Golf Digest Ranks This Tom Fazio California Golf Course In "Best Places to Play
Golf Digest ranked this Tom Fazio California golf course among the "Best Places to Play" in 2008/2009. Fazio earned that ranking because of the creative way he took parts of an old course, and moved lots of dirt around to create elevation changes stretching up to 600 feet. The 11th hole plays over 500 yards from the blue tees and drops about 100 feet. And typical of Fazio courses, there are numerous strategically placed fairway and greenside bunkers; deep and lipped with lovely white sand to provide additional challenges.The Montesoro, which plays over 7,200 yards from the tips, has five tee boxes to accommodate all levels of golfer. The course is driver friendly with ample landing areas, but it's not an easy course to play with a slope rating of 141 from the tips and 119 from the front tees.
Director of Golf David Hunter, has been recognized by Golf Magazine as one of America's Most Outstanding Golf Teachers. He's a Callaway Master Staff member and is supervising the development of the Ranch's Callaway Learning Center.
Local's Playing Tips
Strategic thinking is critical when playing this Fazio golf course. Because of fairway bunkers a 3-wood off the tee is often be a better choice than a driver. Slopes built into the fairways can cause a seemingly safe shot to wind up in trouble. For example, hit the left edge of the green on the number 5 par-3 and you may watch your ball roll down the hill into the water. Most of the greens are sloped from back to front and subtle. Members who play the course numerous times have a significant advantage over their guests or resort guests; keep your money in your pocket.
