Played with the GK Gurus yesterday, 8/5, teeing off about 3:00 PM.
I hadn't been to San Vicente since I was a kid when we'd visit and stay at...
» MorePlayed with the GK Gurus yesterday, 8/5, teeing off about 3:00 PM.
I hadn't been to San Vicente since I was a kid when we'd visit and stay at the time shares, so this was more or less my first time visiting since I didn't recall much. That being said, I wish I would have paid more attention all those years ago because I absolutely loved this layout.
The course has a very traditional feel at it's core, but when I hear that I tend to think of something repetitive and boring and San Vicente is the complete opposite of that. Our group kept commenting that it seemed every 2-3 holes reminded us of a different course. Started out a little like Rancho Bernardo in, moved into some Mt. Woodson with some Cross Creek thrown in and sprinkle it all with some Pasatiempo and Barona when you got to the greens and green complexes. When I was driving home and was going over the round in my head I realized I hit every club in my bag during the round. To me that is just one of the greatest compliments I can give. From the tee shot all the way through to the approach, this course provides multiple options that range from conservative and safe to aggressive and rewarding. Each hole is like Choose Your Own Adventure experience and that makes for an enjoyable day for all types of golfers.
I want to spend its own paragraph talking about the new greens and green complexes. They went through a complete overhaul and it was money well spent! I don't know who the designer was but they definitely have a deep love and respect for the golden age of course design. You get multiple biarritz greens, a punchbowl and even pseudo Redans that make front pins simply wicked. The bunkers remind me so much of Pasatiempo and Riviera. The afternoon light created some incredibly cool looks and textures visually. They're obviously firm as they are so new but I never felt like they were unfair. I just didn't know where to miss and of course I'm just not a good enough golfer to hit big, high, spinning irons to tight pins :)
Overall the conditions were really good. I never had a bad lie in the fairways although I might consider a couple "thin" but the ground underneath had plenty of give so getting solid contact (again if I made good swings) wasn't a turf issue. It seemed the back nine had some super pure fairways, especially the 18th. A couple tees were a little beat up but there are some new ones and multiple options so I'd be trying really hard to be critical if I went that route.
On top of all that, the staff and hospitality was the best I've experienced in a long time. I got the feeling that the team there is genuinely proud of their course and facility and eager to share that enthusiasm with it's customers. That kind of attitude is contagious and I really appreciate how they handle their business. We hung around for a bit and had some drinks and appetizers and it's a great spot to enjoy some food and beers.
I'm already planning my next trip back out there because I want another shot at the course now that I have some knowledge about the greens. This is a course I could play over and over and never get sick of. Really looking forward to getting back out there soon!
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