280K  year superintendent to make it look great.  However, anyone who likes NGLA cannot like this work--Kidd decided to bulldoze the hogs back!  Furthermore, greenside bunkers have been misplaced by several yards, and several of them have raised up backs like catchers mitts--not consistent with the Max Behr approach. Worse, the line of charm holes have failed to restore their strategic nature. 
Considering that 7 million+ was spent, it is surprising that they did not truck in a few thousand yards of sand to mix with the clay soil for better drainage.

Thanks for the insights. I hadn't thought of DMK in the world of restoration, and wonder if his renovation work at Rolling Hills has put him in the spotlight for more resto/reno work?

[Mark Kiely]

I drove by it in August and it looked like there were teams of people sodding the entire course. That's all I have to add. Have never played it.

[Jeff Schley]

Wayne, you missed a lot of the subtle brilliance of Rancho Santa Fe in your one play.  Max Behr brilliantly used the land contours for great angle of attack strategies.  He had great line of charm vs. line of instinct plays on holes 12 and 15.  And he found a natural hogs back on the 4th.


As for the currently completed work.  It might be safe to say that David McLay Kidd has a very poor grasp of strategic design.  I was waiting to write a correct review of the desecration, but since you have brought up the topic, it needs to be addressed.  The members are going to love the work, since it is an improvement on the Fleming vandalism, and they now have a 280K  year superintendent to make it look great.  However, anyone who likes NGLA cannot like this work--Kidd decided to bulldoze the hogs back!  Furthermore, greenside bunkers have been misplaced by several yards, and several of them have raised up backs like catchers mitts--not consistent with the Max Behr approach. Worse, the line of charm holes have failed to restore their strategic nature. 
Considering that 7 million+ was spent, it is surprising that they did not truck in a few thousand yards of sand to mix with the clay soil for better drainage.

Oh no Robert. I am so very sad to hear this. SD in general pales in comparison to other areas of California in regards to good golf and you can play year round. This is one of the few with some good history. The area (the Crosby Club, Bridges) is full of wealthy people and a shame this course has been downgraded and they paid a generous sum to do so. Very sad indeed and sorry to hear that.