Spring Hills Golf Course grew out of the old Silva ranch north of Watsonville, where the family's 1911 ranch house still serves as the clubhouse. Golf arrived in 1927, when the Silvas' grandson dug a cup with a post hole digger and built a hole that survives as today's seventh. Hank and Dorie Schimpeler bought the property in 1964, Hank laid out the course himself after taking in the view from what became the eighth tee, and the first nine opened on May 15, 1965. The course remains family-owned, run today by the Schimpelers' daughter and son-in-law.

On the course

At par 71 and 6,002 yards, Spring Hills is a course about accuracy rather than raw distance. Elevated tee boxes drop shots into tight fairways, the greens are small targets that punish approximate approaches, and streams wander through the front nine. The back nine climbs into hillier ground with panoramic views over Monterey County, and the round closes at the 18th, where a 40-foot waterfall tumbles down the hillside beside the green.

Who it suits

The setting is the draw: a quiet, casual country course in the foothills near Mount Madonna, just off Highway 1 and a world away from the crowds and prices of the Monterey Peninsula. Reviewers note the course stays in good shape despite the water and turf-disease challenges coastal foothill golf brings, and the family-run atmosphere keeps rounds unhurried. It suits shotmakers who would rather plot their way around a tight 6,000-yard course than hit driver on every hole.

Facilities cover the essentials, with a driving range for warming up, a practice green, and a pro shop, while the century-old ranch house clubhouse serves drinks and snacks and barbecue areas handle groups and events. Choose Spring Hills when you want personality over polish. Golfers who enjoy family-owned courses with real history, and holes that reward precision over power, will find it an easy place to like.

Architect: Hank Schimpeler · Opened: 1965