SLO County Golf, Wine & Real EstateGolf, Wine & Real Estate News and Events Blog
FORE Features Marshallia Ranch Golf CourseTuesday, September 19, 2006For military members or those who frequent Highway 1, Vandenberg Air Force Base's Marshallia Ranch is a little-known secret. For those who know it well, however, the Lompoc golf course offers some of the best tests of golf on the Central Coast, and is now completely open to the public."The only way that civilians could play before was if they were sponsored by a member," says Rick Vigil, general manager and director of golf of Marshallia Ranch. "Military retirees once constituted 42 percent of the play here at Marshallia, but throughout the years that has changed, and we had to do something about it." The Department of Defense approved public play at Marshallia Ranch in March 2005. Of the 120 military courses in the nation, Marshallia is one of about a dozen courses that are completely open to public play, and has since hosted 2,700 rounds to non-military players. "We're one of the top-five hardest courses in the Department of Defense system," Vigil says. "The Air Force awarded us with a five-star rating, which only one other golf course, Anderson AFB, received." Marshallia has narrow, eucalyptus-lined Kentucky bluegrass fairways, ocean breezes, and an abundance of ice plants that can cause golfers trouble on the course. The greens are seaside bent and poa annua. There are no water hazards on the course; after El Niño struck in the late 1990s, Marshallia removed the three lakes it had and was forced to clean up 160 fallen eucalyptus trees. Holes of note include the 434-yard par-4 ninth, which was voted the hardest par-4 hole in Santa Barbara County; and the par-4 16th, which, Vigil says, "is the longest 416-yard hole you'll play out here." The 217-yard par-3 13th hole features ocean views from both tee and green. "We're off the beaten path but certainly worth the visit," Vigil says. "Those that make it out here find that the quality of golf they receive is worth the trip." Directions: (805) 734-1333. Hwy 101 north to Hwy 1, Lompoc-Vandenberg AFB exit (just beyond Gaviota); north to Vandenberg AFB turn right on Hwy 1 to San Antonio Rd. West, turn left follow road to stop sign; turn left on Lompoc-Casmallia Rd. Follow for approx. 200 yds make right to course. Article: No longer a secret at Vandenberg AFB (PDF) FORE Magazine, Katie Denbo Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf |
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