SLO County Golf, Wine & Real EstateGolf, Wine & Real Estate News and Events Blog
Monarch Dunes to Showcase Central Coast GolfSaturday, January 28, 2006Vern Ahrendes contributed 2 new articles in the Times-Press-Recorder yesterday about the Central Coast's newest golf course - Monarch Dunes Golf Club.In Ahrendes's first article, he shares his impressions of a 3 1/2 hour tour of the course from the gold tees, which can be summaried by this remark, "Wow fails to sum up one's first response to a round of golf at the new Old Course at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo." He goes on to describe the course... "For me, the Old Course was the first I have played where I could imagine it would be a test for pros. But unlike other tougher courses, I didn't feel I was over my head until I stepped over my second shot on the par-4 13th, the hole I imagine could be one of the tougher ones on the Central Coast." "Other tougher courses I've played, like the San Luis Obispo Country Club, have intimidated me before I ever stepped onto a tee. I knew I was in for a long day on the practice-putting surface at SLO." "Despite its length, I felt for most of the round I had a realistic chance of playing well. I didn't, but that, to me, is the test of what could be a great course." "The greens were huge, with undulations I was not used to. I 3-putted at least eight times. And that might be underestimating the putting damage. But that's the theory behind Pascuzzo's design for the course. He left plenty of room in the fairways to keep balls in play, but he wanted to make the greens an adventure. And he has done just that." "The greens, despite their size (they are much larger than neighboring Blacklake), were hard to hit and hold. You could see what Pascuzzo meant when he told me he wanted to put 'the bounce and roll back into the game of golf.'" "Water - there are five lakes on the 18-hole layout - swallowed three of my errant shots (the approach on the par-5 No. 4 is a carry over water - mine didn't - and there was a hidden water retention basin that I found on the par-3 No. 15)." Read the entire article to learn more about his round and to get Ahrendes' hole-by-hole descriptions: New course of the ages Times-Press-Recorder, Vern Ahrendes Vern Ahrendes then shares his observations about the Central Coast's ability to sustain 54 more holes in his second article. Even before most local golfers could test the South County's first new golf course in a decade, the buzz has started about 27 more holes to come at Monarch Dunes - the 45-hole golf resort taking shape in the massive Woodlands complex at Willow Road and Highway 1 in Nipomo - and Cypress Ridge's request for nine more holes at its 18-hole complex near Mesa Middle School in rural Arroyo Grande. How many more golf holes can this region support? The availability of resources, such as water, might be the only limiting factor, according to representatives of the area's four golf resorts. Avila Beach and Pismo State Beach - could be the next golf mecca for baby boomers seeking a great golf getaway. Within 30 miles, two country clubs with 36 holes of play are available, and 82 more holes beckon in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria and Morro Bay. "If you look at golf destinations like Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), they have hundreds of golf courses," Monarch Dunes designer Pascuzzo said. "If you look at a place like Palm Springs, they are still building more golf courses there." Widen the scope, and at least another 80 holes are within reach from Paso Robles to Lompoc and Santa Ynez. "Golf can be a valuable resource to San Luis Obispo County," said Mike Brabenec, a Professional Golf Association member and director of golf operations for Avila Beach and Blacklake golf resorts. Denis Sullivan, president of the Cypress Ridge Partnership, agreed. "If Monarch Dunes proves to be as good as they say it is, it will attract more golf-oriented vacationers to the Central Coast, which is good for all of us," Sullivan said. "If we get to be known as a golf destination, that is all the better." The arrival of Monarch Dunes, Brabenec believes, will be a boon for existing golf operators in the area and to ongoing regionwide efforts through the San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau's Golf Trails Committee. Brabenec added, "The nation will need to know that there are top-notch courses here." And the amenities the Central Coast offers will just add to the area's allure, Pascuzzo said. "I absolutely think this area will be the next great golf destination," Pascuzzo said. "Geographically, it is an easy getaway from San Francisco or Los Angeles." He added, "And, think about it: Where would you rather go in June or July to play golf? In South Carolina, where it is 90 degrees out with 90-percent humidity, or the Central Coast?" The showcase of the national pitch for Central Coast golf could be Monarch Dunes. Add other attractions like wineries, Hearst Castle and the beach, and the Central Coast could reap big tourist dividends. Read entire article to learn more details about the plans for more golf at Monarch Dunes and Cypress Ridge: How many holes can we sustain? Times-Press-Recorder, Vern Ahrendes Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf Monarch Dunes |
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