Played Sandpiper for the first time on Friday morning, April 19th. Was one of several single walk-ons looking to get out before everybody else. The staff was very accommodating in getting us out in ... Continue »

Played Sandpiper for the first time on Friday morning, April 19th. Was one of several single walk-ons looking to get out before everybody else. The staff was very accommodating in getting us out in whatever manner we wished. A single opted to follow us. Round was played in 3:10. I paired up with a local and we were the first off. Definitely an advantage to have a local on a course you have never played! The morning was foggy/drizzly with virtually no wind. My playing partner indicated that this is a whole different course when it is sunny and/or windy. Even with morning mist on the greens, they were running pretty quick, but true. I couldn't blame green conditions for my missed putts! Being above the hole (any hole) on this course will leave you with a very delicate putt. The course in general was in great shape! The views are spectacular, even with the morning fog. There are 5 or 6 holes that run right along the bluffs over the ocean, with the signature Par 3 11th hole playing to a green that essentially sits right above the beach. Overall a very satisfying experience and I can't wait to get back and give it another go!

Played a twilight round today. Thought the price was a little to high @ 105. $80 to walk. As had not played here in many years I was OK with the price (to play it once). Found the course to be in grea... Continue »

Played a twilight round today. Thought the price was a little to high @ 105. $80 to walk. As had not played here in many years I was OK with the price (to play it once). Found the course to be in great shape. Tee boxes were perfect. Fairways were good ( though a few had been mowed to close) and had good roll and lies. The rough was a beast. Traps were playable. Greens were in nice shape but putted slow all round. Very nice course. Service was excellent. Food was good also. Great patio area overlooking the course and the ocean. Agree with John about 10 to 14 having great views and great stretch of holes. If you like different courses then this is a one and done to play and put it on your list.

Found myself in Santa Barbara late afternoon yesterday, 10/8, so decided to swing by Sandpiper Golf Club for a late TW round. Beautiful weather, clear day, played as a single. Teed it up at 3:45pm. Ha... Continue »

Found myself in Santa Barbara late afternoon yesterday, 10/8, so decided to swing by Sandpiper Golf Club for a late TW round. Beautiful weather, clear day, played as a single. Teed it up at 3:45pm. Hardly anyone out there that late. It was a surreal experience. Fabulous views. Peaceful sounds. I can’t recommend a late TW round at Sandpiper enough.

Golf Course conditions are very good despite very dry Summer/Fall weather the region has had. Greens in super shape despite some tiny hole venting aeration (no sand). The tiny holes did not affect the putts whatsoever. Fast, holding approach shots, running out on pitch shots and smooth. Fairways in very good shape. Firm with a good padding to the hit the ball from. Light green with occasional light brown areas. Primary rough is cut low just above fairway height. There in no longer tall secondary fescue rough, likely to conserve water so they can focus resources on the fairways, so if want to cut the corner a little bit on hole 15 go for it. Bunkers in good shape, firm but decent sand. Light brown coloring in most traps. Tee boxes in good shape. Lush, groomed with some tee boxes (played the gold tees) needing to be more level.

Finished in 3 hours. I only had to skip one hole to play through a foursome. I also had to stop playing to take a couple phone calls which resulted in 20 minute delay. Add to that I took a ton of photos which I will post some on GK this week.

Some might feel like for a golf course that expansive, and actually if you are a tri-county resident (live in Ventura, Santa Barbara or San Louis Obispo County) it’s a significant price break, that conditions should always be fantastic. I disagree. The high green fee is 100% justified by the experience of playing a very fun layout with some of the most beautiful golf course ocean views anywhere I've played. In addition the peaceful unique ambiance of the place is special. The stretch of holes 10 – 14 on the cliffs of the ocean is simply spectacular. Holes 5 & 6 on the front nine are also excellent ocean golf holes. You can see the ocean from almost everywhere on the golf course if you look in its direction. Just a handful of holes that are mediocre in my opinion such as 8, 9 and 15. Some might not like that 18 is par 3 but its an fantastic par 3 IMO with one the toughest greens on the golf course. I love this golf course. It’s one of my very favorites. I highly recommend it.

Played out at Sandpiper with two of my buddies Saturday morning at 9:00. Pace of Play was right around 4 hours following a threesome, but hardly waiting on any shots, and not really being pushed by th... Continue »

Played out at Sandpiper with two of my buddies Saturday morning at 9:00. Pace of Play was right around 4 hours following a threesome, but hardly waiting on any shots, and not really being pushed by the group behind who was a hole behind most of the day. Two of us walked and both agreed that while the course it is walkable there are some holes that would make us think of taking a cart next time. Customer service was excellent from the Proshop, cart attendent, beverage cart and restaurant after. The tee boxes where in excellent shape with very few divots, lush and level. Fairways had a couple of spots that were thin, but were mostly in great shape and never had anything but a cushy lie. Rough was inconsistent from lush to higher level weeds, but I am not a fan of punishing a course review for inconsistent rough since it is supposed to be penal and what better way to make it penal than having it play differently on different holes. Traps were in good shape, some a little firm and others soft, but never really had a problem playing out of them. The greens were the highlight of the course, (besides from the views) rolling quick, with very few balls marks. Definitely, need to be below the hole here. On one hole I was about 10 feet above the hole and barely tapped the ball and it rolled out to about 8 feet past when all was said and done. The views are spectacular and without them, the course would still be fun and playable, it just wouldn't justify the rate. I have wanted to get out here for a while now, and am glad I did. I would play this course more often if it was a little cheaper and closer, but think it will make the rotation at least once every year or so.

Played as a single 6/10/18 at 0950, got out almost right away which was awesome since it was Sunday and the course was busy. First time here and I loved it- the views are spectacular! The tee boxes we... Continue »

Played as a single 6/10/18 at 0950, got out almost right away which was awesome since it was Sunday and the course was busy. First time here and I loved it- the views are spectacular! The tee boxes were level, the fairways had mostly good coverage except in some places here and there. The rough was cut down and balls could easily be found. Sand traps were the only thing lacking with this course, some were just dirt and some had sand. They were compressed down like they have been watered too much. The greens were the best part, they rolled well and were really fast. I would definitely play here again now that I know the layout better.

The only thing I was disappointed about with this round was how last second it came together and it could only be for a foursome. I knew GRD23 and Pedro7170 had the day off to play, and Alex326 expres... Continue »

The only thing I was disappointed about with this round was how last second it came together and it could only be for a foursome. I knew GRD23 and Pedro7170 had the day off to play, and Alex326 expressed a ton of interest in our previous round together about playing Sandpiper for the first time. Anyway, wish we would have had more GK’ers out there. Maybe again soon?

As for the course, it was in great shape. We got a perfect day too with sunshine and little wind. I snapped a bunch of photos I just posted and be on the lookout for posts on GK Facebook and GK Instagram. Greens were running medium/fast, smooth and firm. You got to play the ball below the hole out there because almost all the greens are severely sloped back to front. The fairways were lush, a little moist at times, with the ball sitting up nice. Rough was lush cut low, lower than I remember, so it was bit easier to find your ball. Tee boxes mostly level (we played the Gold tees – much happier at that distance than last time from the Black tees). The bunkers, hit in miss as far as either containing quality sand or being thin and firm. The bunkers were well cared for although and I’d say overall good shape.

This is a course, as most anyone knows, has dramatic views of the ocean. Take a look at the pics, I can’t describe it any better. There are some holes that are not on the ocean but are very good holes. The only two holes I would say seem plain #8 and #9. But in a way I love that since it acts as an exciting contrast to what awaits you on the Hole 10 – Hole 14 stretch which has got to be one of the best anywhere.

Besides the course, it’s got terrific practice facilities with views of the ocean to start your day. The clubhouse is small, well stocked, with a wonderful patio/restaurant with excellent food/service.

Sandpiper is one of my favorite courses. Highly recommended.

Sandpiper has been on my So Cal bucket list for about a year now. When Johnny GK called and said can you make it tomorrow at 7:30 AM, I was so excited to get the chance to play, I happily made the 3 ... Continue »

Sandpiper has been on my So Cal bucket list for about a year now. When Johnny GK called and said can you make it tomorrow at 7:30 AM, I was so excited to get the chance to play, I happily made the 3 1/2 hour drive leaving the house at a bit before 4AM. As soon as I arrived at the course, an attendant greeted me at my car and carried my clubs over to the carts. To me there's an extra touch of class having your bags carried not thrown on a cart and taken over. After a quick change into the golf duds (I've learned not to drink coffee on the road while wearing white pants), I headed into the pro shop for a quick look around. Looking out the window I could see the 18th green, with a pond in front of it and the pacific ocean in the near background. Wow!! what a spectacular view. The others showed up and I found out I get to play with GDR23, who aside from being a great player, is an absolute blast to play with. The driving range not only is close to both the clubhouse and 1st tee for convenience but it has to be the most scenic driving range anywhere! The range is included with green fees and is a nice lush grass hitting surface. The fact that the ocean is in the background is an added bonus. Between the customer service and convenient scenic range, you can't help but head to the first tee relaxed and in a good mood. Starter did an excellent job explaining pin locations, green speed and general info about the course. The layout starts off with some fairly basic holes (don't confuse basic with easy) but because you get views of the ocean they seem anything but "basic". After a few holes you get a taste of what's to come as you play near the edge of the cliff. Up on the cliff you have a fun par 3 with the waters edge along the left side (albeit 50' below). It's at this point you get spectacular views of the course and the ocean. It somehow manages to be stunning, picturesque yet peaceful and not overwhelming. There's a couple of nice scoring holes before making the turn back at the clubhouse. Hole 10 starts the dramatic scenery and layout of the course. 10-14 are right on the ocean front both high up on the cliff and down at water level. Again, absolutely breathtaking. I lost my drive over the cliff's edge and within a minute, the coast guard search and rescue helicopter came buzzing by to help look for it! Now that's customer service!! OK so maybe, the customer service isn't quite that good, but it was cool to watch the helicopter buzz by 100' over the course & water. The track finishes with a medium length par 3 which has the ocean as your backdrop behind the tee and a forced carry over a water hazard to the green. Now for the conditions: I'll start with the rough, since that's where I was most of the day. First cut was lush and very manageable. After that you get into no mans land. Having said that what apparently is usually calf to knee high had been cut down severely. I'm a big fan of having it that way mainly for a pace of play issue as it avoids the long delays looking for lost balls. I somehow managed to avoid the traps all day so I can't comment on the conditions of them. Tee boxes were lush and level throughout. Even the par 3's were divot free. Fairways were 90-95% lush throughout with nice level hitting surfaces. Greens rolled super smooth at a nice medium fast pace. Greens were mainly single tier with a gentle to moderate slope that made them fun and challenging but not overwhelming. Breaks were predictable but tricky when trying to match them up with the correct speed. Beverage cart was out early and often and pace of play was relaxed as it should be on a nice course like this. Overall, it's a great scenic course with very good conditions. The question isn't whether I'll be back again, it's how soon I'll be back! My score was the highest I've shot since January 2017 and I'd happily to it again tomorrow if I got the invite. Hey, if I leave right now, I could make the 7:30 tee time....

Good evening GK golfers. Today, I had the opportunity to play with three GK Golfers. I'm so very proud to play with this three guys that they "JUST KILL THE BALL WITH THEIR DRIVERS". Thank you to J... Continue »

Good evening GK golfers. Today, I had the opportunity to play with three GK Golfers. I'm so very proud to play with this three guys that they "JUST KILL THE BALL WITH THEIR DRIVERS". Thank you to Johnny's we were able to play this in my opinion "The Best Public Golf Course" in Santa Barbara County, Sandpiper Golf Course. Played from the Gold Tees and every shot that I was playing, I had to use my three wood as a was a 100+ yards back then this three golfers "Killing the ball". But I had a fabulous time playing this course. It was so hard for me to select the best hole in this course. In my opinion, every hole is very unique and every hole does challenges your golf skills.

Now, to the review of Sandpiper Golf Course. The staff incredible customer services, greeting to the course, offering range balls, taking care of your clubs and staff at the pro shop very friendly.

The tees very well kept and very level. The fairways the all look expetacular. The only thing that I was not to please with is that the fair ways were to wet around the greens. But other that the fairways are well kept. The sand bunkers, not much to say as I only got in one on hole 14; these bunkers around this hole does need more sand as it was very hard and the club bounce as you hit the ball out. The greens, were just beautiful. The ball was running great and very clean and the ball didn't bounce at all.

Over all, Sandpiper Golf Course is in great shape and very fun to play it and challenging at the same time. It does bring your golf skills to a challenge.

Here are my ratings for this course:
Tees: 8.5
Fairways: 8.5
Greens: 8.5
Sand Bunkers: 7
Its worth your money and time to play this course "absolutely yes".

GK golfer's get out and continue to play your game and if you haven't played Sandpiper it's well worthy to treat your self to a beautiful golf course and the views are exptacular all around the golf course.

Your Golfer Buddy, Pedro7170

Rode the Gold's this morning 4/27/2018 at 7:30am joined by my buddies JohnnyGK and Pedro7170 as well as Alex--great to see you again Alex! Great group to play with. Weather was in the low 50's at teeo... Continue »

Rode the Gold's this morning 4/27/2018 at 7:30am joined by my buddies JohnnyGK and Pedro7170 as well as Alex--great to see you again Alex! Great group to play with. Weather was in the low 50's at teeoff reaching close to high 60's when we finished with about a club of wind today. Our POP was 5 hrs taking our time never being pushed by anyone behind us and never having to wait on one shot--not a lot of people playing this morning but the course looked packed on the front nine when we finished. Our group took multiple pics of the ocean holes and got some nice practice putting in after the completion of each hole-great relaxed vibe at Piper. Thanks to the GM for having us out. Sandpiper remains one of my favorite tracks in that the temps in Santa Barbara are usually mild with mild winds, a great layout that is both challenging and very fun to play and almost always stellar conditions. I love the green complexes here and the length of the course. Its an hour drive from me and if you miss the traffic at the right time it feels like a very easy drive. Ocean views on #5(green), #6, #10, #11, #12, #13 and #14--the par 3's here are tough(4 and 11 come to mind). Great mix of par 4's and par 5's that I just love--let it rip. Today was one of the best days that I have seen at Sandpiper condition wise. The greens were smooth, very fast on downhillers with uphill putts needing to be struck that much harder. Some great back challenging pin locations today. You want to be putting below the hole at Sandpiper or it is "tap it" time. Very few ballmarks and the greens were holding chips and irons with spin. Rating the greens a solid 8/10-maybe 8.5. The fairways were lush, wet in the morning and solid coverage throughout. They are almost in Palm Springs beautiful shape category. Very few problem or brown areas. I am rating them an 8.5/10--very nice. The rough is very green, semi lush and wet. Looks like the mower was out today on many holes. They are cutting it down some. Would say the rough is 2-3 inches in most places. Get outside the first cut in places and you could be in past ankle high carnage. Rough rating 8/10. The tees were very lush and mostly level. Rated 8/10. Was not in any bunkers but my playing partners commented that some/most were thinner and needed a little more sand. All looked raked to me and in decent shape. If I lived in Santa Barbara and was rolling in a little more dough this would be my home course for sure. Highly Recommended.