Well, after finally settling into good ol' Nor Cal, I have been able to get around and play some absolutely amazing facilities and Peninsula didn't disappoint. Peninsula G&CC is located in San Mateo, and is the only course on the West Coast designed by Donald Ross.
The course underwent an extensive renovation in 2003, which included adding 8 inches of sand to most of the playing areas. Not having played the course before the restoration, done by Ron Forse, I can't imagine a much better outcome. The fairways were beautiful, some of the best I've played, and the greens were very true.
The most impressive items I noticed were the greens. Mr. Forse did a remarkable job of adding undulations and interest to the green complexes. Being my first "Ross" course, I was pleasantly surprised by the greens and the course layout. The 17th has got to be one of the best short par 4's I've played. At 285 yards from the back, it is very reachable for anyone, and just begs you to go for the green where four bunkers await within 50 yards of the pin.
Other great holes are the par 4 sixth, the par 4 eight, and the par 3 12th, which has a green that when the hole is cut in the back of the green you can just see the top of the flagstick. The greens are definately the strong point of the course and worth seeing. My playing partners and I commented on how great of tournament course it would be due to the precision it would take to get good looks at birdie throughout your round.
This was a course I was not familiar with before I came out here, however, it is one that certainly deserves a look. What an outstanding facility!
Plaque next to the clubhouse and 1st tee.
345 yd. Par 4 8th
Great Par 3 7th
Par 4 6th Great Bunkering
Par 4 5th Green Great Movement in the Green
Teeshot on Par 4 5th Spectacular Panorama
Par 3 15th Great Green Setting
285 yard Par 4 17th
Green at the Par 4 13th, Note the back corners AWESOME