I LOVE PASATIEMPO GOLF COURSE
A balance of history, beauty and pureness
The Spanish word “pasatiempo” is translated as “hobby” or “pastime” or a “relaxed passage of time.” Over the years, golfers have argued that there are few places more breathtaking and challenging than the course named Pasatiempo built by Marion Hollins and Dr. Alister MacKenzie. So much history and pureness, this is easily one of my favorite golf courses I have ever played and dream of it being in my backyard.
MacKenzie claimed that it was his best layout, ahead of even Cypress Point and Augusta National, and his American home borders the sixth fairway. Pasatiempo is about an hour's drive from Cypress Point, a Monterey Peninsula neighbor to Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach, and if I remember correctly about an hour or two from San Francisco Airport.
I love Ohio golf but my clear second favorite right behind the Buckeye State is California. I have had the great fortune to play some of their best golf courses both public and private.
The opening hole below welcomes you in with raw beauty, generous fairways and gorgeous landscapes coupled with a few sand traps around the green. It is a very walkable golf course which we didn’t. The last and only time I played was maybe 7-8 years ago, it was maybe $195/$225 to play. It is now $385 to walk and $425 to get a ride. Would I play it again? I hesitate very shortly but I would walk it carrying my bag and taking in every second, every shot and every view. It is magical and is pure beauty.
There is not really a lot of flatness but nothing too crazy. There are sand traps through out but nothing crazy, think more naturally placed and fair. The course was built in 1829. This California GEM is a par 70 measuring 6,500 yards. Pasatiempo never punishes you but rewards you for a good shot. MacKenize has been quoted saying it is his favorite course creation and honestly, we can see why!
My favorite hole has to be the finishing hole (SEE BELOW) ala #18 which makes you want to come back. I hate finishing on a Par 3 but not this golf course. It is 173 yards with a lot of carry with white sand traps around the green. Alot of risk-reward but if you get it on the green it can become a birdie or at least a par. This hole will forever be etched in my brain and heart!!
Wow..what a gorgeous course and you end up at a modest clubhouse that has a numbering of clothing and gifts options to always remember your round. I ended up buying a grey NIKE quarter zip and a golf pin flag that is framed in the basement. I love love the Pasatiempo logo just simple and symbolic of the area and the land. Unique for sure!
If you ever get a chance to play Pasatiempo do it and worth the short drive from Pebble Beach and SFO airport to Santa Cruz. I can’t wait to go back!