A Lifestyle and So Much More!

In 1985 Peanuts creator and avid golfer Charles Schulz and a group of friends envisioned developing a world class semi-private golf course within a 3500 acre site he owned just north of Santa Rosa in the Mayacama Mountains. Unfortunately environmental concerns put their plans on hold. In 1997 developer David Wilhelm and Forsythe Investments purchased 675 of the acres and in conjunction with Jack Nicklaus Design began development of the exclusive members-only Mayacama Golf Club. After finally meeting all of the environmental concerns, construction began in 1999 on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. In August of 2001 the course opened for play with designer Jack Nicklaus playing the first round. At 6785 yards from the back tees, this par 72 course is rated 74.2 with a slope of 151. Taking advantage of the rolling terrain and finger-like valleys, Nicklaus designed a true risk-reward course. In laying out the course he utilized the terrain as much as possible, using streams and hillsides to define fairways. Many of the oak trees on the course were transplanted in order to maintain the natural beauty of the site. Typically about a million cubic yards of earth have to be moved when shaping a course, but in keeping with his vision for a modern classic, Nicklaus took full advantage of the natural conditions and only 160,000 yards of earth was moved. To ensure year-round play on the well groomed fairways each was topped with 6” of sand.

 

A walking course, with caddies available (disabled and over 65 golfers do have the option of riding), it offers a challenge to the shot making skills of players of all levels. Since its opening the course has received many awards, including Golf Week Magazine's Top 100 Modern Courses, #15 in the Golf Digest Index of the Top 50 Best Modern Courses, ranked #66 by Golf Digest among America's Greatest 100 and in the Top 10 of California courses, plus Travel & Leisure Magazines Top 10 Golf Communities in America. It was the site of the Northern California PGA Championships, and has been awarded the 2010 Men's State Team Championships by the U.S.G.A. A unique feature is that members do not have to make tee times! They just “show up and play.” A wide variety of special golf events are scheduled for members. Popular events include 'Sip'n Swings' for couples, an inter-club challenge against other private clubs such as The Eden Club at St. Andrews, a North-South Tournament using the Ryder Cup format, and a Member Guest event. They also host a Member- Professional Tournament, which includes golf professionals from other clubs that Mayacama members belong to.

 

While the golf course constantly receives accolades, there is much more to the members only Mayacama Golf Club! Amenities include a concierge, fitness center, tennis courts, an Olympic swimming pool, a play room for children and a European style spa with a masseuse on duty. Each member has their own private wine locker in the clubhouse wine cave. Among the members of this exclusive club are the owners of 30 plus Sonoma County and Napa wineries, each providing the club with some 300 bottles of their finest each year. The club makes these available to the membership, as well as using them for special events such as their couples Sip'n Swings, and wine tastings. In addition to great golf and unparalleled amenities Mayacama offers members 'lodging memberships'. Casita and Villa memberships give members a minimum of 28 nights per year in a 1 bedroom, 1 bath fully furnished Casita with a fireplace, soaking tub, outdoor shower and outdoor entertaining area. The Villas, which are also available for a minimum of 28 nights, have 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths in their 3,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space. Each room in the Villas has a deck which provides panoramic views of the course and surrounding hillsides.

 

Food & Beverage Director Lori Darling and Executive Chef Scott Pikey have created an atmosphere for the members that is all about coming together and building relationships. It starts with an exceedingly well trained and friendly staff providing service that is well above and beyond, treating each and every guest as if they were the most important person there. Lunch is served daily in both the informal clubhouse dining area and the bar & grill, while dinner can be enjoyed in the formal main dining room, the clubhouse and also the wine cave for a special event. Some functions, such as wine tastings, are held on the terrace which provides a stunning view of both the 1st and 18th holes as well as the surrounding hillsides.

 

Chef Pikey's menus are something to behold! His primary focus is to feature seasonal fresh local items, joining them together to create offerings that are a combination of California Wine Country and Traditional French Cuisine. Looking at the lunch menu gives new meaning to decision time! Each of the salads are must orders, ranging from a Hearts of Romaine with poached shrimp with anchovy & parmesan dressing and sourdough croutons, to an Autumn Salad with local apples, Pt. Reyes blue cheese, chicory, toasted hazelnuts and a sherry vinaigrette. The choice of sandwiches leaves the mouth watering! The Crispy Halibut “Po Boy.” with shredded lettuce, red onion, spicy aioli and their house made hoagie roll is a must try. The clubhouse dinner menu is designed for casual dining. Entrees include hand-tossed pizza, red wine braised beef short ribs, west coast wild halibut and a vegetarian risotto with fresh autumn squash, foraged mushrooms, green chard and truffle essence. The dining room menu is an epicurean delight! Chef Pikey changes it weekly to ensure that fresh local items are featured. Appetizers have included fresh Marin County miyagi oysters on the half shell and a Sonoma artisan Foie Gras with warm apples, a house-made brioche topped with huckleberry jus. The range of entrees reflects positively on Mayacama's enriched lifestyle image. The monthly winemaker dinners receive nothing but high praise from members. The vintner and chef collaborate to put together food and wine pairings that will bring out the best in each. Yes, be it lunch, dinner or a special occasion, at Mayacama you'll find quality and service similar to that found in world renowned 5 star establishments.

 

From the moment they are greeted by the friendly attendants at the bag drop till coming off the 18th green just below the magnificent clubhouse - and near the wine cave, golfers will enjoy a most memorable golf experience! Golf Professional Ted Antonopoulos has developed a staff that provides golfers the epitome of customer service. From the friendly greetings of bag drop attendants and pro shop staff to the professionalism of the caddies, each player feels that he is truly a V.I.P! Although the slope of 151 seems intimidating, the advice and suggestions from caddies will save players strokes during their round. The 5th hole, a par 3 plays 188 yards from the back tees. Guarded by a bunker on both the left and right as well as the back, it requires accuracy off the tee. If you're short or left, the terrain slopes to the left and getting up and down is a challenge. At 205 from the back tees, #11 is a par 3 requiring basically a perfect shot from the elevated tee. There is a creek guarding the front of the kidney shaped green with a bunker guarding the rear portion of it. The green design resembles that of the famous “Redan” hole, a classic design at The Links of North Berwick in Scotland. The finishing hole, a dogleg right of 559 yards, is truly a risk/reward one! With a lake about 150 yards long along the right side of the fairway between the landing area and the green, it's decision time - lay up or go for it. A drive close to 300 will leave about 190 or so to the green, but you'll have to carry both the lake and a large bunker in order to successfully reach the green. The ideal play is just left of the lake off the tee, a 2nd shot to the left center of the fairway and then an up and down for your finishing birdie.

 

Without a doubt Mayacama is, and definitely belongs, among the few elite and exclusive private clubs in the country. Where else will you find a Nicklaus signature course, a clubhouse whose architecture and appearance are simply outstanding, along with unparalleled amenities and customer service? Visit their website, www.mayacama.com, to find out more about this jewel located a few minutes north of Santa Rosa in the Sonoma County Wine Country.