List of all links-style courses in California?

[subrosa]

I am starting to rather enjoy the traditional links-style course layouts, and was curious if anyone has compiled a list of all links courses in CA, or at least linksesq courses?

 

I know Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, but I am sure there are a least a few more.

[slocagolfer]

[quote name='subrosa' timestamp='1342480627' post='5288262']
I am starting to rather enjoy the traditional links-style course layouts, and was curious if anyone has compiled a list of all links courses in CA, or at least linksesq courses?

I know Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, but I am sure there are a least a few more.
[/quote]

There are those that would argue about Pebble being links style and only half of Pacific Grove would be in that argument.

I'd add Spanish Bay and Monarch Dunes to the list.

[greg c]

I would not classify Monarch Dunes as a links-like course simply due to the fact that no fewer than eight holes have ponds in play. Olivas Links in Ventura is very links-like...although, unfortunately, it doesn't typically play linksy due to being on the overwatered side. There really aren't very many, especially when you consider what the true definition of a links is...the California Coastal Commission would not allow it to happen.

[sharkiesj]

Rustic Canyon
Ocean Course at Half Moon Bay
Aetna Springs GC

These pop into my head. HMB is the least links like of the 3 mentioned. Aetna is an amazing place if your in the area. A must play for the true golf aficionado.

[greg c]

Rustic certainly plays links-like, too bad there's no ocean right next to it.

[typhoonoid]

Links of Summerly in Temecula is ok when the conditions are good.

[pasipple]

NCGA' Poppy Ridge in Livermore is a links style course to me. Lots of bunkers, hills, mounds, and a long wooly rough.

[Jeembo]

[quote name='greg c' timestamp='1342499868' post='5290446']
Rustic certainly plays links-like, too bad there's no ocean right next to it.
[/quote]
Oh man.. putting is already a nightmare there, definitely don't need the ocean sitting there to make it worse

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='sharkiesj' timestamp='1342498345' post='5290348']
Rustic Canyon
[/quote]

Rustic is certainly the most links-like course in California that I've every played.

It truly embodies all of the characteristics of a real links.

[pappaf2]

Metropolitan Golf Links in Oakland

[alanman]

[quote name='typhoonoid' timestamp='1342505771' post='5290664']
Links of Summerly in Temecula is ok when the conditions are good.
[/quote]

Do you know how they are right now? I was just asked to play a round there tomorrow morning.

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='typhoonoid' timestamp='1342505771' post='5290664']
Links of Summerly in Temecula is ok when the conditions are good.
[/quote]

Whoever designed that course must have been tripping on acid.

[sharks25]

Squaw creek is a links course style, i believe.

[greg c]

Why would you consider Squaw Creek a links style course? Out of curiosity.

[sharks25]

I've never played it, but a friend of my dad's said it was a links style. Supposedly its has flat, undulating fairways.
I can let you know if it really is, I'm going to play it Aug. 17th.
Have you played it?

[Johnny]

[quote name='pasipple' timestamp='1342506166' post='5290678']
NCGA' Poppy Ridge in Livermore is a links style course to me. Lots of bunkers, hills, mounds, and a long wooly rough.
[/quote]

they have taken alot of that nasty stuff out over the past years... used to be able to twist an ankle walking though that... not anymore., but yes still LINKS style.

[littleprov1x]

I guess this depends on what you define as links...

Bodega Harbour
Spanish Bay
Metropolitan
Monarch Dunes (kinda)
TPC Stonebrae
Half Moon Bay Ocean

Don't really think any of the so cal courses near the ocean classify.

[greg c]

As I said before, Olivas Links is absolutely a links style course, it's in SoCal, and it's within a mile of the ocean--windswept and all. And there really is only one definition of a links course. Most "links" courses would actually fall into the "faux links" category.

[kekoa]

I would not consider PB links ish at all.

Rustic Canyon is definitely a links course.

[SurfinTurf]

[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1345160385' post='5485378']
I would not consider PB links ish at all.

Rustic Canyon is definitely a links course.
[/quote]

I live in the PB area. Not sure how you can justify saying PB isn't links golf.

I play what I consider to be links golf about 5 days a week. I play in coastal winds amongst coastal dunes. Granted they are softer than Scottish links but there is variation in links courses. If you're playing golf amongst coastal dunes in ocean winds then that's "links" golf, period.

If you define links golf as hard and windy then I know of a brilliant links course in Kansas that you should check out.

[SurfinTurf]

[quote name='littleprov1x' timestamp='1345133734' post='5482938']
I guess this depends on what you define as links...

Bodega Harbour
Spanish Bay
Metropolitan
Monarch Dunes (kinda)
TPC Stonebrae
Half Moon Bay Ocean

Don't really think any of the so cal courses near the ocean classify.
[/quote]

Spanish Bay = Yes, soft but yes
Half Moon Bay Ocean = Not a chance

There are no dunes out on the bluffs in HMB. That ain't links golf. It's Disneyland Ritz Carlton golf.

[sharkiesj]

Just curious Surf, you made a point, or allude to the fact that PB is a links course, but you don't think HMB is a links or links-ish type course. If there are no dunes out on the bluffs at HMB, then where are the dunes out on the bluffs at PB? Not trying to attack you, just am curious as to why you think PB is a links/links-ish and HMB is not even close.

BTW, I think you live in the best city in Califonia! Love PG. Am super jealous...lol.

[sharks25]

Yeah, I played squaw creek for the first time. Not really a links course. Lots of force carries and not very much long rough. It looks sort of like a links course, but doesn't really play like one.
Pretty good course, though.

[raidernut1234]

Wow, no one mentions stevinson ranch golf course?!! [color=#009933][size=1]www.[/size][/color][b]stevinsonranch[/b][color=#009933][size=1].com HANDS DOWN THE BEST/TOUGHEST LINKS COURSE IN NOR CAL IF NOT THE ENTIRE STATE[/size][/color]
[color=#009933][size=1]best example of a true scottish links course in Northern California [/size][/color] [color=#009933][size=1]Flat land- mild rolling fairways- false front HUGE open front greens for knockdown runup shots.- even has the tall wispy grass running along the fairways. Greens are Hard as a rock and fast (9-11) rolled to 13 for us open qualifier and other tournaments.[/size][/color]
[color=#009933][size=1]If you goto play it for the first time and the wind is more than 10 mph when you get out of your car. Either get back in your car or be ready to shoot 15 strokes over your handicap!![/size][/color]
This is the type of golf course worth planning a road trip too, if you don't have the budget to goto Bandon or Scotland.
[color=#009933][size=1]Oakland is a close second.[/size][/color]