Bodega Harbour
Golf Links offers
true Scottish experience

By Adam Brady,
Staff Writer

BODEGA BAY, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2003) -- There are certain courses out there that just aren't the same unless played under their stereotypical conditions. You can't get the true Scottish links experience without playing at least once in a sideways rain. True desert layouts aren't true desert layouts without a dry heat in the high 90s or low 100s.

The same holds true for Bodega Harbour Golf Links, an unheralded beauty located on Northern California's Sonoma Coast. While the layout holds up under the best of conditions, the seaside links phenomenon of the place is somehow best felt under a gray sky, a little fog and the typically prevailing breeze.

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For years Bodega Harbour has been well respected while not widely recognized, and remains a haven for the bulk of golfers who yearn for the majesty of a seaside links but can't afford the British Isles or Pebble Beach. And because it's a reasonable drive from the Bay and Sacramento areas, it is much more accessible.

Nine holes of the Robert Trent Jones, Jr., design -- now the back nine -- were opened in 1976, with another nine coming 10 years later. That gap is evident in the variance of the two nines, as the newer front has more pronounced undulations on the fairways and greens. The swarm of hills, slopes, mounds, hollows, knolls, rises and falls do much to add a Scottish element to the course. They also bump up the challenge of the layout, along with the frequent gusts blowing off the coast.

"It's kind of a hidden gem or a well-kept secret," says head professional Bob Caldwell. "It's just a nice getaway. You're on the coast and you have beautiful views and it's just wonderful."

Bodega's resemblance to Scotland isn't Bodega Harbour's only nod to traditional golf. At a modest 6,253 yards from the back tees, the layout refreshingly offers a stout challenge without gargantuan length. Instead, premiums are placed on well-placed tee shots and approaches -- around the 90 deep bunkers on the course -- and a deft putting stroke on the contoured greens. And in deference to the frequent gusts, almost every green is designed to warmly greet a bump-and-run approach.

You're first intrigued by the course on the fourth hole, a demanding par-4 that runs uphill. The drive should avoid deep bunkers that split the fairway's two levels, both of which look about as big as throw rugs when the wind picks up.

After you negotiate the blind approach to the elevated green and putt out, you climb even further uphill to the fifth tee and one of the most inspiring views on the golf course. That par-5 is a classic double-dogleg with narrow landing areas for both the drive and layup second shot (the required conservative tee shot all but negates going for the green in two).

Although the back nine is relatively flat, it is just as deliciously testing. The 13th and 14th weigh in at 418 and 442 yards, respectively, and sometimes play dead into the wind. But both are enhanced with enticing views of the marina in the distance.

The jewels of the back nine -- and the entire course -- are the final three holes, known locally as "The Pit." The unique 303-yard 16th, a hard dogleg to the left, requires a 180-yard tee shot over the fresh water marshland to the fairway. From there, even cart-riders are required to grab their bags (pullcarts are available) and walk across the narrow bridge to the fairway. That walk through the marsh, with the ocean crashing just over the bluff on the edge of the hole, is about as spiritual as it comes on a golf course. (It's even better if your tee shot has found the fairway.)

The 17th demands another tee shot over the marshland, made even hairier by the 188 yards of carry from the back tee and the prevailing winds, which are usually in your face. Survive it, and you reunite with your cart for the 18th, nothing less than one of the best closing holes in Northern California. The 461 yards on the scorecard are eased by the often-helping wind. Pull off the requisite left-to-right drive around the bunkers and marshland and you are treated to a downhill approach to the green, featuring a striking Pacific Ocean backdrop.

An even-par trip through those last three is no small feat, making "The Pit" a perfect representation of the inspiring difficulty of Bodega Harbour, especially the first time around it. Whether you survive the layout or it gets the best of you, chances are you'll be eager to battle it again -- even (or especially) under the grayest sky and the fiercest wind.

Bodega Harbour Golf Links 21301 Heron Drive, Bodega Bay, 94923. (707) 875-3538. bodegaharbourgolf.com.

From San Francisco take the 101 Freeway north to Petaluma. Take the E. Washington -- Central Petaluma exit and cross over the freeway, heading west, and follow the signs to Valley Ford and Bodega Bay. As you get to Bodega Bay you will see "Welcome to Bodega Bay," "Golfing" and "South Harbour Way" signs.

Rates

$45 Monday through Thursday; $55 Friday; $75 weekends and holidays. Twilight, $30, Monday through Thursday; $40 Friday; $50 weekends and holidays. Fees do not include golf cart.

Where to stay

Conditions: 3.3 Value: 4.2 Service: 4.5 Design: 3.8 Overall: 4.0 Fast fact: The jewels of the back nine -- and the entire course -- are the final three holes, known locally as "The Pit."

The Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa is a wonderful place to spend the weekend, with its comfortable rooms and first-class dining and spa options. The Lodge & Spa sits on a hillside overlooking the beach and Bodega Bay. There is also beach access, with Doran State Park just a 10-minute walk away. The Duck Club restaurant is an exceptional dining option for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Meanwhile, there is a wide availability of quaint and classy vacation home rentals within very close proximity of the golf course.

The Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa
103 Coast Highway One
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875-3525

The Bodega Bay area

You may have heard of Bodega Bay because it was the setting for the Alfred Hitchcock classic, The Birds. Rest assured that attacks from killer winged ones is highly unlikely, but you will be treated to a charming seaside town with the availability of plenty of non-golf activities. Not far is the wine-producing town of Sonoma where tasting options are prevalent.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.