The Australian flag also greeted us, flying on the huge flagpole on the "back nine" side of the clubhouse.
The Cal Club shares some 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.
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 presents great risk / reward options from the tee, encouraging you to bite off the corner. 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.
Kim Hay is shown ready to make her approach to the 7th green. Straight down hill.
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 firming up. The groundstaff were working on their regular task of manual poa removal, some of which required removing plugs of turf in the green.
The view down the par four 11th hole, with the clubhouse overlooking the green.
A great example of the restored MacKenzie bunkering on the par four 13th.
The short par three 16th has a very treacherous tee shot. John Hay is getting ready to attack the small green, that is very well guarded by bunkers.
Bob Millar on his backswing prior to lacing another drive, this time down the fairway of the par five 17th hole.
The view from behind the green on the 17th.
The final approach, a stunning view back up to the clubhouse.
Robyn Hanson was our best performer today, recording a brilliant 38 points.
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.
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