Pasatiempo Golf Club Reborn: Greens, Bunkers & Bold Vision By Brian Weis

Pasatiempo Golf Club Reborn: Greens, Bunkers & Bold Vision

By Brian Weis

Pasatiempo Golf Club has fully reopened after a comprehensive renovation that restored Alister MacKenzie's 1929 design. Builders Jim Urbina, Earth Sculptures, Brett Hochstein, and course superintendent Justin Mandon began work in April2023 and wrapped up in December2024. Every detail-from green complexes to bunker faces, now reflects MacKenzie's original intent.

Why Redesigned Greens Matter
The new greens offer more than just aesthetics, they're built for high performance. Upgraded with Pure Distinction bentgrass and constructed to modern USGA specifications, the putting surfaces now deliver firmness, speed, and consistency. Improved drainage and turf health reduce maintenance demands and chemical use, keeping conditions steady throughout the day and season.

Jim Urbina emphasized that restoring the greens was the most important step to bring back MacKenzie's original design philosophy. Shot-making, angle strategy, and contour management now take center stage-just as they did nearly a century ago.

Aesthetics and Strategy: Bunkers & Contours
Every bunker was rebuilt to match historic profiles. The dramatic "whale tail" on the 16th, along with ladder-back and deep hook bunkers, now define the course's visual and strategic identity. The shaping ensures that each hazard demands precision and thoughtful play.

Player Reaction
Feedback from early rounds has been overwhelmingly positive. Golfers praise the smooth, fast greens and bold bunker work. The course now challenges every part of your game, rewarding creativity, precision, and course management.

Tournament Spotlight: Western Intercollegiate 2025

The 78th Western Intercollegiate will showcase the course to a national audience. The broadcast will highlight restored green complexes, redesigned pinnable areas, and newly sculpted par-3 challenges. Expect tougher setups and faster greens-perfect conditions for elite collegiate competition.

Why Play Pasatiempo Now?

* Play a fully restored Alister MacKenzie original. Same golf course architect as Augusta National.

* Experience tour-level greens and bold bunkering

* Walk the same fairways where MacKenzie himself lived. Heck see the house he lived in just off the 6th fairway.

* Challenge yourself with redefined bunkers and strategic contours

* Walk a course rated among the top public MacKenzie designs in the world

Ready to Tee It Up?

Pasatiempo is open to public play and offers a rare blend of history, architecture, and playability. This is the best version of the course in decades-and it's ready for your game.

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Revised: 04/02/2025 - Article Viewed 30 Times - View Course Profile

About: Brian Weis

While Brian Weis has made a name for himself in the golf world, he also appreciates the finer things in life—like a world-class spa treatment after a grueling 18 holes (or even after a casual round where the only thing working hard was his golf cart). A self-proclaimed "golfer who enjoys relaxation more than practice," Brian has developed a deep appreciation for massages that unknot his questionable swing mechanics, saunas that sweat out a few too many post-round drinks, and infinity pools with views as stunning as a well-manicured par 3.

Brian’s spa journey began as a reluctant tag-along to couples' massages and resort spa packages but quickly evolved into a full-fledged appreciation for hot stone therapy, deep-tissue recovery, and the occasional seaweed wrap (don’t knock it till you try it). Now, he seeks out the best spa retreats, thermal baths, and relaxation havens wherever his travels take him—whether it's a luxury golf resort with a five-star spa or a hidden wellness gem perfect for unwinding in style.

On SpaTrips.com, Brian shares his experiences, reviews, and insider tips on the best places to soothe sore muscles, indulge in rejuvenating treatments, and find true relaxation—whether you're a hardcore golfer in need of recovery or just someone looking for the ultimate escape. After all, what’s the point of a bucket list golf trip if you can’t top it off with an expert massage, a hot soak, and maybe even a ridiculously plush robe"