Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group => Topic started by: Kevin Pallier on March 17, 2010, 09:30:38 AM
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The California Club (TCC) is a unique “gentlemen’s” club in San Francisco. I was introduced to two very fine members via a friend and they quickly became “great mates”. My “mates” provided a wonderful experience to match this mightily impressive layout.
I couldn’t believe how close TCC was to the SFO Airport. Literally, it’s only a few blocks from exiting the terminal and the drive down the entrance lane to the clubhouse reminded me of that at Stoke Park in England. The historic clubhouse remains a constant backdrop throughout the round and the décor within is certainly “grand” – I loved the views out onto the course itself plus the atmosphere within the confines of the golfers bar are something to behold.
The course has undergone a significant restoration / redesign through Kyle Phillips and I must say (not having seen the original) he has done a marvellous job with what he has put in the ground. It’s probably the best work I have seen from his firm: Kingsbarns and Dundonald being two GB&I courses that I have seen in the past.
TCC has some interesting topography changes as it winds its way around the property. I found the F9 whilst moving up and downhill affords much fewer side hill lies than the B9 which primarily moves across certain ridges – most notably the “new” 7th which in my mind was close to the best hole on the property. Ran has done a great review and pictorial comparing the old v new routing – I certainly recommend one read same.
Holes I noted:
1st = (P5: 530yds) is a gentle opener that takes one away from the clubhouse back towards the entrance. The hole progressively narrows and is well protected by bunkers including a flanking bunker and a cant in the fairway poses enough questions on the golfer who hasn’t warmed up. The green has quite a steep back right to front left slope.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/1a.jpg)
3rd = (P4: 435yds) is a lovely downhill dogleg right P4 that was created in the “controversial” process of the moving of the driving range to where the old 8th was located behind the clubhouse. Phillips move was a masterstroke as he created a dramatic shot that encourages the player to open their shoulders when rather the best line to the green is as close to the fairway bunkers as possible.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/3a.jpg)
5th = (P4: 340yds) requires a drive of accuracy and not necessarily length as I found out. The green is set at a very oblique angle to the fairway and doesn’t have much depth so a full spinning shot may be a better option than a mere flip of a half wedge-SW as I certainly found out.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/5a.jpg)
6th = (P3: 195yds) requires a exact shot on a high and exposed part of the layout and is quite tricky with the green sloping away from the golfer on the tee.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/6b.jpg)
7th = (P4: 410yds) is a completely new cape hole on previously unused section of the property and probably my favourite on the course. The hole swings sharply to the right and the golfer is then faced with a tricky downhill approach – the risk v reward angles on this hole are amazing. A tip: don’t be long on your approach.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/7b.jpg)
12th = (P3: 230yds) plays across a gully to a green that is angled right to left – notably in the same direction as the prevailing breeze. The green is well protected by bunkers and one can play a low running shot into the undulating green.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/12a.jpg)
15th = (P5: 513yds) plays uphill and one has to be careful not to catch the left fairway bunkers off the classic risk v reward line off the drive. There are some deep centreline bunkers short of the green which need to be avoided as do those fronting the green.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/15a.jpg)
16th = (P3: 130yds) is a downhill and has a very narrow offset green that is well protected by bunkers.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/16a.jpg)
17th = (P5: 560yds) is a great P5 that requires a drive over a hill then the hole progressively becomes more difficult the closer you get to the green. One should be advised to land their lengthy approach short and let the contours feed the ball onto the green.
The bunkering is very thoughtful and I really liked the terrain and angles changes into and on the green
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/17b.jpg)
18th = (P4: 410yds) the approach shot is one of the more memorable on the course and whereas the 17th favours a fade into the green this hole certainly favours the opposite. The green has some lovely little contours and is well protected by an array of bunkers. Interestingly there used to be a pond short left of this hole and it was removed during the construction process.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/18a.jpg)
TCC is a great course and for mine should be very much in the mix of discussion for “the best“ course in San Francisco. If this course is not considered by those who play it among the elite of golf courses in California and in turn World then I’d be very surprised. For mine – the mix of holes, the terrain changes combined with the quality and variety of holes (particularly the P3’s and P5’s) and relative wide fairway corridors make this course immensely “playable” for all levels of golfers.
The club should be congratulated for the wonderful vision it provided in setting the course up for many years to come and Kyle Phillips has done a superb job.
Long considered by many as the poor cousin to SFGC and the Olympic Club in the region – it may very well now be - the Grand Daddy of them all.
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Kevin, incredible pics. Thanks again!
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Great stuff!
Are you prepared to rank the courses you saw in the U.S.?
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Because GOD KNOWS we need more rankings...
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how about . . . to tell us which courses you enjoyed the most?
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Cal Club is amazing, IMO best course in San Francisco. Kyle Phillips and team did and amazing job and Al J. should be thrilled with his hard work making it happen. Truly an amazing place!
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Kevin,
Another great set of photos, thanks for sharing.
Where would you like to go back to play?
Cheers, Ash
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Cal Club is amazing, IMO best course in San Francisco. Kyle Phillips and team did and amazing job and Al J. should be thrilled with his hard work making it happen. Truly an amazing place!
Can't agree more. My wife and I were out there the last week in November and played Cordevalle, Pasatiempo, SFGC and Cal Club. No disrepect to the other three but Cal Club blew us away.
Just an amazing place.
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how about . . . to tell us which courses you enjoyed the most?
Carl
With certianly no dissrespect to the people I met on the trip or to any of the courses I saw - there were 9 courses that stood out for me:
Pine Valley
Sand Hills
Cypress Point
Pacific Dunes
Old Macdonald
Shinnecock Hills
National Golf Links of America
Merion (East)
Fishers Island
I could find a way to give them all 10/10.
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another great post Kevin -it looks like Kyle Phillips has doen a terrific job.
The changes in levels of topography - what was the walk like? travel between greens to tees - were they affected greatly in the updated layout?
Brett
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I had the pleasure of playing Cal Club last week and, like JP, was blown away. I have a hard time finding fault with anything at Cal Club, it's just a rock solid course from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the area around 11-12-18 that kind of bleed together. Kudos to Kyle P. on a job well done.
A few pics:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4433483019_bef97033b3_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4434256540_9b28ef4eed_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4434256598_9a81eb0611_b.jpg)
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Brett M. -
The course is very walkable. In fact there is one hole on the front 9 where the green and the following tee box blend together, which is a cool feature.
At the risk of disagreeing with many, the 7th hole was among my least favorite on the course. I am not a fan of golf holes that play along the spine of ridge. The tee shot on this hole is played into a very strong afternoon wind in the summertime. It is also played into the setting sun.
DT
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The changes in levels of topography - what was the walk like? travel between greens to tees - were they affected greatly in the updated layout?
Brett
Brett
I found the course much easier to walk than SFGC which has some huge elevation changes. The movements from green to tee at TCC are short enough.
The layout's routing hasn't changed a great deal other than the area of 3 through 4. It's gone from a 3-4-4 combination to a 4-5 and the insertion of the new 7th. Ponds that were in place short of the 18th and 11th have been removed completely.
Jim
14th green / 7th tee / 11th approach ?
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Brett -
The only time a cart comes in handy on the course is getting from the clubhouse/1st tee area out to the new driving range and back. It must be at least 300 yards each way.
As Kevin noted in his post, the old driving range was incorporated into a new hole on the front 9.
DT
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12th = (P3: 230yds) plays across a gully to a green that is angled right to left – notably in the same direction as the prevailing breeze. The green is well protected by bunkers and one can play a low running shot into the undulating green.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/12a.jpg)
Kevin,
Thanks again for a wonderful photo tour and review. They have all been amazing. If you have other pics you're especially fond of, I'd urge you to post them.
Also, in the pic of 12 above, does the hole play over the fairway of the previous hole (the 11th green appears to be directly to the right in the photo)? If so, that is soooo cool.
- George
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Also, in the pic of 12 above, does the hole play over the fairway of the previous hole (the 11th green appears to be directly to the right in the photo)? If so, that is soooo cool.
George
You are right in the sense that the 11th green is to the right of the photo of the 12th tee but it doesn't really affect those off the 12th.
The 11th returns to the clubhouse at the bottom of Jims photo and the 12th tee is above it and the 18th green is off to the left of same. If you look at my last pic of the 18th you will see guys teeing off on the 12th. As Jim says it is a great section of property the 11-12-18 mix. I would have thought that's it's even better now without the water ?
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how about . . . to tell us which courses you enjoyed the most?
Carl
With certianly no dissrespect to the people I met on the trip or to any of the courses I saw - there were 9 courses that stood out for me:
Pine Valley
Sand Hills
Cypress Point
Pacific Dunes
Old Macdonald
Shinnecock Hills
National Golf Links of America
Merion (East)
Fishers Island
I could find a way to give them all 10/10.
That's quite a list! What a great trip.
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Kevin,
Where would you like to go back to play?
Cheers, Ash
Ash
If I could - I would go back to all of the places I visited for a variety of different reasons:
NY = and Long Island in particular for the sheer quality of golf courses in such close proximity
PA/NJ = for the fact that I experienced a lot of rain there and there was a large number of courses that I didn't see but would have liked to
Central = Sand Hills & Ballyneal - need I say more ?
N/West = Bandon is such a special golfing place
California = the weather and quality of golf courses are amazing
and I haven't even mentioned the company ;D
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Kevin,
Thanks for the reply. I think our experiences have been very similar.
The next question is would you choose a weeks golf anywhere in the US over a weeks golf anywhere in GB and Ireland, you are allowed to move around in this hypothetical question.
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Geez Ash you like asking tough questions....
I think I'd plum for Fife as a visit to the home of golf is always good for the soul. I love the ground game and imagination that comes with Links golf and I could then go to North Berwick amongst others around Lothian.
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KP - the traditions of the game outweigh the likes of Cypress or sandhills or PV or Long Island - impressive?
Does it win by much - maybe 1 up? :)
Although I could play Nth Berwick as my home club very happily!
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KP,
Have you cropped those pics, or do you have a setting on your camera that takes extra-wide pics? They look great that shape, really suits golf hole pics, I reckon.
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6th = (P3: 195yds) requires a exact shot on a high and exposed part of the layout and is quite tricky with the green sloping away from the golfer on the tee.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/TCC/6b.jpg)
6th hole - what a great 'city' backdrop for a par 3. It's a really tough shot to hit the ball high enough to carry the distance and to hold the green.
The Cal Club is an amazing place and and I concur with Kevin that it's a wonderful place to play golf. Having not played the course PRE changes, I found it hard to picture my hosts description of the holes as they were but the end result is triumphate, certainly an equal to SFGC if you get the chance while in the Bay area. Great photo's, great memories.
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I couldn't agree more with those that say Cal Club now sits atop the list of all the great courses in SF....it's that good.
Last summer, I played SFGC, Olympic Lake, and Cal Club on consecutive days and the one that I still daydream about is Cal Club. It is a magical place, and I don't use that word lightly.
Jim
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Kevin,
I know its a tough question but not many have had your range of experiences. Also I have an idea of what you like which adds great value , for me, to your opinion.
Thanks very much for your reply. Got start thinking about the next question. ;D
By the way do think NSW is a tough walk. Just a thought re another thread, no hijack intended.
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Kevin P.
Here is a photo of one of the cool "views out from the clubhouse" that you speak of. I think MacKenzie notched up the ornate factor directly around the clubhouse. This view, along with 7 bunkers around 18 green, and 2 very short carry bunkers each at 10 and 1. Twelve is one of the coolest bunkered par threes I have seen.
Great to meet you towards the end of your bucket list trip.
Josh
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/jcfsmith/IMG_3599.jpg)
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Hole Twelve Backwards 18 in the distance (notice the tees and the slot you play through b/t 18 and 11 green, flag and bunker in view)
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/jcfsmith/IMG_1357-1.jpg)
Hole Eleven
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/jcfsmith/IMG_1298.jpg)
Hole Seven
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/jcfsmith/IMG_3045.jpg)
Josh
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Thanks for the wonderful pics of the Cal Club. I too love the course and commend the super for his maintenance program. The clubhouse is far too large for the size of Membership but that is a small point. It is a course of note and deserves to be discussed in the elite courses discussion. However it is far from the best in Sf but probably should be somewhere between 8 and 12 in California.
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KP - the traditions of the game outweigh the likes of Cypress or sandhills or PV or Long Island - impressive?
Does it win by much - maybe 1 up? :)
Brett
Whilst there are courses better than TOC - few can match its X factors such as setting, history and imagination required to play it. I always have fun there - as I do at North Berwick. I love Links golf.
KP,
Have you cropped those pics, or do you have a setting on your camera that takes extra-wide pics? They look great that shape, really suits golf hole pics, I reckon.
Scott
I bought a new camera before I left - a Panasonic Lumix and are still getting used to it. I used a 16x9 frame on a lot of shots - thanks to John Mayhughs advice 8) I think they take much better golf shots than 4x3
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I couldn't agree more with those that say Cal Club now sits atop the list of all the great courses in SF....it's that good.
Last summer, I played SFGC, Olympic Lake, and Cal Club on consecutive days and the one that I still daydream about is Cal Club.Jim
Jim
I'm in the middle of my write-up of SFGC and will post it here shortly then follow it with The Olympic Club. They are all very good courses - each with their own special characteristics.
Josh
It was good meeting up with you too - I could think of worse places and environments to work than yours. ;)
Great pics by the way. As Jim said - it's a magical place.
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Thanks for the wonderful pics of the Cal Club. I too love the course and commend the super for his maintenance program. The clubhouse is far too large for the size of Membership but that is a small point. It is a course of note and deserves to be discussed in the elite courses discussion. However it is far from the best in Sf but probably should be somewhere between 8 and 12 in California.
FAR from the best? Like how far? I've played virtually all the ones worth playing in SF and I can't think of too many any better.....
-John
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I just looked at the Google Maps satellite image of The Cal Club. I did not see a date, but the satellite image is old enough that is shows the course in complete 100% construction mode. I don't think there was a blade of grass on the property, and on full magnification, you can see tanker trucks cruising the course and spraying water to keep down the dust. It is, simply, a construction site with bunkers and mature trees.
It is absolutely remarkable what a renovation this was.
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Kevin,
I know its a tough question but not many have had your range of experiences. Also I have an idea of what you like which adds great value , for me, to your opinion.
Thanks very much for your reply. Got start thinking about the next question. ;D
By the way do think NSW is a tough walk. Just a thought re another thread, no hijack intended.
Ash
The Q comes right back to you - your week anywhere in the world ?
I dont think NSW is a tough walk - yes there are hilly sections ie: climb to 3rd green / that over the fairway at 8 and up 14 / 15 but there is a lot of relatively flat / downhill sections as well. The hardest walks are from off the green to the next tee which I think the designers should be applauded ie: 8th to 9th / 16th to 17th / 18th to 19th ;D
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Kevin,
My week anywhere in the world- Provided I have access would be Long Island or secondly Ireland. The reason being I have not been to either or not played where I would have liked to.
On a repeat trip, St Andrews area plus Muirfield.
In the US, any of Bandon, Monterey and Colorado/Nebraska.
I cannot do one answer as it is splitting hairs, they all have elements of greatness.
NSW is not a tough walk in my opinion and I would really like to check out SFGC again to see if that was hard. ;D
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Kevin,
My week anywhere in the world......
I cannot do one answer as it is splitting hairs, they all have elements of greatness.
NSW is not a tough walk in my opinion and I would really like to check out SFGC again to see if that was hard. ;D
Ash
For year round quality it's tough to go past the Sandbelt as well ;)
SFGC - is only tough on the F9....the B9 is a breeze
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Kevin,
52 weeks of the year The Sandbelt offers the best conditions, no doubt.
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Kevin...SFGC front nine a tough walk?
1 - flat then down
2 - down then up
3 - relatively flat
4 - same
5 - same, then a pleasant stroll over to
6 - same
7 - down
8 - up, but a short hole
9 - flat to down slightly
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Kevin
Well it was for me on Day13 of my trip with heavy dew first up and I had Olympic Club in the afternoon. ;)
Besides - I'm not as fit as you.
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I just looked at the Google Maps satellite image of The Cal Club. I did not see a date, but the satellite image is old enough that is shows the course in complete 100% construction mode. I don't think there was a blade of grass on the property, and on full magnification, you can see tanker trucks cruising the course and spraying water to keep down the dust. It is, simply, a construction site with bunkers and mature trees.
It is absolutely remarkable what a renovation this was.
I've noticed this as well...meanwhile, the Google Earth images of the Bay Bridge between SF and Oakland 15 miles away cannot be more than a year old (easy to date because of the new span being built between Yerba Buena Island and the East Bay). It looks to be shortly before traffic was shifted to the infamous temporary S-curve last Labor Day. Not sure how often the images get updated, but would be nice to see the current version of the Cal Club!
Correction...I see a date in the bottom left. The Cal Club images are listed as being from July 2007, the Bay Bridge images are from August 2009.
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Hey Guys,
Instead of using google earth, try using maps.live.com.
If you zoom in using the bird's eye view, you can see the course after recently being seeded. The more you mess around with it the more periods in time you will see. Not sure why but that is how it is.
Robert
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The San Francisco Golf Club (SFGC) is another elite club in “The Bay” area. Intensely private this is a Tillinghast course that I was longing to see. To give an idea of the character at SFGC one only needs to step into the locker rooms – they are from a bygone era and it seems from what I’m led to believe SFGC is a club built on strong traditions and some amazing history.
Virtually across the road from The Olympic club it is spread over undulating terrain – particularly on the F9. The routing is virtually on two sides of the property the B9 on the East and the F9 on the Western side both with both a different character and feel in a sense. SFGC is surrounded by suburbia but you get a feel of spaciousness out on the course. The eastern boundary of the property adjoins Serra Blvd and is quite noisy - those who have played at Walton Heath will understand the din that exists there.
There is a significant tilt in the property from East to West – and as most holes run in that general direction (& vice versa) I wonder what it’s like to play early or late in the day with the movement of the sun ?
Holes I noted: Apologies in advance re: the quality of my photos – they were taken very early in the morning save for a couple of fellow GCAer pics
2nd = (P4: 420yds) is dogleg left that comes back towards the clubhouse. The hole plays down into a natural valley that then rises again to the green. The terrain changes are amazing as evident by these great pics from fellow GCAer Jed Peters (a few years ago) and test the golfer out early.
Tee shot (per JP)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/SFGC/2a.jpg)
Approach (per JP)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/SFGC/2c-1.jpg)
4th = (P3: 220yds) a long flat P3 surrounded by bunkers but sets up for a fade into the green.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/SFGC/4b-1.jpg)
7th = (P3: 190yds) “The Duel” hole is sharply downhill and this hole is steeped in history. It’s at a very quiet end of the property and I love how the natural terrain extends to a ridge running through the middle of the green.
The view up to the 8th in the background shows the significant changes in terrain one can experience on the F9. I also noticed the degree of tree clearing that has occurred over time. In the latest World Atlas of Golf there is a pic where the 7th it is densely surrounded by trees but there is less so now and the bunkering has certainly been redone.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/SFGC/7b.jpg)
9th = (P5: 582yds) is interesting in how the courses three P5’s are all centred around the clubhouse. This one returns to a green that is best approached from the right hand side with the Grand old clubhouse providing a great backdrop.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/SFGC/9a.jpg)
10th = (P4: 410yds) parallel to the 9th this is a hole that has bunkers and trees protecting the approach to the green.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/SFGC/10b-1.jpg)
11th = (P3: 161yds) is an inviting P3 whereby it’s better to be long than short. It plays in roughly the same direction as the 4th.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/SFGC/11a.jpg)
12th = (P4: 408yds) is an interesting hole whereby the green is situated behind two large fronting mounds both with bunkers in them. There is a little bit of room between them and the green though so it is not as hemmed in as it looks. I think this hole would polarise golfers who play it.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/SFGC/12b.jpg)
13th = (P3: 134yds) is a terrific short hole across a flat section of the property. It reminded me of the old 14th at Royal Qld (traffic noise and all) but the setting is certainly much nicer at SFGC
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/SFGC/13a.jpg)
15th = (P4: 420yds) uphill this hole is well protected by bunkers on the drive that are shared with the 14th. The green is quite narrow and has some deceptive bunkers short as well.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/SFGC/15a.jpg)
18th = (P5: 520 yds) the final P5 returns to the clubhouse with bunkers being a constant threat on all approaches. The green is quite narrow but it is lovely finishing in front of the old clubhouse
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/SFGC/18b.jpg)
The highlight for mine at SFGC was the wonderful feeling of openness one has on such a compact site. The trees frame the holes more so than being potential obstacles to overcome and you can view so many other holes as you move around the layout. The scale of the place needs to be seen to be believed.
The routing flows amazingly well and whilst some of the holes are parallel and quite close to one another there is a general feeling of uniqueness and spaciousness as you move around the layout.
Some of the bunkering is quite bold and whilst not as deep as those that I experienced at another Tillinghast layout: Bethpage (Black) they were an ever present threat. I have read that Billy Bell may have been involved with the bunkering at some stage as well ?
The set of P3’s were a big highlight as was the lack of trees clogging up the fairways. Similar in style to The Cal Club – the trees exist more so “in view” as opposed to “in play”.
I love the wonderful old world charm about the classic that is SFGC.
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Kevin -
SFGC is a very, very special place. I would not necessarily consider it a "compact site," as almost all the holes have good separation from each other. I can't think of one hole where you really have to worry about a golf ball in play from another hole landing on your fairway.
Other than that, I agree with everything you have said.
DT
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Kevin,
Great pics and comments of a truely special place. I remember walking around to the front of the clubhouse for the first time and seeing the course in front of me, just an amazing vista.
The sense of isolation on the front nine, considering its location is exceptional.
One of my favourite places to play anywhere.
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David
What I meant by "compact site" is that from map aerials the course routing is pretty much up against all of the property boundaries.
The schools + church's to the north / the Blvd's to the East and West + houses to the South.
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Kevin,
Thank you for these threads that continue to amaze me.
You obviously had quite a trip, so thanks for sharing.
As far as SFGC goes, I've been but never played, and all I can say is that the bunkering is amazing. It's in such a busy section of San Fran, but its so quiet and peaceful inside the property, and that to me is truly amazing.
Wonderful pictures, thanks again.
Cheers,
Jordan
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AS one who is making his first trip there in two weeks I am beyond thrilled at the thought of seeing it.
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Kevin, awesome pics. SFGC is incredible.....keep the updates coming....
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The Olympic Club (OC) is another elite club in San Francisco and rounds out the trio of great courses that I saw in “The Bay” region. This course has hosted numerous Major golf tournaments including a soon to become 5th US Open (2012) and 3 US Amateurs. It has a very interesting routing as it primarily moves across some significant ridges and as such - one rarely gets a completely flat lie.
A club or two across from SFGC and only a few shots from Harding Park and Lake Merced it’s part of a collection of course in close proximity to one another. The vistas overlooking the course are amazing.
View of SF from the 2nd:
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/OC/2c.jpg)
View of course from the 3rd:
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/OC/3a.jpg)
I may be wrong but I can’t recall a single “water or lateral” hazard in play at any of the trio of courses I’ve viewed on this thread ? This is a trait shared by some of the best courses on the Sandbelt and a wonderful feature to espouse IMO.
The greens seemed quite small targets and have all been recently redone I’m led to believe. They all putted quick and true and it will be interesting to see how they are set-up for the US Open in a few years time.
Holes I noted:
1st = (P5: 533yds) amazingly all three Bay courses I have seen start with a P5 ? I quite like this hole as it moves slowly to the right and downhill to the green. Certainly reachable in two by the longer hitters I like how the hole has two fairway bunkers placed deceptively short of the green.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/OC/1c.jpg)
3rd = (P3: 223yds) is a lovely downhill P3 that is protected by four bunkers short and one flanking bunker. The entrance to the green is pinched and it is also falls away towards the back corners. Note the similar terrain feel to #1
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/OC/3c.jpg)
4th = (P4: 438yds) has some of the few fairway bunkers on the course though they are short of the green. This hole swings to the left to an unbunkered green that is deceptively quick.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/OC/4b.jpg)
5th = (P4: 457yds) swings to the right and certainly sets up for one that can fade the ball of the tee. I love how the famous Bay fog quickly formed then dissipated during my round.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/OC/5a.jpg)
8th = (P3: 175yds) an uphill P3 and a relatively new hole that has a narrow entrance to a tilted green that is surrounded by bunkers save for back left.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/OC/8a.jpg)
10th = (P4: 422yds) is a lovely downhill P4 that swings around the right and a greensite that also has a very narrow entrance. Beside it is – the halfway house where one can taste one of THE BEST burgers one can find in America.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/OC/10b.jpg)
16th = (P5: 607yds) is my favourite P5 on the course and I love how it slowly bends around to the left inviting the golfer to take a more aggressive - but well protected - left hand line. The greensite has a massive bunker on the right that captures I’m sure many an approach.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/OC/16b.jpg)
18th = (P4: 347yds) is one of the better short finishing holes I’ve seen. Accuracy is much more important than length on this closer. The green also has a significant back to front slope that will test the nerves of anyone right to the last putt.
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad65/kpallier23/OC/18c.jpg)
The course is noted for having very few fairway hazards. That is offset by the narrow playing corridors that exist via the ever-present trees and long grass being a constant threat instead. I am led to believe some significant tree clearing has occurred in more recent times and I would hope for the members’ benefit that such clearing continue as unlike the Cal Club or SFGC – the OC’s playing corridors are very narrow in places. Personally - I think some of the enjoyment of playing the game is impeded by such a set-up but the OC does have a reputation of being a “hard” test of golf.
Whiting and Watson deserve credit for routing a course on what I would consider a rather difficult piece of land. Most of the course is on quite steep ridges and to go across them rather than up and down was a masterstroke. Rarely does a hole of length play in a direct line tee to green and unless you can shape a ball at will or hit it relatively straight you could find yourself in for a long day.
It was certainly the most challenging course I saw in The Bay region - the pressure on the tee shot and then that into the relatively small targets was relentless. That said - a playing partner who was striking the ball well was able to play the layout I think just a handful over par.
Overall, The OC is a difficult test of golf and one can appreciate that as such it will undoubtedly remain on the US Open rota.
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KP,
O Lake seems to be one major course there isn't a whole heap of pics of on GCA. I'd love if you could post any others you have.
cheers,
Scott
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Kevin -
Nice tour of the O Club... sun is shining here today and I'm headed out for my first round of the year on the course (pathetic, I know). Couple things - all which have been discussed ad nauseum here before:
+ Hole 8. IMO plays 1 club too long for everyday play. And take out that back bunker... as the only one of its kind on the course that can be seen (there's on #2 but it's not visible until you realize you're actually in it), it doesn't fit with the other 17 green complexes.
+ Trees. Like it or not, it's part of the tradition and aura of the Lake course. I'm glad that many have been cleared out within the past half-dozen years, as the turf conditions have improved dramatically.
+ Fairways Widths. There are a number of holes (e.g. 4, 5, 9, 18) where I think having more fairway for teeshots to land would actually create more trouble for those that are now just running through into the rough. Those shots will run further out of play with really tough angles into the greens.
+ Greens. A friend of mine still talks about how small the targets are on the Lake (especially #17 and #18), and this is a year after he played it. Again another traditional part of the course, and one that fits in with the cozy and compact feel of the Lake.
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Perfect, I was hoping you would do Olympic Lake. I am playing there Tuesday afternoon on my way up to Washington. Kevin how were the new holes playing 7 and 8. I especially can't wait for the burgerdogs.
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O Lake seems to be one major course there isn't a whole heap of pics of on GCA. I'd love if you could post any others you have.
Scott
Will see what I can do re: the pics am in th middle of The Riv. write-up
Kevin -
Nice tour of the O Club... sun is shining here today and I'm headed out for my first round of the year on the course (pathetic, I know). Couple things - all which have been discussed ad nauseum here before:
+ Hole 8. IMO plays 1 club too long for everyday play. And take out that back bunker... as the only one of its kind on the course that can be seen (there's on #2 but it's not visible until you realize you're actually in it), it doesn't fit with the other 17 green complexes.
+ Trees. Like it or not, it's part of the tradition and aura of the Lake course. I'm glad that many have been cleared out within the past half-dozen years, as the turf conditions have improved dramatically.
Wayne
How did you go after the lay-off ?
I saw a photo history tour in the locker room and it was amazing to the the transformation of the course over time. Why are they finding the need to plant new seedlings ? is there a disease in some of the existing trees ?
PF
I cant comment on the old v new side of things but there was a thread on a "progression v vandalism" theme if you do a search.
The "new" 8th is a strong hole in line with the rest of the course. I wouldn't think there'd be too many played from the back bunker though ?
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Kevin -
Why are they finding the need to plant new seedlings ? is there a disease in some of the existing trees ?
Most of the pine trees on the Lake Course were planted 80-90 years ago. The typical life span of those trees is not much more than that, which is the reason the new/replacement trees are being planted.
DT