Posted September 1, 2015 by theaveragejoescigarmedia1 Comment 9 Holes And A Cigar!

Hunter Ranch Golf Course, Paso Robles, CA. “Tucked in the rolling hills of Paso Robles”

Design, layout and style. Stands of century-old blue oaks and sparkling lakes frame your views, while a challenging and fun layout tests your mettle. Gently rolling terrain and undulating, well-bunkered greens are designed in the tradition of classic courses such as Augusta National, Cypress Point and Pebble Beach. Hunter Ranch’s routing is an easy walk or a pleasant ride, with freshly manicured fairways on 18 gorgeously designed holes that are both thrilling and fun for novices and skilled players alike.

Located in San Luis Obispo County’s wine country two hours south of Pebble Beach and 25 miles east of Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Hunter ranch is a year old track that harks back to the classic designs of Alister Mackenzie–with a decidedly Aussie twist. Developed by the owner of Sandpiper and La Purisima, two Santa Barbara-area courses ranked among the top public layouts in the state.

Hunter Ranch is a true rarity: An affordable, high-quality, daily fee layout without a brand-name designer label. Co-designers Ken Hunter and Mike McGinnis, assisted by a pair of superintendents, moved very little dirt in creating a strategic layout routed through century-old blue oak trees. Dozens of flash-faced bunkers (the Mackenzie influence) and liberally contoured, hand-shaped bent grass greens, several of them sited well above fairway level, mark the design.

Overlooking the oak-lined fairways, none of which run parallel, are are clubhouse and restaurant buildings designed to resemble Australian outback ranch houses. Somehow, the rough redwood siding, tin roofs, and spacious covered porches fit in here.