Goodbye Ridgemark: a dying golf course in a growing community

Perhaps it's not just me, but also numerous other golfing fans who believe that shutting down golf courses to make room for commercial and residential developments is typically a foolish decision. It could be that we find the act of playing golf, which involves hitting a small white ball and aiming to sink it into a hole, quite fulfilling. Alternatively, it might just be considered crazy. The reasons behind it are unclear, unimportant, and insignificant.

When it comes to a small-town golf course like Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, finding the answer may not be as straightforward as we assume!

I have been playing golf at this venue for numerous years. While it was not the initial golf course I frequented, it was among the first. This course was included in the lineup for my Golf for the Walk charity tournament supporting MS, during a period when the course was nearing the end of its prime.

I had heard rumors that the course had been reduced from two 18-hole championship courses to a single 18-hole facility, but what I discovered was a course struggling to maintain its exclusivity for customers and residents.

Although the community remains gated with a security entrance, upon entering the course, I immediately sensed that something was amiss.

Instead of the usual view of lush greenery with golfers practicing on the driving range, all I could see was a barren, brown field with makeshift flags as targets and dry, hard-packed soil resembling a desert.

The parking lot now showed signs of wear with cracks, and the overflow parking area looked unkempt, resembling a gravel pit.

Upon approaching the Golf Club President for check-in, I discovered that most doors leading to the café, grill, and restaurant were locked, except for one next to the pro-shop that was open for customers.

Inside, I found the president in what appeared to be an empty café. A few staff members were preparing for the day's activities, but the lack of golfers besides our group was concerning.

It was disappointing to see a facility equipped with a full-fledged restaurant not serving breakfast to early morning golfers, as the restaurant only opened at 11:00 am for lunch. A regrettable situation.

As previously mentioned, the condition of the driving range was the worst I have ever seen. Approximately half of the flags on the putting greens were missing, and since I did not rent a golf cart, I am unable to provide feedback on that aspect of the experience.

Upon approaching the 1st tee box, I heard a recent story about the course. However, due to the lack of credible sources, I will refrain from commenting on the matter. I will simply state that it is unfavorable.

To my satisfaction, the course itself appeared to be in fairly good condition considering the weekend admission price, but the worst was yet to come.

Our golf club provided the choice to play at walking rates on a course they deemed suitable for walking without a golf cart. Given that walking is a key component of my fitness regimen, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to walk the course. Despite my friend and golf partner Bob's attempt to caution me against it, I disregarded the advice that I should have heeded.

Ultimately, after covering 9 miles and encountering 3 holes with significant distances of at least a quarter mile between them, I realized that I had made a mistaken choice.

Although I am not a skilled golfer, in reality, I am not good at all. I have a high handicap and over the past three decades, I have learned to appreciate the game rather than focusing on its competitive side. The course's length makes it very challenging for weekend golfers to achieve a score below 100; in fact, the undulating contours of the course are walker-friendly but extremely long.

After a few holes, it was hard to distinguish between the fairway and the rough, as they seemed to merge with little defining them. The lakes, usually adorned with decorative fountains, were dry, possibly disappointing even the residents. Most sand traps were more dirt than sand, with only a small amount of sand present, and it wasn't until the 18th hole that I encountered one with decent sand (note: best to avoid sand traps).

I must commend the excellent condition of the greens, which was perhaps the course's best feature. They were challenging, rolled true, and were well-maintained.

Navigating the course felt like a journey from the pre-Magellan era, with few directional signs as it wound through the community. I even took a wrong turn after the 15th hole, extending my tired adventure by about half a mile.

Upon finishing the round on the 18th green, we were relieved to be done with a game that usually reflects my golf abilities (D-), although I always find golf to be an enjoyable pastime.

Upon entering the 19th hole, we noticed that the bar and grill were not very busy, likely due to more local community members present than visiting golfers.

We opted to order a pitcher of beer, which ended up being the tipping point for me in terms of the steep prices at this establishment. $30 for a 3-pint pitcher of beer, "not including tip"! "Seriously?" Despite my astonishment, I decided to treat my golfing companions to the round. The server, who appeared to share our disbelief at the pricing, served us a half pitcher and offered apologies.

Looking at the menu, it was clear that this venue was struggling to survive. As we left, only the regulars remained seated, with the place barely reaching 25-30% capacity. The budget-conscious golfers waiting for the 'Twilight rates' were starting to arrive, signaling the end of my final round at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club.

I offer my condolences to the residents of this community. The transformation of an old turkey farm into a beloved golf destination with a promise of a Country Club atmosphere for its inhabitants in a small town in Hollister, California carries a poignant history.

The prevalence of similar situations is indeed a somber reality. One can only imagine the sense of disillusionment that must be felt by those who have witnessed the fading allure and grandeur of this once-majestic place.

While it is regrettable that I cannot advocate for a visit to this declining golf course, there are instances where it may be more prudent to allow circumstances to unfold naturally, permitting time to dictate changes in property value, community dynamics, and recreational preferences. Regrettably, this stands as a missed opportunity and a poignant reminder of a lost vision.

Goodbye Ridgemark, it was good to know ya!