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4.8
75 Reviews (75)
5 Stars
32
4 Stars
26
3 Stars
10
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
4
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.8
Layout
4.0
Friendliness
4.9
Pace
4.8
Amenities
4.8
97.7%
Recommend this course
65 out of 75 reviews
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Average Rating
Avg Rating
0
5 Stars
0
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
0
Value
0
Layout
0
Friendliness
0
Pace
0
Amenities
0
0%
Recommend this course
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
5.0
1 Reviews (1)
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
5.0
Layout
4.0
Pace
5.0
Amenities
5.0
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
1 out of 1 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type Public
Style Links
Par 72
Length 7159 yards
Slope 136
Rating 75.1

Course Details

Year Built 1972
Fairways Rye Grass
Greens Rye Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect William F. Bell (1972)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code Men: Collared Shirt with sleeves; Shorts, mid thigh in length; No Denim; Ladies: Collared shirt with or without sleeves as long as shoulder is covered; Shirts without collar must have sleeves; Shorts and skirts mid thigh in length; No Denim.

Food & Beverage

Snacks

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Meeting Facilities, Banquet Facilities

Reviews

4.8
75 Reviews (75)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
19th Hole Scenic Views 7
Patio Dining 7
Drinks 6
Course Challenges Include:
Plays Long 10
Undulating Greens 10
Elevation Changes 9
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 14
A Weekend Splurge 11
Locals 11
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 14
In the 'Burbs 6

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 48
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

Beautiful Scenery and Challenging Layout

Played at Sandpiper while in in the area on vacation, on the recommendation of a friend. I'm glad we did. The friend called it a 'poor man's Pebble' and he wasn't too far off (although I'm not sure that $105 for Twilight rate is 'poor'). This course is right on the ocean and 5 or 6 holes are, literally, right on the water. Even on a day with an intermittent marine layer and pretty good sea breeze, it was beautiful. Transplant the layout inland and it probably wouldn't be that remarkable....it would be a reasonable golf challenge, but nothing extraordinary. The forward tees are a pretty good challenge for the ladies (long). Tees, fairways, and greens were in great condition. Bunkers? Not so much. And be VERY careful with the wooden handled rakes....splinters. Two significant complaints: 1. Pace of play. We teed off at 2:40pm and it took more than 5 hours to finish the round. We waited on every shot. No course personnel on the course and they did nothing to move play along. 2. We paid $105 for the Twilight rate (it was $170 before 2). Yet that does not include range balls. That's an extra charge. I expect that at a muni where I'm not paying much to play. But at more than $100 per round - even for the twilight rate - I expect the basics, like range balls, to be included. We will likely return if in the area, but with a lowered set of expectations.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Previously Played

Overrated and overpriced

This course is nothing more than a decent muni. Barring 4-5 holes that are on the ocean the rest is very forgettable. Played today February 6th 2017. Was only guy on the course. The course is in poor shape tee boxes dug up and uneven, fairways are patchy and a lot of standing water( and moving water a mini river was running through one of the fairway) greens were ok but looked like they were working on a few of them. Obviously I know it's been the driest summer in a while and the wettest winter which will contribute to course conditions. So if the course isn't in top condition why are they still charging top dollar??? I dunno how they can justify charging $150 to play the course the shape it's in. Maybe it's because there isn't that many golf options in Santa Barbara so they can get away with it. Anyway not a very happy customer would not recommend.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Elite Property/Solid Layout

This is my home course. The course is always in very playable shape. Greens always run quick and pretty true. During certain times of the year the fairways can get spotty but the property is so good that it doesn't hurt the overall experience. This is as good a golf property as there is in California. The course has a few good holes but largely relies on the views and proximity to the ocean/beach to justify the pricetag. From the tips it's a proper challenge. Greens all slant back to front so it's important to stay below the hole. Course could definitely use a renovation but in the meantime it's by far the best public golf course in Santa Barbara.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 999
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1 Contributor
California Advisor
Previously Played
Poor weather
Used cart

Sandpiper

Played the Golds (6646/72.6/130) in bright, sunny & breezy conditions in the 80's. Started @ 1:45 and easily got in 27 before dark as a single, rarely waiting on a fast 4some that was usually several holes ahead. POP was about 3.5 H per 18.

The tees were decent, good coverage with only the par 3's needing divot repair.

The Bermuda fairways were okay, mostly lush with a few thin areas.

The rough was hit and miss. Thicker closes to the fairways, but everything from hardpan to lush Bermuda all the way to thick kikuyu.

The fairways bunkers were firm brown dirt and okay to play from. The green side bunkers were part thick, medium brown dirt (not sand) that was raked, well maintained and generally good to play from. However other green side traps had thick, white beach sand that was very deep and thick, difficult to play from.

The greens were recently punched with small tines. They were fast, firm and fairly bumpy to putt on. Alot of slope on these green complexes, not only back to front but side to side.

The customer service was excellent from everyone encountered. The Pro shop/starter got me out 15 minutes early, and the cart gal was out making the rounds several times. Always enjoy the layout. Recommended if you can get a deal.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 999
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1 Contributor
California Advisor
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Sandpiper

Played the Golds (72.8/131/6646) in windy, sunny conditions in the 80's. POP was great, rarely waited and played in less than 3.5 hours.

This layout is fun and deceptively demanding. The greens are quick and have alot of slope, I 3 putt here more often than any course I can think of. Many holes with at least partial ocean views. Holes 6,10,11,12,13 & 14 in particular either play right along side or right into the ocean. On a cloudless day, the backdrop is about as good as it gets.

The tees were decent, mostly level with adequate coverage. Several could use more divot repair.

The Bermuda fairways were mostly lush with a few thin areas.

The rough was usually penal even if not overly tall. Get off the beaten path and it was the usual combination of hardpan, thin or native weeds with occasional high patches that were lost ball deep. However, barely missing the fairway meant that the ball usually sat down in thick Bermuda. Literally the difference in using enough club to try and reach the green or being restricted to a shorter iron and advancing the ball maybe 100 yards.

I found the traps to be both well maintained and challenging to play out of. The sand was thick and many of the lips near the greens large.

The greens were relatively smooth, firm and quick bordering on fast, especially downhill. I find the greens here to be deceptively difficult. I never seem to get the speed down on this course. There is alot of slope on these greens, and it's easy for downhill putts to leave 6' to 10' coming back. The greens are still a week away from being pristine again as they recently were punched with small tines about 2" apart and should be yellow on GK.

I like the course layout and the ocean breeze always makes club selection a challenge. It's more the location you are paying for, because while course conditions have been above average on every visit, it has not been excellent. Because of the wind and the greens, par's are hard to come by for me in bunches on this course. Before I know it, I have a string of bogeys going.

Enjoyed the experience, it's a treat to play here. The customer service was excellent everyone encountered. Recommended as a great change of pace if you are willing to pay the high per round fee the courses location dictates.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 999
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1 Contributor
California Advisor
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Sandpiper

Played the Golds (72.8/131/6646) with Robert in breezy, sunny conditions in the 80's. POP was great, we rarely waited and played a 3 1/2 hour round.

I am impressed more with the layout on each visit. The course had many holes with at least partial ocean views. Holes 6,10,11,13 & 14 in particular either play right along side or right into the ocean. On a bright, cloudless day, the backdrop is about as good as it gets. Very fun layout.

The tees were decent, I had no issues finding level lies with adequate coverage. Several could use more divot repair.

The Bermuda fairways were good overall, mostly lush with a few thin areas.

The rough was usually penal even if not overly tall. Missing the fairway by a foot was the difference in using enough club to try and reach the green or being restricted to a short iron and advancing the ball maybe 100 yards out of thick Bermuda that the ball usually sat down in. Get off the beaten path and it was more a combination of hardpan, thin or native weeds with occasional high patches that were lost ball deep.

I was in multiple traps and found them to be challenging to play out of because the sand was so thick. Well maintained.

The greens were recently punched with small tines but were still relatively smooth, firm and quick. I find the greens here to be deceptively difficult. I never did get the speed down. There is alot of slope on these greens, and downhill putts just creep, and creep and creep, until pretty soon the putt you thought you had lagged up by the hole is 6' to 10' past. I suspect that being near the ocean (less landmarks to compare with) creates the optical illusion of making you think the slopes are gentler than they actually are?

I like the course layout and the ocean breeze always makes club selection a challenge. It's more the location you are paying for, because while everything has been above average on every visit, it has not been excellent. The customer service was excellent from the cart gal to the attendant who cleaned and took care of your clubs after the round. Enjoyed the experience, it's a treat to play here. Recommended as a great change of pace if you are willing to pay the high fees the courses location dictates.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
2.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Walked

If it was anywhere else

If it was anywhere else, It'd be a 2.5 star course. The conditions are no where near the price. Fairways are spotty, muddy and inconsistent. The rough is a mix of nothing, dirt and various grasses. The greens, while fast are spotted Poa and Bent and who knows what else - making the direction of your ball purely at the whim of the golf gods or the maintenance crew.

It is truly sad to see such a gem fall into such shape. Seems our of character to Ty Warner to have such a poorly run course in such a beautiful and unique location. If you can play for <$60 do it, otherwise lower your expectations and enjoy the views. Regardless of your golf game, the views are gorgeous.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Friendliness Fair
Pace Fair
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 999
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Top 1 Contributor
California Advisor
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Sandpiper

Played with Stickboy, DKnight & Kviser in the GK Plays in hot, breezy conditions. We let a 3some play through during a 5 hour Sunday afternoon round. Played the Golds with Stickboy (72.8/131/6646) and witnessed Vince put on a clinic on how golf should be played (hit the fairway, hit the green, make almost all reasonably makeable putts, then repeat the process hole after hole) as part of an enjoyable 18 with this group.

The course had more holes with at least partial ocean views that I remembered. Holes 6,10,11, 13 & 14 in particular either play right along side or right into the ocean. On a bright, cloudless day, the backdrop is about as good as it gets. I like the course layout and the ocean breeze always makes club selection a challenge.

The tees were decent, I had no issues finding level lies with adequate coverage. Several needed some divot repair.

The fairways were good overall, but many had fairly significant patches of thin or hardpan areas. More than I would expect for a high end course.

The rough was often penal, thick kikuyu even if not overly tall. Get off the beaten path and it was more a combination of hardpan, thin or native weeds with occasional high patches that were lost ball deep.

I was in 2 traps and found them to be very good with moist, thick brown sand.

The practice green was very quick. The greens on the course were not quite as quick. I never did get the speed down. I had the same thought as I did from when I played here the 1st time 5-6 years ago... downhill putts seem quicker than you would expect while uphill putts were slower than you would expect. I suspect that being near the ocean (less landmarks to compare with) creates the optical illusion of making you think the slopes are gentler than they actually are? You better be careful with ANY downhill putts, they will creep, and creep and keep creeping down the hill. Our group had several seemingly excellent lags near the hole that ended up being 6' to 10' putts coming back.

If this course were 5 miles inland, it would be a $30 to $50 course based on the conditions. However, being located on prime property makes it one of the more expensive public rounds of golf in So Cal. If the conditions are pristine, maybe it's worth it. However, even getting a "deal" here is marginally worth the $$$ in my mind when the greens are average and the fairways below average.

I was more impressed with the layout than on my prior visit. The customer service was excellent from the very present cart gal to the attendant who cleaned and took care of your clubs after the round. Enjoyed the experience, but at these prices, I would rarely play here.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Definitely bring your out-of-town friends here

This course was definitely worthwhile. It was the first time I had played it and the back 9 did not disappoint. Front 9 was fine but rather ordinary in comparison with back 9. Greens were nice and overall the course is in fine shape.

The best time to play this course is when you have family or friends that come from out of state. The views are fantastic on the back 9. The price is rather steep but it is one of only a few seaside courses in California so it was expected. Twilight rate was $100 and I finished in 3.5 hours. Nice!

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 21
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Nice Ocean Views

This is a very nice ocean side course in Santa Barbara. If you play after 12:00 noon, the overcast weather burns off and the blue ocean makes you smile. The conditions of the course are green and irrigated despite the drought. I would love to play here every week, if I could.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Walked

Needs improvement to be worthy of its past and its place

Been playing Sandpiper for many years and have mixed feelings about this course. It’s in a great location and has a few incredible holes which are worthy of its accolades but the rest of the course is rather mediocre. The fact is that conditions are never up to the standards of a great daily fee and are actually closer to that of a muni. Not sure if the current management is just not interested in bettering the course but it sure seems to be doing its best to run this dog into the ground.

There have been many changes made in the last 5 years but none of them have had any positive impact on the course. In fact the course was in pretty awesome shape and conditions but has dramatically slipped in the last 5 or so years. Whether it’s the practice facilities which keep getting smaller and smaller and less fun, or the cutting down of trees and shrubs which used to offer both a scenic boost and a playability test, or the introduction of badly positioned tee boxes, or the removal of bunkers and the tall grasses that used to line them, it seems that they're either not interested in improving what could be a truly spectacular course. Its rather sad since this layout has the potential to be one of the very best courses in So Cal as they’ll never be another coastal course built in this state. Many of us locals feel that with the right attention and the right team, Sandpiper could shine but in its current form it’s a very overrated and hugely overpriced course that is more like a muni except with all the stuffiness and arrogance you typically find at a private club.

It would be great if they did some actual improvements to the course as it’s still a hodgepodge of various turf and very mixed conditions. I guess the upside is that due to its price and conditions it’s never very crowded and so you can easily get on any weekend and play a pretty decent pace.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played
Used cart

Meh

The first time I played Sandpiper I was blown away by the views, location and sea air. I have now played it half a dozen times and I've come to feel that the course itself is very ordinary and the conditions are only fair, and poor in some areas

The few scenic holes along the coast, especially the first few holes on the back, make this course worth the steep green fee if you are visiting the area but if I were a local it wouldn't be my first choice

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Bucket List Course!

Let me start by saying that I play bogey golf on most courses. For me, this track proved to be slightly more difficult than your average home-course. It was probably the extremely fast greens that made the round a little more difficult than usual. Sandpiper will punish you for setting yourself up with downhill putts. Stay below the pin and putt uphill! Otherwise, take your time and simply enjoy the incredible ocean/beach backdrop that starts with a slight two hole tease on the front nine and then really begins to treat you once your make the turn for the back nine. Bring a camera, soak it in. Sandpiper is certainly one that's worth ponying up for at least once!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Great Views - Pace of Play Issues

I've played here many times. If you've never played it, you should. The views are fantastic and some of the holes are extremely well designed. The only problem with it is pace of play. It is "hit or miss" whether you get experienced players in front of you or once a year golfers staying at the high end resort next door. And THAT wouldn't be a problem if they had marshalls. THey don't. You will almost never see one and if you complain about a group holding up 3 other groups #with 4 holes open in front of them# the staff is STILL reluctant to do anything. I've seen this multiple times so it's an unfortunate pattern. GREAT FOOD and views at the restaurant.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Worth the time to play...

Fair..Fun to play..Walkable, bring a camera for #10-14..Great views. Sometimes called "A poor man's Pebble Beach..You'll use all your clubs..

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Challenging course, great greens.

Very fun and challenging course. Tough, but honest greens. Awesome views from some holes. Very friendly staff.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

A beautiful oceanside course

This is an unforgettably scenic course. The front nine are quite traditional holes; back nine somewhat more challenging, starting with two greens close to the surf and especially difficult when it's windy. A very enjoyable experience in almost any conditions.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

great course!

This was my first time playing at sandpiper. My experience was excellent. The staff is friendly and
helpful and the course was great. The front 9 is pretty wide-open and the back 9 has great views.
I would recommend this course to anyone! If you are southern california resident, you save $60 dollars on green fees if you book thru golf now.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Sandpiper

My wife and I had a great time! The staff were extremely friendly and accomodating!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 41
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Pebble Beach South

A great course with several holes right on the ocean cliffs that rival the views and challenge of Pebble Beach, but for 1/4 the price. A definite must play in the Santa Barbara area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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