Santa Barbara CA Golf Weekend

Golf Digest, 1/10

PGATour.com, 1/11

DrinkingMadeEasy.com, 3/12

Maxim.com

  Rancho San Marcos #18

Away Game | Golf in Santa Barbara

Going Merlot

By Matt Ginella
Photos by Joey Terrill
January 2010

Fans of the 2004 hit film "Sideways" have come from as far as Russia to get a table at the Hitching Post II. It's the family-owned roadside restaurant in the dusty Southern California town of Buellton and the inspiration for the movie about a buddies trip involving a little golf and a lot of wine. The Hitching Post II doesn't open until 4 o'clock, but there they were, well before noon, "Sideways" enthusiasts taking pictures in front of the mustard-yellow sign and scouring the perimeter looking for a way in.

Sensing a frenzied atmosphere, Hitching Post II owner Frank Ostini remembers calling an emergency meeting of his employees after the movie came out. "Our roots are the guiding light," he reminded them. "We offer hospitality, good food and over 50 years of service in the restaurant business. If we don't perform, they won't come back."

I was there recently, and "I'll be back." The Santa Barbara area, 90 miles up the coast from Los Angeles, makes for a great golf getaway. The food and wine are as exceptional as the scenery, and though the golf might not rival Pebble Beach or Torrey Pines, there are quality courses for a lot less money.

My itinerary included the three best public golf options within a reasonable distance from downtown Santa Barbara: Glen Annie, Sandpiper and Rancho San Marcos. (The local muny, Santa Barbara Golf Club, remains open during a makeover that is scheduled to be completed after the first of the year.)

Glen Annie, $85 on weekends, is a good Santa Barbara starter course. I played it from 5,945 yards because it's narrow, with enough undulations and afternoon wind to make it feel as if it plays longer. The course, which survived some financial troubles in 2009, is set in the hills about 10 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara and offers some outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands.

The next day, on the coast just below Glen Annie, I played two rounds at Sandpiper. It was hard not to. Given the location, pristine condition and holes running along the water, Sandpiper understandably gets a lot of the area's golf buzz, but that comes at a price -- $175 on weekends. William F. Bell, who was brought in to build Torrey Pines after his father died, also designed Sandpiper, and there is a resemblance.

  Sandpiper #11

Sandpiper has some memorable holes, but it has too many generic ones to consider it a great course. Four out of the six holes that have ocean views were my favorites: the fifth, sixth, 11th and 13th. The starter told me about one guy who recently played the par-3 11th, with its elevated tee shot to an ocean-side green, and announced, "I now know where I want them to spread my ashes." A worthy spot, but a somber thought on a perfect October afternoon.

The Santa Barbara area is often called The American Riviera. The average high temperature from December to March is about 65 degrees. The average high in the summer is just below 80.

On the last day of my trip I went 25 minutes inland and played a round at Rancho San Marcos, which is located at the base of the Santa Ynez Mountains and provides its own set of stunning views. It tends to be a lot warmer without the ocean breeze, so drink lots of water and bring plenty of sunscreen. After the fifth snake-warning sign through three holes, my snake repellent of choice was not looking for lost balls.

Aside from poisonous hazards and some quirky characteristics to the routing (five par 5s and six par 3s), Rancho San Marcos, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, is the best course I played, and priced at $120 on weekends, it's also the best deal. But I'd add that you couldn't go to the area and not play both Rancho San Marcos and Sandpiper. You'd be robbing yourself of two complementary hillside and ocean-side experiences.

Back over the hill in Buellton, I met Ostini and his partner in the wine business, Gray Hartley. We ate tapas and tasted the flavors of the area at the new Avant Tasting Room in the back of the $24 million, state-of-the-art Terravant Wine Company, which services 38 of the 108 local wineries. The Hitching Post label is a big customer, having gone from 5,000 cases per year before "Sideways" to what Ostini says was 15,000 cases the year after the movie was released. "And it has hovered at that number since."

Ostini and his staff are clearly performing. The Hitching Post II is regularly packed. Mark Terrill, the brother of the photographer for this story, lives two hours away and routinely makes the drive just so he can have the artichoke appetizer. The Los Angeles Times named its french fries "the best in Southern California" and included them on a list of "75 sublime reasons to dine out."

Ostini suggested a New York strip steak, cooked over a red-oak flame and a height-adjustable grill, just like his father used to cook 'em back in 1952. I ordered the artichoke, the fries, a steak and a bottle of their finest Pinot Noir (Hitching Post Highliner for $42). I didn't have the guts to order a Merlot.

See Also:  "Sideways" Golf Weekend

Destination: Santa Barbara

PGATour.com/Links Magazine, 1/11

Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the centrally located, sun-splashed getaway known as the "American Riviera" entices visitors with natural beauty, an ever-growing wine region and a charming city with Spanish-colonial influences.

Where to Play

La Purisima Golf Course: Thirty miles north of town in the heart of the Central Coast wine country, Robert Muir Graves laid out a walkable layout on rolling hills studded with oaks.

Rancho San Marcos Golf Course: Located east of the Santa Ynez Mountains, this pastoral course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. usually plays firm and fast while offering views of the surrounding peaks.

Sandpiper Golf Club: Billy Bell Jr.'s clifftop holes are as dramatic as those at San Diego's Torrey Pines, which Bell co-designed with his father, Bell Sr.

Where to Stay

Bacara Resort & Spa: Hollywood stars love the suites at this Spanish colonial-style hotel spread over 78 acres next to Sandpiper Golf Club.

Four Seasons Biltmore: Spread out over low-lying buildings and cottages connected by winding paths, the historic property feels less like a hotel and more like a grand residence.

Montecito Inn:  Charlie Chaplin built this quaint hotel in 1928 as an escape for his friends, and JFK and Jackie used it for just such a purpose during their honeymoon.

Where to Eat

Ca' Dario: Possessing a lively atmosphere and classically influenced cuisine, Dario Furlati's eatery is considered by locals to be the best Italian restaurant in town.

Downey's: A Santa Barbara institution since 1982, this refined California/French restaurant offers up organic local fare like grilled duck with cabernet sauce.

Seagrass: Chef Robert Perez takes his "coastal cuisine" concept seriously, using seasonal ingredients and local fish that pair well with the area's best wines.

Best Bar Nearby:  Sandpiper's 19th hole made SI writer Damon Hack's Best 19th holes list.  "The best 19th hole cheeseburger I've ever eaten was after a round here. It was gigantic, it was delicious, and it took willpower not to order a second burger and a third. I stopped after one, but I made every bite count. As a California native, I've played Sandpiper several times, including with some graduate school pals who are similarly inspired by its challenging holes, views of the Pacific and lingering sunsets. I got married around the corner from Sandpiper. This stretch of California coastline moves me like few other places on the planet. If you are in the Santa Barbara area, Sandpiper is not to be missed. This 19th hole, with its unforgettable burgers, has its windows wisely facing west."

Maxim's Great American Bar Search recommends the following bar tour itinerary for Santa Barbara:

Happy Hour
Brophy Bros.
Overlooking the SB marina, Brophy’s has a huge deck, populated by sun-kissed ladies slurping down raw oysters. Start off with the local favorite, the heavy-pour Bloody Mary. Follow up with the Firestone Walker DBA ale. Firestone, located a few hours north, is the world’s preeminent pale ale maker, but sadly is only distributed on the Left Coast. Sip and see why Cali is blessed by the beer gods. Order several more, watch the sun sink into the Pacific, and then it’s time to move on.

Chow Time
The Hungry Cat
This gastro pub will make your mouth very happy. Drink: 4 on the Floor—a big, buzz-bearing Manhattan-like mix of scotch and bourbon. Your apps: the rock crab and the cured hamachi with Fresno chili.The entrée: house-made chorizo and clams.

Booze Session
The Neighborhood Bar & Grill
SB’s hottest babes, surfboards on the walls, beer pong, raging patio. They also boast a Big Buck Hunter. Beat the day’s high score and win the bar’s signature beer: the Pabst 24-ouncer. Bonus: For those who can sip only so many PBRs, next door is the Brewhouse, the city’s treasury of superlative suds. We love its Saint Barb’s Abbey.

Snack Attack
Lilly’s Taqueria
Famous for its gross-out—yet tasty—treats. We dig the cow-eye tacos. Yessir! Have the Adobada offerings for a less Jackass-style snack.

A Few More
Sportsman
Perfect mix of surfers, skuzzy drunks, and hipsters getting their dive on. Order a Fat Tire. SB’ers refer to this spot as the Snortsman, so you know it’s classy.

Morning-After Brunch
Shoreline Beach Café

Time for brunch on the beach. Get the Bloody Jerry (with seasoned Clamato), the salsa-soaked carne asada and eggs, and a short stack of the house orange juice pancakes. Feel your will to live return.

Zane Lamprey's Drinking Made Easy Guide To Santa Barbara, 2012

Santa Barbara is known for its beautiful landscapes, unbeatable weather and spectacular coastline which has made it an ideal environment for vineyards. California is the 4th largest wine producer in the world behind France, Italy, and Spain; with much of its wine coming straight from Santa Barbara. In this episode the guys will explore the local wineries and vineyards and even crush some of their own wine grapes. They then will pay their respects to the many local taverns, brewhouses, and restaurants that reflect Santa Barbara’s unique culture.

WHERE WE WENT

• Gainey Vineyard: The Gainey Vineyard is part of a large, sustainable farming operation owned and run by the Gainey family for the past 50 years. The Home Ranch, the largest of the three Gainey ranches in the Santa Ynez Valley, is 1800 acres. It is comprised of 100 acres of vineyards, an Arabian horse operation, 1000 acres of rangeland upon which beef cattle feed on native grasses, and 600 acres farmed primarily to organically grown fruits and vegetables. Gainey is one of the first wineries in Santa Barbara and has been listed in the 10 best winery destinations of 2012 by Wine Enthusiast. 3950 E Highway 246 Santa Ynez, CA 93460 (805) 688-0558
• Cold Spring Tavern: Santa Barbara’s oldest tavern began as a stagecoach stop in 1886. The physical appearance of the Tavern has been protected by a series of owners and most recently by Adelaide Ovington and her daughter Audrey who purchased the Tavern in 1941. It has been operating as a restaurant/tavern continuously since that date. 5995 Stagecoach Road Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (805) 967-0066
• Municipal Winemakers: Municpal is one of many different wineries in Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail. They pride themselves on their wine making techniques developed through years of nomadic traveling through various wine countries. Municipal takes all their ingredients from local vineyards and farms and makes small-lot, handmade, high quality wines. 28 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 931-6864
• Longboards: Located on the pier in the famous Stearn’s Warf, Longboards offers a great view, great food and drinks, and an awesome surf scene and beach vibe. 210 Stearns Wharf Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 963-3311
• Blue Agave: Blue Agave is Santa Barbara’s desitnation for tequila and mescal. They are noted for their excellent martini’s, mojitos, and tequila based cocktails. 20 East Cota Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 899-4694
• Dutch Garden Restaurant: Dutch Garden specializes in beer and food pairings and backs up their selections with the expertise of the world’s youngest certified cicerone. 4203 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93110 (805) 967-4911
• The Brewhouse: The Brewhouse serves its own specialty beers served right on the premises. We call them specialty beers because many of the beers have a unique kick created by the infusion of tabasco, peppers, and Ghost Chilies among other spices. Better be careful with which beer you order here. 229 West Montecito Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 884-4664

WHAT WE DRANK

Cold Spring Sangria Recipe

Shark Bite Recipe

The Smoking Frida Recipe

What We Featured

• Gainey 2008 Limited Selection
• Paulaner Salvator Double Bock
• Monk’s Cafe Flemish Sour Ale
• Habanero Pilsner Hot Shot
• The Brewhouse Ghost Chili Porter
• Black Death 666