Pasatiempo: Photos of the Restored Back Nine Holes

[mikekim251]

Stumbled upon this golf photo blog that shows incredible detailed photos of the restoration work on the back nine at Pasatiempo. They did some really good work and the greens look more intimidating than before

 

https://golfcoursenerd.substack.com/p/pasatiempo-golf-club-new-back-nine

[smashdn]

"Restoration consultant Jim Urbina aimed to re-introduce the original Alister Mackenzie design intent — he got awfully close!"

 

^From the caption below the first picture in the article.

 

This begs the question, if Jim Urbina has had to come back in to "re-introduce the original Alister Mackenzie design intent," what did Tom Doak do or was asked to do in 2007 that lead to them deciding they needed to make changes?

 

A quick perusal of the pictures in the link and there does not appear to be any post-Doak, pre-most recent renovation photos for comparison.

Edited June 25 by smashdn

[me05501]

2 hours ago, smashdn said:

"Restoration consultant Jim Urbina aimed to re-introduce the original Alister Mackenzie design intent — he got awfully close!"

 

^From the caption below the first picture in the article.

 

This begs the question, if Jim Urbina has had to come back in to "re-introduce the original Alister Mackenzie design intent," what did Tom Doak do or was asked to do in 2007 that lead to them deciding they needed to make changes?

 

A quick perusal of the pictures in the link and there does not appear to be any post-Doak, pre-most recent renovation photos for comparison.

 

Trends and fashions change.

 

Around 2007 the big thing was "Tiger-proofing" courses, adding length so the original shot values were preserved even after accounting for the added distance in the modern game. 

 

Now the trend is toward "restoration" or taking designs back to the original blueprints as much as possible. 

[carrera]

Doak and Urbina did typical "resto" work in 2007...bunker work, tree clearing, recapturing lost green surfaces.   The work Urbina did the last couple of years was much more substantial.

[smashdn]

4 hours ago, me05501 said:

 

Trends and fashions change.

 

Around 2007 the big thing was "Tiger-proofing" courses, adding length so the original shot values were preserved even after accounting for the added distance in the modern game. 

 

Now the trend is toward "restoration" or taking designs back to the original blueprints as much as possible. 

 

I spend time over on GCA a fair amount too.  I don't get the impression from reading what Doak posts that he was ever on-board with Tiger-proofing a course.

 

Reading his books, articles and posts I really get the impression Doak has an admiration for Mackenzie and the "golden age" guys in general.  Why I find it odd that they need to "get back to" Mackenzie's intentions unless Doak was asked to deliver something either very specific in terms of look and playability or he was otherwise limited in scope.

 

I have never been there so have no feel for just what was changed in 2007 and how much of a departure that was from what was there previous and the degree to which these most recent changes are a departure from what was on the ground from 2007 to now.

[carrera]

Not to be pedantic, but always remember (even the Golf Nerd video guy cited in the OP), it is a capital K in the Doctor's last name!

[TNwanabe]

It looks so much better than it did in the 80s

[italianstallion]

4 hours ago, smashdn said:

 

I spend time over on GCA a fair amount too.  I don't get the impression from reading what Doak posts that he was ever on-board with Tiger-proofing a course.

 

Reading his books, articles and posts I really get the impression Doak has an admiration for Mackenzie and the "golden age" guys in general.  Why I find it odd that they need to "get back to" Mackenzie's intentions unless Doak was asked to deliver something either very specific in terms of look and playability or he was otherwise limited in scope.

 

I have never been there so have no feel for just what was changed in 2007 and how much of a departure that was from what was there previous and the degree to which these most recent changes are a departure from what was on the ground from 2007 to now.

 

I'm not going to bother trying to find the exact podcast episode, but on The Fried Egg there was a discussion with Doak regarding the coming (now finished) renovation to Pasatiempo. I may be mis-remembering but it was either Doak or Andy who was of the opinion that Pasatiempo's greens were still very much MacKenzie's greens and there was concern these more recent changes were going to soften the severity of them in order to accommodate modern green speeds. Whether or not that's been the effect of these changes is something I can't opine on, but I just wanted to throw that nugget into the conversation here.

[JamesNorcal]

I played this about month after it opened. straight up amazing first time playing with my dad before going down to our annual pebble trip I am spoiled. it was breathtaking the views are nothing. The range sucks and gave us token like wtf and can't hit driver. but the course is amazing. we got caddie most people don't we had one of the assistant pros. he knew everything plus much knowledge about the course. best part we played with two members each have been there for over 30 years. They were so welcoming and proud of the course. The bunkers are sight to see. as not great golfer so proud hit every par 3 in reg more than normal. taking pictures in front of Mackenzie house and hearing how tiger got super pissed at the course. You should go expensive but experience for sure.

 

[cassel191919]

6 hours ago, JamesNorcal said:

I played this about month after it opened. straight up amazing first time playing with my dad before going down to our annual pebble trip I am spoiled. it was breathtaking the views are nothing. The range sucks and gave us token like wtf and can't hit driver. but the course is amazing. we got caddie most people don't we had one of the assistant pros. he knew everything plus much knowledge about the course. best part we played with two members each have been there for over 30 years. They were so welcoming and proud of the course. The bunkers are sight to see. as not great golfer so proud hit every par 3 in reg more than normal. taking pictures in front of Mackenzie house and hearing how tiger got super pissed at the course. You should go expensive but experience for sure.

 

I played a couple of years ago and it is one of my top 5 courses I've played, the back 9 is just so special. Excited to see the renovation next month after a few days at Pebble.

[qtlaw]

Pasatiempo's No. 3 is THE toughest Par 3 I've ever played, it's 210 uphill from the blues with bunkers right and steep hill left (and bunkers too).  Simply brutal.

 

No. 16's green is the 3 tiered killer.

 

No. 18 is a Par 3 yes, but 2 putting is probably the toughest green of the 18.

 

Looks beautiful and going there in October.

[barry87]

Planned our pebble trip and since Spanish bay is undergoing restoration when we go we added pasatiempo instead and looks amazing 

[Mullenboy]

14 minutes ago, barry87 said:

Planned our pebble trip and since Spanish bay is undergoing restoration when we go we added pasatiempo instead and looks amazing 

You won't be disappointed - it's worth the drive from where you will be for sure.  It's now kinda expensive for us locals, but that's our problem.  🙂

[WesternRacing]

On 7/9/2025 at 5:33 PM, qtlaw said:

Pasatiempo's No. 3 is THE toughest Par 3 I've ever played, it's 210 uphill from the blues with bunkers right and steep hill left (and bunkers too).  Simply brutal.

 

No. 16's green is the 3 tiered killer.

 

No. 18 is a Par 3 yes, but 2 putting is probably the toughest green of the 18.

 

Looks beautiful and going there in October.

Agree on all points, particularly about No. 3.  One of the hardest holes you’ll ever play.

[WesternRacing]

18 hours ago, Mullenboy said:

You won't be disappointed - it's worth the drive from where you will be for sure.  It's now kinda expensive for us locals, but that's our problem.  🙂

 

I was passing through there on a golf trip a while back and thought about stopping to play Pasa again, looked up the rates, only $250 for a weekday.  I was shocked so started to book it and then….  Figured I’d check the maintenance schedule…yup,  Punching.  Love that course but can’t justify the full rate anymore and I only know one member.  Played Pebble again on that trip and came to the same conclusion.  I’ve played it enough to ever pay full rate to play it again.

[StoutKing]

Awesome course, but they still need to restore 1-9, 6-7.

[StoutKing]

17 minutes ago, WesternRacing said:

 

I was passing through there on a golf trip a while back and thought about stopping to play Pasa again, looked up the rates, only $250 for a weekday.  I was shocked so started to book it and then….  Figured I’d check the maintenance schedule…yup,  Punching.  Love that course but can’t justify the full rate anymore and I only know one member.  Played Pebble again on that trip and came to the same conclusion.  I’ve played it enough to ever pay full rate to play it again.

Same boat.  Love them both but not paying what they're asking anymore.  Played them enough.

[Mullenboy]

1 hour ago, WesternRacing said:

 

I was passing through there on a golf trip a while back and thought about stopping to play Pasa again, looked up the rates, only $250 for a weekday.  I was shocked so started to book it and then….  Figured I’d check the maintenance schedule…yup,  Punching.  Love that course but can’t justify the full rate anymore and I only know one member.  Played Pebble again on that trip and came to the same conclusion.  I’ve played it enough to ever pay full rate to play it again.

That must have been before the restoration.  It was somewhat doable (for a special occasion anyway) at $250.  Now... $407.  That's a no way.  And of course in a world where Spyglass costs nearly that much and Pebble is almost twice that, it is far.  It is a great, top 100 golf course.  It just used to be a very rare thing - a great course at a reasonable price.  Those days are LONG gone... which is a bummer, particularly for locals.

 

Yes I know members also, but I do not like to beg.

 

 

[WesternRacing]

1 hour ago, Mullenboy said:

That must have been before the restoration.  It was somewhat doable (for a special occasion anyway) at $250.  Now... $407.  That's a no way.  And of course in a world where Spyglass costs nearly that much and Pebble is almost twice that, it is far.  It is a great, top 100 golf course.  It just used to be a very rare thing - a great course at a reasonable price.  Those days are LONG gone... which is a bummer, particularly for locals.

 

Yes I know members also, but I do not like to beg.

 

 

 

No, it was just about 1-2 months ago.  It was $250 because they had just punched everything, so they were discounting that week.  Back up to $400+ the next week.  They almost had me at $250, but I’m glad I checked before I booked it.

[WesternRacing]

3 hours ago, StoutKing said:

Same boat.  Love them both but not paying what they're asking anymore.  Played them enough.

 

I recently did my first trip up to Bandon, fairly last minute, stayed off property, etc.  Had to pay $475 a round + caddy fee, which for me was another $300.  So $775 a round.  Nuts, but had to do it at least once in my life.  I left there feeling like Pacific Dunes was the best golf course that I’ve ever played.  If I could just play one course for the rest of my life, that would be it.  But…$475?  I get the whole supply and demand thing, but even with it being my now favorite course in the world, I don’t think I’d ever pay anywhere near that much to play it again.  I think I’m just generally through paying $500 for a round of golf anywhere.  I don’t begrudge those who do, but for me, unless it’s an opportunity to play a crazy exclusive private course, there’s nothing that could make a round worth that price anymore.

[StoutKing]

4 minutes ago, WesternRacing said:

 

I recently did my first trip up to Bandon, fairly last minute, stayed off property, etc.  Had to pay $475 a round + caddy fee, which for me was another $300.  So $775 a round.  Nuts, but had to do it at least once in my life.  I left there feeling like Pacific Dunes was the best golf course that I’ve ever played.  If I could just play one course for the rest of my life, that would be it.  But…$475?  I get the whole supply and demand thing, but even with it being my now favorite course in the world, I don’t think I’d ever pay anywhere near that much to play it again.  I think I’m just generally through paying $500 for a round of golf anywhere.  I don’t begrudge those who do, but for me, unless it’s an opportunity to play a crazy exclusive private course, there’s nothing that could make a round worth that price anymore.

Dang that's crazy that Bandon has gotten so expensive.  It used to be somewhat reasonable.  We need a golf recession.

[Mullenboy]

2 hours ago, WesternRacing said:

 

No, it was just about 1-2 months ago.  It was $250 because they had just punched everything, so they were discounting that week.  Back up to $400+ the next week.  They almost had me at $250, but I’m glad I checked before I booked it.

Gotcha.  Kinda cool they gave an aeration discount.  That doesn't seem to be in their DNA any more.  🙂

 

In any case the point remains... it's priced out of reality for most.  And that remains a bummer.

 

Bandon is the same.  Can't see I'll ever go back.

[ViperHockey]

On 7/11/2025 at 10:48 AM, Mullenboy said:

That must have been before the restoration.  It was somewhat doable (for a special occasion anyway) at $250.  Now... $407.  That's a no way.  And of course in a world where Spyglass costs nearly that much and Pebble is almost twice that, it is far.  It is a great, top 100 golf course.  It just used to be a very rare thing - a great course at a reasonable price.  Those days are LONG gone... which is a bummer, particularly for locals.

 

Yes I know members also, but I do not like to beg.

 

 

Most members that I know are more than happy to host. My wife is always asking me to find people to come play. 

[carrera]

8 hours ago, ViperHockey said:

Most members that I know are more than happy to host.

Nice to hear you joined there, J.   I was really impressed by the front nine...hope to play the back nine (errr, all 18) sometime this year.

[Mullenboy]

11 hours ago, carrera said:

Nice to hear you joined there, J.   I was really impressed by the front nine...hope to play the back nine (errr, all 18) sometime this year.

You'll love it.  Back nine is fantastic as well.  Course is better than it ever has been in my 40 years playing it.

As for the price, well... it is a good deal playing with a member.  I just don't like to rely on such generosity.  I used to not have to for the most part.  Therein lies the bummer.

 

 

[ViperHockey]

11 hours ago, carrera said:

Nice to hear you joined there, J.   I was really impressed by the front nine...hope to play the back nine (errr, all 18) sometime this year.

My wife and I moved from Silver Creek in 2018.
 

Seriously, just send me a DM if you want to play. 
 

 

[Mullenboy]

40 minutes ago, ViperHockey said:

My wife and I moved from Silver Creek in 2018.
 

Seriously, just send me a DM if you want to play. 
 

 

No offense to Silver Creek - which is good unwalkable fun - but that is quite an upgrade.  🙂  Congrats!

 

 

[ViperHockey]

3 hours ago, Mullenboy said:

No offense to Silver Creek - which is good unwalkable fun - but that is quite an upgrade.  🙂  Congrats!

 

 

 

I walked it for 14 years. It's a hike for sure. Was at Winchester CC before that. That's a different level of unwalkable/barely walkable. The walk from 17->18 was soul sucking.

[ViperHockey]

By the way, back on topic here...

 

The Alameda Commuters tournament went from south only to north + south this year. The back nine of the north course was a huge disappointment to me. 11 is too difficult in the prevailing wind. Completely out of character with the rest of the course. Everybody in the tournament was hitting it into the hazard left on 16. One guy in my group hit a fade that looked right-center and it ended up in the hazard there.

 

I absolutely love the south course.

[Tupperwolf]

On 7/11/2025 at 12:27 PM, StoutKing said:

Dang that's crazy that Bandon has gotten so expensive.  It used to be somewhat reasonable.  We need a golf recession.

That really sucks.  When I played there (a few times between 2009-2011) I paid $50 a round with military/veterans rate.  The first time I went I played Old Mac as it had just opened and then did a 36 hole day on my next visit, Bandon and Pacific.  Still never played Trails, and I dunno when I will get around to playing it, or Sheep Ranch or the new par 3 course at those kinds of rates.