Southern California Golf Guide: Sandpiper

Background to the course

Architect:
William Bell (in 1972) who also designed Torrey Pines and the Bermuda Dunes Country Club.

Type: Seaside

Landscape:
This course feels like a mixture of several varieties rolled into one. The first few holes are pretty flat and wooded, but by the back nine the course has started to alter drastically in its elevation with more water hazards and stunning ocean views. You're playing among palm trees with almost half a mile of ocean frontage five of the fairways are only a stone's throw from the lovely beach.

Course facts:
- Sandpiper hosts several professional tournaments, such as the PGA TOUR Tournament Players Series, The LPGA TOUR Santa Barbara Women's Open and the prestigious final stage of the PGA TOUR Qualifying.
- It's rated by Golf Digest as one of the top 25 public golf courses in America.

Playing the course

Sandpiper really is one of the best public courses in California. Dramatic changes in elevation and the approaches to the spectacularly located greens make for a very special game. If the wind is blowing, this course can extend from a test of accuracy to a full blown endurance test. Buggies are used, which most golfers will be thankful of around the 10th to 14th holes where it seems to be all uphill and down dale. The greens are good for a public course and in the summer can be quite fast.

Course views (click for enlargement)

Score card

Address:
7925 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, California 93117, USA

Website:
www.sandpipergolf.com

Phone number:
(+1) 805 968 1541

Course and lengths:
18 holes, Black - 7068 yards, Silver - 6597 yards, Copper - 5701 yards

Dress code:
Soft spikes required and no denim allowed. Men need collared shirt with sleeves, mid thigh length shorts. Ladies need a collared shirt with or without sleeves as long as shoulders are covered and shorts and skirts must be mid thigh in length.

Tee times:
From sunrise until the light gives out.

Handicap:
No certificate required

Green fees:
$55 to $130 depending on season, day, and time.

Other costs:
Buggy hire $15 a round, Titleist club hire $50 per set.

Facilities:
A clubhouse with restaurant and outdoor patio affords fabulous views of the course and coast. Small pro shop.

Location:
Situated at the north end of Santa Barbara, easily reached via Highway 101 via the Winchester Canyon exit.

More information

Adventure Golf: Southern California