Tees, Trees, Turkeys

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course
Carmel Valley, California
Part 1

by Anthony Scaggs
Golf Clubs, Golf Resorts, Golf Courses

Carmel Valley Ranch is nestled in the hills of Carmel Valley, California along the river. The day that I played the course was an unusual, cloudy day after a severe storm.

The lush green valley thrives on water from the stream and sky.

Like most travelers, I ask, "why on this day?"

I mounted my trusty steed and headed for the first tee but not before going to the driving range and putting green. It is like eating spinach or cauliflower as a kid, one has to do it. Like that old horse, "my body ain’t what it used to be." I have to warm-up for at least half an hour. I must remind my body about the timing and rhythm of the swing.

As you stand on the tee looking down the fairway, there is a bunker to the right, a unker to the left, and a water hazard in front. (See Water Hazard Picture). Where are the green and the flag?

On the far left is a tree and, in front of the tree, another sand trap. To the right is a brownish area, the water hazard. The close-up of the water hazard shows the pen to the far left and the green extending back towards the forest with the water hazard wrapping around the back of the green forming a small peninsula.