Rancho San Marcos Golf Course , Santa Barbara, CA

A must play!

Rancho San Marcos is definitely one of the 10 best course's you can can play as written by golf magazine. it is as tough as it is beautiful. the drive in its not this fancy parking lot, its just a gravel lot among the trees and you get the feeling that your getting to play on someones private course as the clubhouse is rustic and has that country home feeling about it. the staff there lets you know right a way that you are there special guest. they will cater to your every need with a smile and you feel welcome. the practice area is 5 star with a great range, huge putting greens and a sand practice area. now for the course, it has huge elevation changes on the back nine and the fairway can be generous and yet are some of the tightest i have ever played. course management is a must on some holes as you do not want to be long or short. the greens are bent grass, firm and very fast, did I say fast. yes they can test your putting skills to the limit. the layout is imaginative and breathtaking and the wildlife is everywhere. there are no homes on the course just you and mother nature at its best. a camera is a must as you will have many holes that will take you breath away, so make sure you don't forget it. there is one lake on the front 9 which you hit over on a par 3 and is on the left guarding the green on the 9th hole. a river runs along 3 holes on the front 9 too but is to far to hit into, but some may get a glimpse of it. the back 9 is where a cart is a must as the course climbs to the sky and shows you the valley in all its wonder. on 18 you tee off from the highest point of the course and then come back down to earth and finish a wonderful hole to clubhouse. while the clubhouse seems small its can hole gatherings of 60 with no problem. fine wines and beers are the only beverages for now along with a very good rice wine bloody mary which I recommend. our event was catered and they cooked tri-tip and chicken on a outdoor barbecue along with all the extras which was outstanding. I drove from Santa Cruz Ca to play here and with all the memories of this course it made the drive home pass quickly. I recommend that if you haven't played this course that you treat yourself to one life's pleasures and go play it. to all the staff at Rancho San Marcos, thank you for a day I will never soon forget.
Smilin Steve
GreensKeeper.org

My favorite course in Santa Barbara, wide open with great views. The fairways are in great condition and the greens roll fast and true. If you are looking for a very well maintained public course with a challenging layout then RSM is for you.

With a course update recently completed and the fairways once again looking and playing fantastic. RSM is again back at the top of the list for must plays. The greens and bunkers are perfect and the layout is challenging and fun. I love this course.

A really great memorable course

I always enjoy Rancho San Marcos. Fred Couples of Santa Barbara plays and practices here regularly in part because it has one of the finest ranges in the United States. The holes are interesting and well thought out. Staff are nice and laid back. Value is terrific especially during the week. Have been some watering and maintenance problems, but I believe those are fixed with the new owner, the beanie-baby king himself, Ty Warner. Scenery is outstanding. Golfers often will encounter deer, coyote and hawks during the round. Now to the golf: Most holes are fairly wide open, and a number of the holes are clearly birdiable for the better player. However, the 15th "Bear's Back" is one of the hardest holes I have ever encountered in my golfing life (I am about a 6 hdcp. and have played all over the world). Imagine this: Your tee shot must be a perfect draw, non-snapped 3/4 iron or utility wood around a corner to about a thirty yard wide fairway, or you're toast. Now you are left with a 150-170 downhill lie shot to a parabolic green with trouble left, right, long and short. Oh, and you're the top of the small mountain where this particular hole is laid out, so there are often cross winds so... you must smoke the approach on a hard draw line to hold the green, which undulates all over the place and has several spots that are jail. A bogey is a good score on this hole. In short, play if you're in the area!