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Dr. Mackenzie created an absolute gem in Pacifica. The land is perfect for his style of golf architecture. You get some parkland style holes through the cypress trees and up into the mountain, then you get some great holes along the marshy linkslands. I got a feeling of Harding Park meets Tilden Park meets Pacific Grove GL.

Unfortunately I think the Good Doctor would be disappointed in what shape his vision is currently in. I think the city has done a poor job of cultivating this hidden gem. I’m sure it’s difficult to work with a such little revenue and funds they have—especially considering the greens fees. It’s great that you get to play a Mackenzie course for ~$30, but it definitely is maintained like a $30 course. I’d happily pay $50 or more if it meant a restoration of the course. It would still be a better deal than many of the courses in the Bay Area. The fairways were all clover grass, and the tee boxes were all torn up, but the greens were in decent shape. You’d think it would be in better shape after healing for 2 months during the quarantine period.

All-in-all, it’s a very fun course and a beautiful setting. You definitely see Mackenzie’s fingerprints throughout the course with strategic mounds and humps, undulating greens, and fairways in close proximity to each other.

This course is a good value (even more so with a Duke’s membership). It’s an old-school layout, and very playable, but displays subtle yet significant challenges on/around many greens. Beautiful setting, friendly staff, and a low-key vibe. Since it’s managed by the Pebble Beach Company, it’s almost always in spectacular shape. Overall, it’s always a fun round here.