Rancho San Marcos Golf Course

Golf Course Review Rancho San Marcos Golf Course Santa Barbara California

Reviewed by: S_Smith, Danville, CA

RSM went through some tough years during the drought and it’s good to see the course coming back. It’s been greener this year but still looks and plays OK.

They have always maintained the greens well and today was no exception. As noted, the course is a bit on the brown side now, which is not unusual this time of year, but it doesn’t affect play much. There are some hard-pan areas in a few fairways where you get a nice kick and run. So, some maintenance is still due. The main issue is the tee boxes. They’re in the worst shape I can remember. Many are hard, players not fixing divots, and some not even level. I’ve never seen that state of condition before. To my recollection they were always near perfect.

Based on conditions today, I wouldn’t go full-rate on this course. About the best you can do is $59 on Mon – Thurs, which is a great deal. Weekend afternoons are $75 riding with range balls and that’s about the break point. I wouldn’t go at a higher rate.

It pains me to say anything negative about this course because I love it. The design is awesome, the challenge is good, and the entire operation is first-rate. I’m confident it will get back to its former condition soon.