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Ben Voelker

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San Clemente Muni
« on: November 22, 2005, 11:56:35 PM »
Does anyone have any experience with the City of San Clemente, California's golf course?  It was designed by William F. Bell and I don't know much else about it.  I'm going to be spending a few days there and have heard some general positive comments and wanted to know if it is an interesting course architecturally.  Thanks in advance.
« Last Edit: November 23, 2005, 12:01:18 AM by Ben Voelker »
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Robert_Ball

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Re:San Clemente Muni
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2005, 12:32:44 AM »
Ben,

There isn't much, architecturally to San Clemente muni, IMO.  The cape 16th is really the only hole with strategic options.  And the course is wall-to-wall kikuya with poa annua greens.  On the positive side, it is a nice course to walk, with ocean views on every hole.

Alternatively, you might want to play the Schmidt-Curley design, Talega, also in San Clemente.  Or venture south-east to Barona.

Robert
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rjsimper

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Re:San Clemente Muni
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2005, 01:16:29 AM »
Agree that the 16th is pretty cool, though not a cape hole.  Other than that, and the proximity to the ocean, it's a pretty ho-hum muni.  Barona, though highly touted, is probably a solid 75-90 minute drive from San Clemente...
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Tommy_Naccarato

Re:San Clemente Muni
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2005, 02:38:47 AM »
Ben,
San Clemente actually started out as 9 holes BB Sr., then BB Jr. added the second nine.

Thankfully the wonderful team of David Rainville and Gary Bye have restored* the course to its fullest luster, proving that both Bell's knew nothing when compared to them.

(*"Restored" as in "Destroyed beyond Golden Age recognition")

The rest of the desciptions are pretty accurate. A great course to walk, you might be better of playing Talega as recommended, or even just up the freeway, (about 7-10 minutes tops) Josh Taylor/Casey O'Culligan Man/Tom Lehman's Arroyo Trabuco. It's very affordable for Orange County and its some pretty fun golf.
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Lynn_Shackelford

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Re:San Clemente Muni
« Reply #4 on: November 23, 2005, 11:31:44 AM »
Tommy or Thomas, are you saying Willie Watson was not involved in the original design?  This could be the first course in Southern California where your research finds no evidence of Watson.
And one more thing, your thoughts on the new 14th at Soule Park?  Could be a real conversation piece if maintained properly.
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It must be kept in mind that the elusive charm of the game suffers as soon as any successful method of standardization is allowed to creep in.  A golf course should never pretend to be, nor is intended to be, an infallible tribunal.
               Tom Simpson

Tommy_Naccarato

Re:San Clemente Muni
« Reply #5 on: November 23, 2005, 11:51:36 AM »
Lynn,
Amazing, I know, but I'm just going on what I have found in the Times archives. Take for instance San Diego CC. Long rumored to be Bell, I'm sure he was there, only after Willie Watson--according to the Times. Much like Midwick and others. Also found stuff on La Jolla giving Watson the commission. However, the connection between Watson and Bell is an interesting one and needs to be further researched for proof of that connection and how it parlayed  for Bell who obviously built the course.
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Stan Dodd

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Re:San Clemente Muni
« Reply #6 on: November 23, 2005, 01:16:45 PM »
Ben,
I grew up in San Clemente and have played there since I was a lad paying the .25 junior fee.
It is fairly ho-hum but it is a great place to play for cheap.  they keep 2 starter's times per hour so walk up play is fairly easy.
There is a local group thee that is worthy of a Dan Jenkins piece.
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