Preserve Golf Club Brochure

GOLF CLUB THE PRESERVE

a community & course based in NATURE

The Santa Lucia Preserve is a private ranch community located in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Carmel, California set within 20,000 acres, 90% of which will always stay wild. On the land that remains, you’ll find a private golf club, recreational ranch club, and fewer than 300 custom homes and homesites with limited availability for resale. Lifestyle offerings include nearly 100 miles of hiking trails, a full calendar of treasured annual events, various outdoor activities, fitness programming, equestrian facilities, lodging, dining, and of course, golf.

The Preserve Golf Club boasts one of Tom Fazio’s finest creations, an award-winning golf course built in harmony with the 365 acres on which it resides.

Since opening in 2000, the golf course has been distinguished as one of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest and selected to host a number of prestigious competitive events, including U.S. Open Qualifiers and The Stocker Cup, one of the top 10 amateur tournaments in the country.

The Santa Lucia Preserve and The Preserve Golf Club are conveniently located a short drive from Monterey Regional Airport and the iconic Pebble Beach.

NOTE from the pro

Head Golf Professional, Riley Ramones, who joined us from Cypress Point Club in 2021, shares what drew him to The Preserve Golf Club.

The Monterey Peninsula is one of the most iconic golf regions in the country, and the fifteen years I spent at Cypress Point Club as First Assistant Golf Professional set my expectations high for the next step. My position there allowed me to be very selective about opportunities as they came along, but a standout place that my mentor, Head Pro at Cypress, and I always talked about was The Preserve Golf Club… and here I am today.

The Preserve Golf Club, similar to Cypress Point, has a small membership of just 300 and I appreciate the opportunity to connect and develop deep relationships with the members, their families, and friends. It’s harder to do that in a meaningful way at a club with a thousand members or more. A smaller membership also allows the members themselves to develop sincere friendships with each other. There’s a unique multi-generational aspect here that creates a different atmosphere from other clubs that I enjoy, as well.

Then there’s the golf course. Members who have played top courses around the world say the golf experience at The Preserve is one of the best. I couldn’t agree more - this setting is something special. From the perfectly sculpted routing throughout the hills, to the breathtaking landscape it sits in, the course meanders through

this land like it was always here. When designing this beauty, Tom Fazio said “Whether a walking or riding game, this is as good as it gets. You don’t really need me, the course and spectacular golf holes are already here.”

The club also has a laid back atmosphere while maintaining a sophisticated level of golf, so I get to design a diverse calendar of tournaments and events. From the competitive golfer, to the more casual player and beginners, programming for our juniors, and even occasions planned for those who just want to socialize, we have something for everyone.

At the end of the day, it all comes back to this incredible piece of land. It’s hard to convey the majestic, wild nature you get when you make that beautiful drive from the main gate to the clubhouse. Year-round we have some of the best weather in the state of California. If you visit the Monterey Peninsula in the summer it’s typically socked in with fog, and a cold 55 degrees. But drive a short distance to The Preserve Golf Club and it’s a perfect 80 degrees, no humidity, and a golf course that is one of the best in the nation. You really have to get up here and see it in order to truly appreciate all The Preserve has to offer.

the most beautiful drive in golf

While every aspect in golf holds a certain spell over its devotees, from bunker rakes to tee markers to storied logos, what sets apart a truly incredible golf experience is a great drive.

Augusta National has its Magnolia Lane, Pebble Beach has 17 Mile Drive, and then there’s the private, leisurely cruise through quintessential old-world California from the main gate to the clubhouse at The Preserve Golf Club. Hailed by its members as “the most beautiful drive in golf,” this beloved expedition is essential to the full Preserve Golf Club experience.

Through hallowed, towering redwoods, through mossy oak groves, over golden grassy mountain-crests, past coyote, deer, and quail, the road follows the rolling contours of the land to center you, ready you, and deliver you to a destination both physical and mental.

Just nine miles from the main gate, as you pull up to the clubhouse look to the distant mountains and forested hills; anywhere you turn, everything you see is postcardperfect. You have arrived at The Preserve Golf Club.

Golf Digest – America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses

Golf Digest – Best in California

Golfweek – Top 100 Residential Courses in U.S.

Golf Magazine – The 25 Best Golf Communities in North America

Links Magazine – Top 10 California Golf Courses

Travel + Leisure – America’s Top 25 Golf Communities

Golf Digest – America’s 50 Best Golf Locker Rooms

home to

golf & so much more

A private Tom Fazio masterpiece set into a serene landscape open for year-round play

Esteemed host to regional and national qualifiers and tournaments

Nationally recognized clubhouse with restaurant, bar, private lounges, and card rooms

Extensive locker and spa-like facilities, massage services available

Year-long schedule of tournaments and social events

On-site golf shop ready for the golfer’s every need

where practice makes perfect

The Practice Facility features a multiple tee driving range, short game area, target greens, wedge zone, and hard-to-beat views.

a commitment to sustainability

As part of a 20,000-acre nature preserve, conservation and sustainable practices have been part of The Preserve Golf Club’s values from its founding. The latest technologies are leveraged to leave a light mark on this incredible landscape, all while delivering excellent yearround playing conditions. Golf-focused sustainability initiatives include:

• Course irrigated using 85% rainwater, held within 5 storage ponds

• Evaporation control discs and floating solar to conserve water and generate power

• Aerial drone program to remotely monitor course conditions

• Next-gen fine control irrigation system

• Practice facility doubles as a rain catchment system

• Fairways and practice facility converted to drought-tolerant Bermudagrass

• Daily mowing clippings are added to company-wide composting program

• Acres of turf converted to non-irrigated native grass to achieve further water savings

Aesthetics Highlight Holes:

Like everything designed here, the land was the first thing taken into consideration when creating the golf course. The preeminent architect of the era, Tom Fazio, took a helicopter ride over the Santa Lucia Mountains. He was given a map and survey of every archeological and ecological feature and asked to design the course of his dreams. What resulted was this 365-acre course that immerses the golfer in Mother Nature.

Here are three holes that our Head Pro Riley Ramones has singled out as some of his favorites based on aesthetics.

Hole No. 8 | Par 5 Lion’s Walk

According to the pro: I love the views standing on the 8th green. Putting from there, looking over to 9 is one of my all-time favorites. Whenever I’m hosting someone for the first time, I say, “Let’s stop here and just look.”

Behind the name: The top of the ridgeline has provided the rare mountain lion sighting as they gaze over the savanna below.

Hole No. 11 | Par 4

According to the pro: When I hit my drive from the 11th tee box, in that moment when I’m tracking the ball and it hits its apex over the elevated green, that’s when the towering redwoods come into view, perfectly framing the hole. That may be one of my favorite experiences on the whole course.

Behind the name: Before starting to head home on the 12th hole, be sure to visit the redwood grove “cathedral” a few hundred yards down the road to experience the aura of standing among some of the world’s oldest and most awe-inspiring living things.

Hole No. 16 | Par 3

According to the pro: Prettiest of the par 3’s, Scotch has this framing of native grasses and oaks that create a natural amphitheater, and bunkers that obscure the green which peeks out from the right.

Behind the name: A bottle of whiskey is hidden in the stone wall at the top of the back tee stairway to fortify walkers for the home stretch - and perhaps to provide some comfort to injuries sustained on the previous hole.

Highlight Holes:

Playability

Renowned for its stunning strategic design and breathtaking setting, the course offers a rewarding experience for golfers of all levels. Fazio meticulously laid each hole into the rippling Santa Lucia foothills with as little earthwork as possible to achieve an unforgettable track of steep drops and sweeping fairways where no round is the same. Whether a seasoned golfer or new to the sport, The Preserve Golf Club beckons you to take a journey, test your skill, and savor the game.

Here are Head Pro Riley Ramones’ top picks for playability.

Hole No. 17 | Par 5

Sandy

According to the pro: What sets this hole apart is the unique approach shot. After hitting a good drive, you’re still left with a long second shot, but with enough power and precision the ball will roll the last hundred yards down the hill and find its way onto the green.

From the yardage book: This bunkerless par five clings to the edge of a long ridge, playing uphill for the tee shot to a fairway splashing well up into the left hillside. The final yardage tumbles downhill and slightly to the right. Players finding the deep swale in front of the green on the right will be faced with a difficult recovery.

Hole No. 15 | Par 4

Bull Run

According to the pro: In my opinion, 15 is one of the hardest par 4’s on the Monterey Peninsula. It’s a long, uphill par 4, where you have to hit an incredible drive and then an incredible second shot to have any chance at it. I love the challenge.

From the yardage book: Hole 15 plays uphill and into the prevailing wind with a severely undulating green. The ideal tee shot will be aimed inside the fallen oak up the right side of the fairway.

Hole No. 6 | Par 3

According to the pro: 6 visually is beautiful. You’re on an elevated tee looking down towards the green, with a big beautiful greenside bunker just staring you in the face. That back right flag location on 6 might be one of the toughest shots to hit there.

From the yardage book: With endless views and a tee shot playing into the backdrop of coastal mountain oaks, this short hole’s beauty often distracts from the task at hand. Playing downhill, most players opt for the left side of the green and favor the front half so as to avoid the bunker and steep slope on the right.

WEEKLY Men’s & Women’s Choose-ups

APR – OCT Nine, Wine, & Dine

APRIL Member-Pro

MAY Spring Member-Member

JUNE Roundup (Women’s Member-Guest)

JULY

Stars & Stripes Tournament Club Championship

SEPTEMBER Community Challenge

OCTOBER

Boar Hunt (Men’s Member-Guest)

Stocker Cup

Trick or Treat Tournament

NOVEMBER

Zander Cup (Member-Staff)

Life & style

In addition to membership at The Preserve Golf Club, a host of other amenities can be accessed through membership at The Ranch Club, including equestrian facilities; fishing and water sports on 18-acre Moore’s Lake; a Sports Center with tennis, pickleball, bocce, pools, exercise rooms, and more; lodging and dining; and nearly 100 miles of recreational trails.