There are not too many things in this world that I love more than golf. And we are definitely blessed to have some wonderful golf courses in and around Santa Barbara. For example, the beautiful photo here is of Sandpiper Golf Club (sandpipergolf.com (https://www.sandpipergolf.com/)), out in Goleta. Amazing views of the Pacific Ocean combined with a very challenging layout. This course is a must for anyone living in or visiting the area. It is also a real treat to have a nice lunch after the round and sit outside while enjoying views of the ocean.

Other courses in Santa Barbara include Santa Barbara Golf Club (aka "Muni" to the locals) (playsantabarbara.com (https://www.playsantabarbara.com/)). A great little layout that although is fairly short, because of the tricky greens is not nearly as easy as it seems. There is also Glen Annie Golf Club (glenanniegolf.com (https://glenanniegolf.com/)) in Goleta. A great combination of hills and valleys, combined with some nice views, make this course a real treat.

Then there are the private clubs in town. Sometimes very difficult to play on, but worth the effort if you can arrange it. First and foremost, at least in my mind, is The Valley Club of Montecito (valleyclub.org (https://www.valleyclub.org/)). Designed by famed Augusta National (home of The Masters) and Cypress Point Golf Club architect, Dr. Alister MacKenzie in 1929, this is a classic old style golf course. One of the finest golf courses in the entire country, it is consistently ranked in the top 50 in all of the United States. It is a real treat to play here, if you can somehow get on. The other fine private courses in the area are La Cumbre Country Club (lacumbrecc.org (https://www.lacumbrecc.org/)), Birnam Wood Golf Club (bwgc.net (https://www.bwgc.net/)) (which is right next door to The Valley Club) and Montecito Country Club (montecitocc.com), which has gone a total renovation under the careful eye of famed golfer and golf course architect, Jack Nicklaus. Montecito Country club is slated to reopen sometime later this year.

There are also some very fine courses a short drive from Santa Barbara. There is La Purisima Golf Course (lapurisimagolf.com (https://lapurisimagolf.com/)), between Buellton and Lompoc (about a 40 minute drive). This is one of the most difficult golf courses in the Country, and has been used for many professional tournaments. But it is also very pretty and a fun course to play, if you know which set of tees to play from. There are also two fine courses in Solvang (again about a 40 minute drive). There is the The River Course at the Alisal (rivercourse.com (https://www.rivercourse.com/)) is a wonderful public golf course that was used in the filming of the movie, Sideways. There is also the private  Ranch Course at the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort (ranchcourse.com (https://www.ranchcourse.com/)). This is a beautiful golf course that has majestic oak trees and crosses the river a few times. I absolutely love this golf course. There are some other fine courses within a short driving distance of Santa Barbara. Please contact me if you need any tips on local golf courses or need a playing partner for the day!