GreenlitBETA
Santa Cruz, California

Pasatiempo Golf Club

Golf Digest Top 100 Public·#17

Alister MacKenzie's masterpiece where timeless artistry meets the California coast—the only original MacKenzie design open to the public.

About the Course

Perched in the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Monterey Bay, Pasatiempo is MacKenzie's favorite creation—a place he loved so much he made his home along the 6th fairway. Opened in 1929 under the vision of female golf pioneer Marion Hollins, this undulating parkland course plays deceptively long despite modest yardages, with elevation changes and strategic bunker placement testing every club in your bag. The front nine opens with sweeping bay views, while the legendary back nine—which MacKenzie himself called the best nine holes in golf—weaves through natural hills and arroyos with dramatic carries and brutally beautiful greens.

The greens are Pasatiempo's defining feature: enormous, multi-tiered complexes with severe slopes and hidden contours that humble even skilled putters. Recent restoration work (2023-2024) by architect Jim Urbina rebuilt all greens to MacKenzie's original 1929 specifications with modern drainage, returning them to their intended sizes and shapes. The iconic par-4 16th—with its blind tee shot and three-tiered green guarded by devilish bunkers—remains one of golf's most memorable holes.

What makes Pasatiempo special for groups is its walkable layout, rich history, and positioning as a true bucket-list course that remains more accessible and less crowded than nearby Pebble Beach. The adjacent Inn at Pasatiempo offers convenient lodging, and the restored Hollins House restaurant showcases seasonal cuisine in a historic 1920s mansion overlooking the course. A weekend trip here easily combines with rounds at Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach, just 50 minutes away.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • ✦Alister MacKenzie's personal favorite course and only original design open to the public—a chance to play where golf architecture history was made
  • ✦Recently restored to 1929 specifications by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina, with greens rebuilt from the core up and modern bentgrass replacing aging Poa annua for superior playability
  • ✦Walkable yet dramatically challenging with the front nine playing toward Monterey Bay views and the back nine considered among the finest nine holes in American golf
  • ✦Iconic 16th hole—MacKenzie's all-time favorite par 4—featuring a blind tee shot and wild three-tiered green that creates unforgettable group memories and conversation
  • ✦Perfect add-on to Monterey Peninsula golf trips, sitting just 40 minutes north of Pebble Beach and allowing you to play three Golf Digest Top 3 courses in one weekend
Courses on Property
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Pasatiempo Golf Club18 holes · Par 70

A 6,495-yard parkland masterpiece by Alister MacKenzie featuring undulating greens, strategic bunkers, and elevation changes throughout.

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Key Details
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Green Fees
$325–$465/person est.
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Walking Friendly
Yes
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Caddies Available
Yes
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Best Time to Visit
April through October offers the best conditions with little rain and mild afternoons (50–75°F), though mornings can be cool and foggy. October and November are particularly excellent with temperatures in the comfortable mid-60s to low-70s and fewer crowds. Avoid December through February for increased rainfall, though winter play is still possible on dry days. Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) represent the sweet spot for group trips.
ParklandHistoricBucket ListWalking OnlyCaddies AvailableOcean ViewsChampionshipMajor Venue
Stay on Property
The Inn at Pasatiempo is a French-country boutique hotel nestled in a wooded eucalyptus grove immediately adjacent to the golf course. The 54 non-renovated rooms feature classic country décor and are equipped with WiFi, refrigerators, and microwaves. The property includes an outdoor heated pool, on-site dining at Back Nine Grill & Bar, and the signature Hollins House restaurant set in the restored 1920s home of founder Marion Hollins. Room rates typically range from $95–$200 per night depending on season, with golf packages available.

The Inn at Pasatiempo is a French-country boutique hotel nestled in a wooded eucalyptus grove immediately adjacent to the golf course. The 54 non-renovated rooms feature classic country décor and are equipped with WiFi, refrigerators, and microwaves. The property includes an outdoor heated pool, on-site dining at Back Nine Grill & Bar, and the signature Hollins House restaurant set in the restored 1920s home of founder Marion Hollins. Room rates typically range from $95–$200 per night depending on season, with golf packages available.

Nearby Lodging