Arriving in San Francisco on Tuesday afternoon, we were reminded quite quickly that we were no longer in the desert. The weather had gone from hot and sunny, to foggy, windy, misty and cold.
Thankfully, the weather improved dramatically overnight, and we were greeted with beautiful blue skies as we entered the gates of the "Cal Club". The impressive white clubhouse stands proud, and looks over the back nine of the course.
The Cal Club shares a lot of historical similarities to Kingston Heath. It was founded in 1918 in Ingleside on land leased from the Spring Valley water company.
Unable to obtain a long term lease from the water company, the club decided to purchase 425 acres in South San Francisco in 1924. The land was part of the original Baden farm, and was perfect golf land.
The original layout was designed by Willie Locke and A. Vernon Macan, and opened in 1926. Dr. Alister MacKenzie redesigned the bunkering, and changed at least two greens, just prior to designing Cypress Point.
You can see the MacKenzie bunkering here on the par four 3rd hole.
Like many courses, Cal Club had become overgrown with trees during the latter part of the 20th century, and the club decided in 2007 to return it to it's "golden age" state.
Kyle Phillips was engaged to perform the task, and the result of his work is seen above. The brilliant short par four 7th is a new hole designed by Phillips. It present great risk / reward options from the tee, encouraging you to bite off the corner. Michael Green insisted that I mentioned that my drive finished on the front edge of the green. I am not going to argue with a former mighty tigers ruckman!
There is now a much greater sense of openness, with great views across the course after the removal of a lot of trees, approximately 3000. This is the downhill par three 8th hole.
Here is Michael Green firing his approach into the green at the par four 9th. A good one it was too, giving him a birdie opportunity.
The club were preparing for their member guest weekend, the Cat's Paw, which is one of the biggest events at the club. This meant that the course was immaculate, and the A1 bent greens (same as KH) were firm and lightning fast.
Looking back to the grand clubhouse on the par four 11th hole.
The view from the tee on the par three 12th.
Approaching the green at the par four 13th.
For the second time in three years we have been fortunate to have a great interclub event, mixing with Cal Club members.
The undulating course meant for a more strenuous walk than expected for most, but a great day of weather made it very enjoyable. This is the short par three 16th hole. Straight downhill to a very narrow green from front to back, surrounded by bunkers. Accuracy is vital here.
The final approach for the day again gives a great view of the clubhouse.
These chairs would come in quite handy for a quick rest as you make your way up from the 18th green.
Tomorrow sees us head to the ultra private San Francisco Golf Club. Unfortunately, due to the private nature of the club, photography is not permitted. And even if it was, it cannot be displayed online, or on social media.
The next blog post will be after our round at our reciprocal club, The Meadow Club.
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