Rancho San Marcos Golf Course — Local services in Goleta

While traveling from So Cal to the central coast for a golf trip on April 17, 2015 I saw the course from the highway and it looked nice! I turned around and went back to play a few holes. At this time it was about 6:30 PM. From experience let me say, If you want to enjoy this "golf course" in the best possible way I suggest you drive by, say "oh, that looks nice" and keep driving!

When I arrived at the clubhouse I was greeted by a young man that had the demeanor regarding the course more along the lines one may expect from a counter person at Augusta National. I asked what it'd cost to get in a few holes (at this point it's nearly 7:00 PM). The charming (not) youngster poked around on the computer screen for a minute or so, as if it was quite an epic chore to figure out an early evening "few hole" rate, then said "how about $51.00". I was excited! $51.00 to play a few holes of a completely vacant golf course in the middle of nowhere....it must be spectacular!

From my hour long "golf" experience let me say.....if you happen to be a horticulturist that's infatuated with weed strains or the best methods to poorly maintain all forms of landscaping....especially grass, you'll think $51.00 for a few holes is a decent deal. If you're a fan of bare dirt this place is a good deal as well. However.....if you happen to be an individual that's absolutely bonkers in love with gophers your going to be compelled to give the wonderful fella in the clubhouse a several thousand dollar tip after your hour on the course!

If, though, your goal is to enjoy an hour of golf(ish) activity you may be better off to put on a collared shirt, pocket your $51.00 and just go hit a few balls around in Mojave...

Visiting from Texas .. played with my son ... yes the fairways are a tad dry but to be expected given the lack of water .. however, great layout ... difficult course but a lot of fun to play. Reminds me of Apple Mountain (course in Camino, Calif .. just north of Placerville). Staff was very friendly .. watch out for the black birds .. they are aggressive little devils that steal your food from your cart. A must play if you are visiting...

Rancho San Marcos Golf Course rated 4-1/2 stars: What Santa Barbara may lack in quantity of golf courses, it certainly makes up for in quality. Rancho San Marcos is another gem. There is no housing to be seen on or from the course, although a few historic items are occasionally in evidence; namely a few preserved 19th century adobe structures and the route of the San Marcos Stagecoach trail (in use until 1901), which runs alongside...