Perched in the hills above Santa Cruz, Pasatiempo Golf Course was created in 1929, a golden age for the sport. Spanish for "passing of time," Pasatiempo follows the vision of 1921 U.S. Amateur Golf Champion Marion Hollins.

Hollins was an expert when it came to creating golf courses. She was intimately involved in the planning of Cypress Point Golf Course and Club, including its famous 16th hole, when she lived in Del Monte, near Monterey. In 1928, she commissioned Dr. Alister MacKenzie to transform 570 acres in the hills overlooking Monterey Bay into a course that would become a favorite, semi-private club for locals and visitors alike. In fact, MacKenzie’s favored its design so much that he called its 16th hole his favorite par four in all of golf.

Pasatiempo, ranked 17 out of a 100 for 1999 in Golf Magazine, is known for its bunkering and undulating, fast greens. The course has become a classic and an inspiration for newer courses in the area. With each hole unique, players never tire of the challenge of Pasatiempo. It became a gathering place for athletes and actors alike, including Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Ben Crenshaw, Joyce Wethered, Mary Pickford, Ty Cobb, Babe Didrickson, Jack Dempsey, Bing Crosby and Tiger Woods. They no doubt enjoyed amenities similar to those of the Hollins House Clubhouse, which overlooks the greens and ocean and is known for a fabulous brunch.

Delaveaga
401 Upper Park Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
For the Pro Shop or
Tee Times
call (831) 423-7212

DeLaveaga Golf Course is also located in the hills above Santa Cruz. A top-ranked, 18-hole course designed by Bert Stamps, it combines natural beauty with thoughtful design. Let go of any preconceived ideas about municipal golf courses; this course is located in a park setting (no homes interfere with views) and follows the natural terrain. Built in 1970, DeLaveaga is a course that has stayed true to its original intent and is impeccably maintained.

The course is relatively short, only 6,000 yards, but don’t equate length with difficulty. A slope rating of 136 keeps it interesting. This tight course requires all clubs in bag for a thinking person’s game. Course pros say people who play it day-in and day-out always play it a bit differently.

To prepare your game, check out the lighted, duel-level driving range, ready in all weather conditions and staffed until 8:30 p.m. With 40 stalls, practice and warm-up are usually always available.

The clubhouse is another hidden jewel. Breakfast and lunch are one of the best-kept secrets in town. Try the hamburger for lunch and check out the service. Yes, this is how municipal courses were meant to be.

Boulder Creek is set among redwoods, lakes and creeks, deep in the forest. Condominium rentals, tennis and swimming make it a destination, especially since it’s at the end of a winding drive through the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Seascape
610 Clubhouse Dr.
Aptos, Ca
(831) 688-3214

Play 18 challenging holes on lush fairways and impeccable green amidst cypress trees and rolling hills. Warm up on two practice greens and a driving gange before this PGA- rated course. (cart included)

While not at the level of some of the other courses around the Monterey Bay, it offers scenic play.

Whether it’s a legendary round on the links in Pebble Beach or some driving practice in Santa Cruz, golf courses around the Monterey Bay offer plenty of challenge. A round of world-class golf here provides memories for a lifetime.