Question:
If you are willing to drive north a bit, we have tremendous values. Hunter Ranch in Paso Robles in the current list of best public courses: $25 week-afternoon; $55 peak. Although I have not played it, La Purisma in Lompoc is well respected. There are also a bunch of very good municipal course on the Central Coast. Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area have good golf at around $25 peak and $7 off peak week days.
Response:
I am visiting Santa Barbara for the first time in abotu a week. I will be there long enough to play about 3 rounds. I would appreciate suggestions of PUBLIC or fairly inexpensive private courses in the area that I should check out. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Response:
Sandpiper in Goleta is a beautiful sea-side course that is open to the public. The LPGA SB Open is played there. Last time I was there, it was $75. Very worthwhile if you can fit it in your budget. Also check out LaPurisima in Lompoc. Both of these are absolute favorites of mine. Ken – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am visiting Santa Barbara for the first time in abotu a week. I will be there long enough to play about 3 rounds. I would appreciate suggestions of PUBLIC or fairly inexpensive private courses in the area that I should check out. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Response:
Edward, Basically, you’ve got five choices for public 18 hole courses. I’ll list according to my preference, if you don’t mind. 1. La Purisima (1996 PGA Tour Final Stage qualifying site and will host the third stage this year I believe. If you want a real challenge check this one out. Several sets of tees with the Blues at a ridiculous slope of 143, 7100 yards, I believe. Whites are reasonable, but still difficult at 133. It’s worth the drive – 40 minutes north of SB. About $60. Oh yeah, play in the morning unless you like big winds.) 2. Rancho San Marcos (new course, less than one year old, Trent Jones design, I’ve heard their service is excellent and the course rolls through oak covered valleys. About 25 minutes from SB. About $70.) 3. Glen Annie (new course, nice views and good conditions, a little shorter than the others but has some challenging holes. About $60 including a cart.) 4. Sandpiper (nice layout, right on the Pacific Ocean. If money is no object you should try this one. It is long 6800 – 7000 yards and is fun. A bit pricey at about $100 on the weekends. All the stars play there.) 5. Santa Barbara City (short, cheap, $25, and crowded, only 5 minutes out of SB – forget it on the weekend) Also located in the city of Santa Barbara is an internet company that publishes fantasy games including a very popular one for golfers – check it out at http://www.2play.com. It’s free. Good luck and have fun. Paul Dooley ps. If you are looking for a partner at La Purisima, I’d love to play. I would never turn down an opportunity to play there. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am visiting Santa Barbara for the first time in abotu a week. I will be there long enough to play about 3 rounds. I would appreciate suggestions of PUBLIC or fairly inexpensive private courses in the area that I should check out. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.