TEES, TREES, TERRACES, AND TURKEYSCarmel Valley Ranch Golf CourseBy Anthony ScaggsCarmel Valley Ranch is nestled in the hills of Carmel Valley, California along the river. The day that I played the course was an unusual, cloudy day after a severe storm. The lush green valley thrives on water from the stream and sky. Like most travelers, I ask “why on this day?” I mounted my trusty steed and headed for the first tee but not before going to the driving range and putting green. It is like eating spinach or cauliflower as a kid—I have to do it. Like that old horse, my body ain’t what it used to be. I have to warm-up for at least half an hour. I must remind my body about the timing and rhythm of the swing.
On the far left is a tree and, in front of the tree, another sand trap. To the right is a brownish area, the water hazard. The close-up of the water hazard shows the pen to the far left and the green extending back towards the forest with the water hazard wrapping around the back of the green forming a small peninsula.
From tee number 11, there is a dogleg right. It appears to be slice heaven until turning the corner. The fairway suddenly narrows with trees constricting the ball’s flight to the green. Facing the green, there are homes and a barrier as well as trees to the right. A grove of trees is on the left. At the fairway’s end it appears that the trees are touching to block any approach to the green.
The adage that a picture is worth a thousand words is apropos at Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course. One will quickly realize it is more than a course for golfers—it is for the photographer, the nature lover, and the adventurer. Selecting pictures illustrating the golf course’s beauty and diversity is as challenging as the course itself. For further information contact: Carmel-by-the-Sea Southwest Airlines http://www.southwest.com flies into San Jose and San Francisco from many locations. Golf clubs are counted as one piece of baggage. 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) Images: copyright 1999 SearchWrite Destinations: California, Carmel Special Interest: Golf |
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As you stand on the tee looking down the fairway, there is a bunker to the right, a bunker to the left, and a water hazard in front. (See Water Hazard Picture). Where are the green and the flag?
If you can drive towards the water hazard but beyond the tree, there is an opening giving a clear chip shot to the green. Go too far and you will have to negotiate the water hazard and use a wedge or lob shot to lift the ball over the water hazard onto the peninsula. Hopefully, there is enough backspin to stop the ball before reaching the water’s edge.
Hole number 7 has the river winding down the left side with trees protecting the right. With luck the bunker on the left will stop that errant hook or for the less fortunate it is the water. The trees will greet the slice on the right. If you hit a fade or even a slight draw, the reward is both the beauty of standing on the tee and looking all around and the par or birdie that awaits as the drive sails straight down the inviting and friendly fairway. Ignore the water and the trees, if you can.
From the narrow confines of Hole 7, you are enticed to grab the big dog and unleash its power in the wide-open expanse of Hole 8. Be careful because the bunkers are waiting.
Looking down the fairway of Hole number 8, immediately to the left is Hole number 6. The cart path separates the holes like a river running through a fertile valley. What excitement the architect must have felt converting this pristine area into the Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course. 
Standing on the professional tee of Hole 12, you look down to a dogleg left towards the green. Trees and bunkers guard this elevated green.
The 13th green is reached from an elevated tee. Approaching the green from the far right gives you the best chance of using the full length of the green thus avoiding the natural slope to the left or over shooting the green and landing in the trees.
The 14th Hole is a three tier elevated tee. It reminded me of my trip to the Andes. The native Indians climbed the mountains that rose tens of thousands of feet above sea level to terrace the mountainsides and planted the crops that would support the entire Indian population. On the 14th tee you look down to the green that drops into the trees on the right unless you land in the bunker. Go for the green.
If you survive the adventure on the 14th hole, there is an opportunity to practice what you learned because the 15th hole drops down to the valley from the 15th tee. Initially, the fairway is narrow and appears to open at the bottom. Looks are deceiving. If you cut the left corner a bunker and a hillside is waiting. If you go to the right, the natural terrain slopes downhill and your ball follows the flow of gravity making the next shot to the green a new test in accuracy and distance.
Often the natives stop to watch the golfers wind their way down the cart path chasing the little round egg. The gallery wonders how long it will take for the two-legged non-feathered creatures to learn that hitting a round object from the top of a hill will always result in having to run after them.