COURSE REVIEW

Escape from L.A.:
Mountain golf
in Santa Barbara

By Matt Paulson,
Staff Writer

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (May 6, 2004) -- Los Angeles is beautiful -- if you have a penchant for throat-searing smog and anxiety-attack-inducing traffic. But just in case you are one of the few that likes to breath fresh air and travel more than 5 mph on the freeway, leaving the city for a day may be what your L.A. lifestyle -- or your lungs, or patience -- needs.

• California golf course reviews • California golf course guide • California golf features • Palm Springs golf courses

Located just a few hours up the 101 from downtown Los Angeles and about 12 miles outside Santa Barbara is one of the best courses on the central coast called Rancho San Marcos, a par-71, 18-hole track that meanders through the Santa Ynez Mountains off the 154.

Built on the San Marcos Ranch that was established in 1804, Rancho is steeped in history, donning 19th-century adobe structures and preserved areas of the Rancho San Marcos Stagecoach trail. One finds that the course is not the only thing traditional about this semi-private club. The service has a touch of that old-school cordiality, with exceptional treatment from the staff at the pro shop. The staff was not only friendly but charismatic while informing myself and my playing partner that the range on which we were about to hit balls is the same one Freddy Couples visits every once in a while. It felt as if I was playing at a friend's course, even though it was my first time even near Santa Barbara.

Like any mountain course, there is ample elevation change, which provides for eye-satiating scenery. On the back nine - Rancho's signature side - there are four elevated tees, and in some situations, players are surrounded by dramatic dropoffs on all sides. How about that for an interesting tee shot? Any miscue could lead to a double or one of those dreaded "others."

The clientele at Rancho is predominantly local. Between 70 and 80 percent of Rancho's players are from the tri-county area (Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties).

Rancho San Marcos is at rsm1804.com or (805) 683-6334. Four Seasons is at (805) 969-2261 or fourseasons.com/ santabarbara. The Bacara Resort & Spa is at (805) 968-0100 or bacararesort.com. Fess Parker's DoubleTree is at (805) 564-4333 or fpdtr.com.

Rates are actually rather confusing. The daily damage Monday through Thursday is $119, while Friday through Saturday is $139. There are twilight ($59, $79) and junior ($19 and $39 to walk) rates as well. To ride, and the pro shop will recommend it with the hilly terrain, it is an additional $16 a head for 18 holes. To practice, it is $7. Caddies are available, whether it be riding ($35) or walking ($45). It can also be replayed for $39 Monday through Thursday and $59 Friday through Saturday, and tee times can be made 30 days in advance.

To get there

Simply take the 101 to San Marcos Pass North, also known as the 154. The entrance will be just after Paradise Road on the right. Keep an eye peeled. It is possible to miss.

Where to eat

To anyone who has visited Santa Barbara, this section is rather obvious: Freebirds World Burrito at 879 Embarcadero Del Norte in Isla Vista and (805) 968-0123. One burrito is enough to simultaneously feed William "The Fridge" Perry and the late Andre the Giant when he was in prime dining condition.

Where to stay

For those from L.A., it is possible to make this a day trip. Leave in the morning, drive a few hours, make about a noon tee time, eat some dinner, and be back before midnight. However, to take the entire weekend away, check out the Four Seasons, the Bacara Resort & Spa or Fess Parker's DoubleTree. According to the pro shop at Rancho, they are pretty much the top three in the area and all provide for an oceanfront getaway.

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.