Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort

Description

Tucked away in California’s charming Hollister region, Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort stands as one of those hidden gems that true golf enthusiasts absolutely love discovering. I’ve played my fair share of courses across the state, and there’s something special about this 18-hole championship course that keeps drawing players back. The layout cleverly combines challenging elements with playable features that’ll test your skills without crushing your spirit – trust me, I learned that the hard way on my first visit!

The course itself showcases meticulously maintained fairways and greens that roll true, even during peak season. What really caught my attention was how the design takes advantage of the natural landscape, creating an experience that feels both authentic and thoughtfully crafted. Between shots, you’ll find yourself admiring the rolling hills and native vegetation that frame each hole.

But Ridgemark isn’t just about golf. The resort component offers comfortable lodging options that make it perfect for those weekend getaways or golf retreats. And boy, let me tell you about the Ridgemark Bar & Grill – after a round of golf, there’s nothing better than settling in for a satisfying meal while watching other players finish up on the 18th hole. The restaurant’s patio has become my favorite spot to replay the day’s best shots with friends.

Key Features

• Championship 18-hole golf course with strategic bunkering and water features
• Full-service pro shop stocked with latest equipment and apparel
• Practice facilities including driving range and putting green
• Comfortable resort accommodations with golf course views
• Ridgemark Bar & Grill offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Event spaces perfect for tournaments and special occasions
• Golf instruction programs for all skill levels
• Resort pool area for post-round relaxation
• Club rental services available
• Golf cart fleet equipped with GPS technology

Best Time to Visit

From my experience playing here throughout the year, spring and fall offer the most ideal conditions for golf at Ridgemark. March through May brings comfortable temperatures and stunning wildflower displays along the course. September to November tends to have the most consistent weather, with clear skies and moderate temperatures that make for perfect playing conditions.

Summer can get pretty toasty here – I’ve learned to book those early morning tee times during July and August! Winter golf is totally doable too, though you might catch some morning frost delays between December and February. The course stays in great shape year-round, but you’ll want to check the weather forecast before booking, especially during the rainy season.

How to Get There

Getting to Ridgemark is pretty straightforward, though I always tell first-time visitors to trust their GPS rather than their gut instincts. The resort sits just outside Hollister, and you can reach it easily from either the San Francisco Bay Area or the Monterey Peninsula. From the Bay Area, you’ll head south on Highway 101 before cutting across to Hollister. Coming from Monterey, you’ll take Highway 156 east.

Ya know what’s funny? I actually missed the turn my first time visiting because I was too busy admiring the countryside. Pro tip: keep an eye out for the Ridgemark signs once you’re in the Hollister area – they’re helpful but can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

Tips for Visiting

Book your tee times in advance, especially for weekend play – I learned this the hard way trying to squeeze in a last-minute round during peak season. The course can get busy, particularly on Saturday mornings.

If you’re staying at the resort, take advantage of the stay-and-play packages. They usually offer better value than booking everything separately, plus you might snag some nice perks like early tee times or dining credits.

Bring layers! The morning marine layer can make things chilly, but it usually burns off by mid-morning. I always pack a light jacket, even during summer months.

Try to arrive at least 30 minutes before your tee time to warm up properly. The practice facilities are well-maintained, and that extra time helps you get a feel for the greens’ speed.

Consider booking a lesson with one of the local pros if you’re new to the course. They know all the tricks to playing these holes effectively, and their insight can save you several strokes.

For non-golfers in your group, the resort offers enough amenities to keep everyone happy. The pool area is particularly nice during warmer months, and the restaurant serves up some mighty fine meals even if you haven’t worked up an appetite on the course.

And here’s my personal favorite tip: stick around for sunset if you can. The view from the clubhouse patio is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s the perfect way to end your Ridgemark experience. Just remember to make a dinner reservation if you’re planning to eat at the restaurant – it can get pretty busy around dusk!

Location

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