Public

Pasatiempo Course

Pasatiempo Golf Club

Santa Cruz, CA, USA
bjonovich
dawes.nigel
Dhosack821
nicholas.golinvaux
RCJH21
+433
18 holesPar 706,500 yds72.4/130

About this course

Pasatiempo Golf Club, a masterwork born from Alister MacKenzie's vision, stands as a testament to Golden Age design principles amidst the rolling hills of Santa Cruz. The layout, a blend of strategic bunkering and natural undulation, challenges players with demanding approaches into tightly guarded greens. The terrain favors a creative ground game, rewarding astute course management over brute force. The course's inherent difficulty isn't found in sheer length, but rather in the subtle complexities that require an artistic touch, often leading to thrilling recovery shots and unpredictable bounces. MacKenzie, in collaboration with Marion Hollins, meticulously sculpted the landscape, creating a course where aesthetics harmonize with strategic play. The original design has been reverently preserved over the years, ensuring that the essence of MacKenzie’s genius remains palpable. Pasatiempo has not hosted any major championships, but it has been a regular stop for various regional and amateur events, serving as a respected proving ground for up-and-coming golfers. While not considered among the most nationally lauded clubs, Pasatiempo holds a unique prestige within California's golfing landscape. Its demanding layout and historical significance make it a favorite among discerning players who appreciate the artistry and challenge of classic design. Beyond the course, Pasatiempo fosters a welcoming community of golfers and is known for the Hollins House, the club's restaurant named after Marion Hollins. The restaurant’s ambiance and culinary offerings contribute to the club's reputation as a relaxed, yet refined golf destination.

Rankings

Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.

63

Best in World

39

Best in USA

6

Best in CA

Quick facts

Location
Santa Cruz, CA, USA
Access
Public
Year built
1929
Holes
18
Par
70
Length
6,500 yards
Difficulty
72.4/130
Course Vaults score
9.2

Getting there

Most visitors arrive through San Jose International Airport, roughly forty miles north, or San Francisco International for those connecting from farther afield. The drive south traces the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains along Highway 17, a winding, forested descent that trades Silicon Valley sprawl for glimpses of redwood groves and coastal fog. As you drop into Santa Cruz proper, the route climbs again into the hills above the city, where Pasatiempo Golf Club reveals itself on a sun-drenched plateau - Alister MacKenzie's bold, strategic masterpiece perched between mountain and sea.

FAQ

Common questions about Pasatiempo

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

Pasatiempo has a Course Vaults score of 9.2 out of 10 based on 438 logged golfers.

Pasatiempo was designed by Alister Mackenzie and Tom Doak.

Yes. Pasatiempo is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.

Par at Pasatiempo is 70.

Pasatiempo plays 6,500 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at Pasatiempo is 130.

250,000+
Course Reviews
+ 4.8
App Store

How many courses have you played?

Download Course Vaults on iOS and begin your golf legacy.

Course Vaults on three iPhones: player passport, map discovery, and course detail