Golf course upgrade finished

BY COLBY FRAZIER
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

After six months of golf course improvements that span in diversity from recreated holes to widened fairways and tons of Caribbean-esqe Augusta National golf course white sand in the sand traps, the Rancho San Marcos Golf Course is scheduled to reopen today.

The course, built in 1996 by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., is now owned by local businessman Ty Warner, who cache of golf courses includes the Montecito Country Club and the Sand Piper course, is described by Greg Villeneuve, director of golf operations, as a “must play” course.
“Prior to the renovation Rancho was making its way on the most respected ‘Must Play’ lists,” Villeneuve said. “With the recent enhancements, Rancho will easily secure its spot as one of the most desirable courses to play in the United States.”
The new improvements include a complete recreation of holes No. 1 and No. 3, which according to a statement issued by Villeneuve, were destroyed by storms in the winter of 1997.
In order to widen the fairway on hole No. 15, a Valley Oak tree was relocated. Villeneuve said the tree relocation will improve site lines. All of the course’s bunkers were renovated and filled with the white sand and overhauls on turf quality on all playable areas was undertaken.
Located near Lake Cachuma and the Santa Ynez River, the coarse sports what some call a “world-away” experience, but is a relatively short distance from Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley.
The par 71, 18-hole layout measures 6,814 yards and is located on 300 acres.
Golfers can expect to pay $95 Monday through Thursday and $120 for Friday through Sunday and holidays.
According to the Rancho San Marcos web site at www.rsm1804.com, special rates are available for tri-county residents.
“It’s not boasting when we say Rancho San Marcos is close to perfection, as Mother Nature deserves most of the credit,” the course’s web site says. “Ancient Oak trees are an ideal frame for teeing-off, wild turkeys and deer serve as unofficial golf marshals, and the Santa Ynez mountain range provides a picture perfect 360-degree backdrop.”
If that’s not enough to make an avid golfer put on a sweater vest, plaid pants and lug the clubs around for an afternoon, the golf course will also now be offering beer and wine.
“We’ve escalated the quality of the golf course and we will be providing more in the way of food and beverage services so that our guests can relax, reflect on their game, and enjoy the tranquil setting after their golf experience,” Villeneuve said.