CYPRESS POINT CLUB GOLF MAGAZINE WORLD RANKING: 2 DESIGNER: ALISTER MACKENZIE

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CYPRESS POINT CLUB GOLF MAGAZINE WORLD RANKING: 2 DESIGNER: ALISTER MACKENZIE Cypress Point is arguably the second most exclusive club in the world after Augusta National containing a very small and

1 CYPRESS POINT CLUB GOLF MAGAZINE WORLD RANKING: 2 DESIGNER: ALISTER MACKENZIE Cypress Point is arguably the second most exclusive club in the world after Augusta National containing a very small and somewhat elite membership. Very limited guest times are available and then only strictly via invite we were very fortunate to be hosted by Superintendent Jeff Markow. As with most of the Club s we played in the US, Caddies were compulsory and we were assigned the aptly named Saint for our round in what turned out to be fantastic conditions. Designed in the late 20s by renowned architect Alistair Mackenzie the course is played over the terrific sandy terrain of the Monterey Peninsula and after winding its way up into the forest, the course then descends back down to the coast where you will find a collection of the most dramatic holes in Golf. 4 th Hole, Cypress Point. Designer Alister Mackenzie was a master in camouflage, a skill he acquired during his time serving with the British forces in the Boer War. His bunkering is dramatic and as well as being strategically sited is often cleverly used to challenge the golfers depth perception. The front nine at Cypress takes you deep into the property before returning back down to the coast.

Wishing to take driver at this 280 yard hole but being advised by Saint to take 7 iron, we (and I use that term somewhat loosely) settled on a gentle 5.result?

2 Mackenzie was the master of the short par 4. The 9 th Hole at Cypress Point is one of the greatest examples found anywhere. Taking a Caddy for the first time was an interesting and unique experience. With a golfing spirit almost as free as my swing itself, I struggled at times to heed Saints advice. Wishing to take driver at this 280 yard hole but being advised by Saint to take 7 iron, we (and I use that term somewhat loosely) settled on a gentle 5.result? Overshooting the landing area, winding up in this expanse of sand and receiving this little peach of advice from Saint as we walked down the fairway Leo, I have a simple philosophy on golf. Hit it to the part they mow the shortest - point taken.

The use of natural materials is utilised where possible and here on the 15 th they have crafted a superb fence out of driftwood and fallen timber.

3 I always enjoy looking at other courses and taking little ideas away with me. Cypress Point like all the great courses adopt a very simple yet consistent theme across the course with regards to aesthetics. The use of natural materials is utilised where possible and here on the 15 th they have crafted a superb fence out of driftwood and fallen timber. Mackenzie built holes that suited the land and was loath to follow any cookie cutter type of formula. In the case of Cypress Point this saw him design back to back Par 5s and then two of the most famous Par 3s in golf, 15 and 16 with their dramatic carries over the Pacific Ocean.

4 16 th Cypress Point. Par 3, 230 yards - a phenomenal golf hole with limited margin for error. Although we didn t play Pebble Beach, no trip to the Monterey Peninsula would be complete without a visit and particularly a walk out to the magnificent 7 th hole is a real treat.

SPYGLASS HILL GOLF MAGAZINE USA COURSE RANKING: 52 DESIGNER: ROBERT TRENT JONES Snr Located on the Monterey Peninsula and nestled right next door to Cypress Point is Spyglass Hill.

5 SPYGLASS HILL GOLF MAGAZINE USA COURSE RANKING: 52 DESIGNER: ROBERT TRENT JONES Snr Located on the Monterey Peninsula and nestled right next door to Cypress Point is Spyglass Hill. Owned by the Pebble Beach Company, Spyglass Hill is more resort golf and along with Pebble Beach is the annual host of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am. Designed by Robert Trent Jones it is a product of the era when resort golf flooded on to the market. It has a little bit of everything going on with the first 6 holes taking quite a links feel before it changes tack and winds up into the forest allowing you to experience lakes, trees, retaining walls, cart paths, flash faced bunkers etc. At $385 USD a round, Spyglass Hill is considered a real treat for the American golfer and thousands flock to play it each year. The locals will tell you that Spyglass is considered the hardest course on the peninsula which I probably wouldn t argue with and from those we met and spoke with, the Spy holds a special place for many. We had a pleasant afternoon but the genre of course didn t excite me as much as the morning round at Cypress.then again it was a fairly hard act to follow. Spyglass Hill. The opening stretch of holes wind down close to the Pacific Ocean where sandy wastelands and the backdrop of the impressive homes of Seventeen Mile Drive excite the senses.

PASATIEMPO GOLF CLUB GOLF MAGAZINE USA COURSE RANKING: 62 DESIGNER: ALISTAIR MACKENZIE Pasatiempo (Spanish for passing of time ) is located halfway between the Monterey Peninsula and San Francisco in

6 PASATIEMPO GOLF CLUB GOLF MAGAZINE USA COURSE RANKING: 62 DESIGNER: ALISTAIR MACKENZIE Pasatiempo (Spanish for passing of time ) is located halfway between the Monterey Peninsula and San Francisco in Santa Cruz. Designed by Alister Mackenzie, there is probably no greater compliment than the fact that he chose this course as his home club. Golfers can pay homage to Mackenzie as they pass the house where he resided adjacent to the 6 th fairway. This was one of my favourite courses all trip with 18 quality golf holes played over some really interesting terrain. The course had recently completed a makeover whereby photos of the original bunkering and design were used to meticulously restore the course to its original design. The finished product is stunning and the photographs in the clubhouse display just how good a job Tom Doak and his team achieved. Alistair Mackenzie s house located adjacent to the 6 th Hole. He was once famously quoted as saying he wanted to live in a place where one could practice golf in their pyjamas before breakfast.

long grass that bordered the greens and bunkers.

7 Par 5, 13 th Hole Pasatiempo and Mackenzies distinctive flash faced bunkers. My only criticism and this was a reoccurring theme throughout the trip was the obsession with long grass that bordered the greens and bunkers. It made for one dimensional golf and removed a large element of the fun of recovery. Mackenzie designed a wonderful set of testing Par 3 s. 15 th Hole Pasatiempo.

8 16 th Pasatiempo, a hole Mackenzie described as the best two shotter I know of. Following my best drive of the day that caught a convenient downslope, I flicked a sand wedge to a few meters for a memorable result. The alternative for not making the correct tier on Pasatiempo s wildly undulating greens can often be several strokes. Par 3, 18 th Hole Pasatiempo. The back nine plays across a series of Barrancas or Gullys as we may call them in NZ, where goats are utilised to keep the scrub down.

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Golf. oman. in the Sultanate of. Experience excellence. hospitality like never before Golf in the Sultanate of oman Experience excellence hospitality like never before 1 The New Golf Destination Oman Marhaba (Welcome) to the Sultanate of Oman Golf is an exhilarating sport and a great way