Nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains sits Pasatiempo, perhaps the most underappreciated of all the Mackenzie masterpieces. The history of the course is as rich as any course in California, essentially bridging the gap from Cypress Point to Augusta National. Opened in 1929 as part of a sports facility by Marion Hollins, with head architect Alister Mackenzie, the iconic course was the inspiration behind Bobby Jones’ use of the famed architect to build and design the crown jewel of Mackenzie’s courses, Augusta National.
Facilities: Pasatiempo’s facilities include a fully stocked Golf shop, driving range, chipping green, putting green, the MacKenzie Bar & Grill and the famous Hollins House Restaurant/Special event venue. While the driving range is rather cozy (we recommend not hitting driver as it puts those on the chipping green in danger), it’s free and the mats provided are always new and not too worn. The bar and grill’s post-round vibes are on point with a fire place, lounge seating, and plenty of space for groups with multiple foursomes to gather for a drink and a bite. The golf shop is probably one of the best we’ve experienced showcasing a ton of merch with the iconic Pasatiempo logo, one of the best logos in the game of golf.
Conditions: In a word – plush. You’ll be hard-pressed to find dead spots or standing water. Tee boxes, fairways, greens are well-kept. The greens are truly the gem of the golf course with their multiple tiers and intricate shaping, its a marvel they can be kept is such great condition.
Course Design/Playability: The course is quintessential Mackenzie with iconic greens, bunkering, and use of natural landscape. Several holes are etched into your memory forever after a single play. Specifically, the split fairway on 11, the multi-tiered green on 16, and the iconic finishing par 3 at 18 all make a player sit back and take in the architecture. Playing at 6,495 (Par 70) yards from the Championship tees, it’s not a particularly long course and with the variety of tees, Pasatiempo is fun for golfers of all levels. However, the difficult greens can pose a tough challenge for the high handicapper.
Overall, Pasatiempo goes down as our highest rated course to date. The compilation of history, design, and conditions have yet to be matched in our travels thus far. It’s a true test of golf that leaves you with a glimpse of what playing Augusta would be like with bunkering and green complexes that resemble many of the holes in Georgia.
Mackenzies: Randy 4.7, Ryan 4.5.
Check out the entire course review on our podcast, episode 29.
