by Andrew Pahel

Created on: February 11, 2010   Last Updated: February 15, 2010

Rancho Santa Fe Country Club is located in Rancho Santa Fe, California and is a part of the Rancho Santa Fe Association. The association, which started in 1927,exists for the purpose of protecting, preserving and enhancing it's community and surrounding areas. To that end many individual groups and organizations have become a part of the association, including the Rancho Santa Fe Club. This club was established in 1927 when the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company donated 219.1 acres of land for a golf course.

Many famous celebrities have played through the course at Rancho Santa Fe Country Club. Popular entertainer, Bing Crosby hosted the Clambake in 1937, which paired both celebrities and businessmen with professionals for the 36-hole event over two days. Crosby wasn't the only celebrity to visit the country club. Gene Littler won the San Diego Open in 1954. More recently in 2000, the club held the 101st Edition of the SCGA Amateur in which Scott McGihon took the prize.

The Rancho Santa Fe Association took control of the course in 1934 and ran it for 25 years not as a country club but a public course. In 1978, the association restricted the use of the golf course to members only. In 1987, the Rancho Santa Fe Club was established as a division within the association, giving control back to the club. After undergoing a major renovation, the newly upgraded course reopened in 2002.

As for the layout of the course, the club revels in its high visibility and straightforward challenge it offers. The layout of the entire course will seen from beginning to end, making strategic play easier and more competitive. The club suggests players not to 'short side' itself, the courses ever-changing elevations and thick grass in the rough can make "chipping" and "short pitching" next to impossible to successfully deliver. It's obvious that to succeed on such a historic course, one needs patience, determination and a skillful touch. In retrospect, if golf is your passion, a trip to the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club may be worth the investment.

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