Architect: Robert Trent Jones, II (1999)
Rancho Santa Fe, California, USA
Spellbinding. That's the most immediate word that comes to mind when you arrive at the tee of the 10th. The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe is a rollicking journey with notable elevation changes through canyons, gorges and gullies on the inward side of holes.
The elevated tee area gives a superlative view of the surrounding area. The hole turns noticeably to the left and players have to decide how much of the dog-leg they wish to take on with the tee shot.
A number of bunkers stand guard down the left side and with the elevated tee area it's possible for strong players to get near the green if they take the boldest of lines. If any tee shot finishes to the left of the fairway bunkers the probability of finding the ball is akin to winning the Mega Lottery.
Those opting for a safer result can stay out to the right but this only adds distance for the approach.
The green has a number of movements and when the pin is placed in the most rear of positions it takes a fearless desire to hit one's approach to reach all the way back.
The 10th at The Bridges is not among the most challenging but it provides an elasticity for various handicap levels to show their respective golf skills and to reap the rewards when the execution is delivered.
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For more info go to:
The Bridges | Rancho Santa Fe | Private Club Membership | CA
Images courtesy of Marty Matsuzaki
