Golf with Ray Navis

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Golf Club

Just an hour north of San Francisco is a great spot for a golf and spa experience in the heart of the wine country. The Sonoma Mission Inn, now a Fairmont property, is located in the low key town of Sonoma. The drive north from San Francisco is a scenic treat as you cross the Golden Gate Bridge and pass by Sausalito, San Rafael and Novato on your way to the Sonoma Valley. First you pass the San Francisco Bay and then San Pablo Bay with Redwoods, Cypress Pines and Eucalyptus trees framing the hilly terrain. In the middle of Sonoma sits the Sonoma Mission Inn and Golf Club. The Sonoma Golf Club is available to guests at the Sonoma Mission Inn and it is well worth the time.

The course was designed in 1928 by Sam Whiting whose work includes the famed Lake Course at The Olympic Club. The course is host to the season ending Champions Tour Charles Schwab Cup Tournament. Last year’s event featured a thrilling finish as Tom Watson fired a final round 64 in a come from behind win which enabled him to win the yearlong Charles Schwab prize.

Excellent Challenge with Views at every hole
Sonoma Golf Club covers 177 acres and can be stretched to 7100 yards, but fear not as there are multiple tee options. The course is framed by vineyards and features rolling terrain with large oaks and lakes. The Maya camas Mountains are in view on every hole. I really liked this course; it was tough but fair and was in excellent shape. The 6th and 7th holes were my favorite on the front nine. Number 6 is a 403 yard par four which plays uphill and a dogleg left. The tee shot must avoid a lateral hazard on the left. Number 7 is a classic par three which Sam Snead once called his “favorite hole”. It plays 192 yards slightly uphill to a green protected by large oaks and a lateral hazard. The tee is located next to a large lake and it is an inspiring setting. The finishing hole at Sonoma is 373 yards and a dogleg to the right. The approach must clear a creek, but try to stay near the front of this severely sloping green. The Sonoma Golf Club has excellent practice facilities and the Kris Moe Golf School. The new Spanish Mission style clubhouse is very elegant and available for dining for hotel guests. The club also features a pool and tennis facility in case members of your family do not join you for golf.

Luxury at its Best The Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa is known for its hot springs. The Spa is one of the only luxury spas in the US to have its own source of thermal mineral water, which flows 1100 feet below the Inn at a temperature of 135 degrees. The Spa and Fitness Center encompasses 43,000 sq ft and are state of the art. The large pool area just off the Lobby includes the original town water tower which is in view from anywhere on the 13 acre property. Sante is the main restaurant in the Inn and the food and service were excellent. Its Spa Recommendations and Gourmet menu change daily with the seasons. The restaurant has over 400 wines to choose from. The rooms at The Sonoma Mission Inn are luxuriously appointed and you are never too far from the main lobby or Spa. For more information visit: www.fairmont.com/sonoma or call 707-938-9000.

Fun Side Trips
This area of Northern California is very scenic and you should really consider some side trips. To visit many of the wineries in the Sonoma and Napa valleys could take several days and all are within 30 minutes of the Sonoma Mission Inn. The Sebastiani, B.R Cohn, and Ravenswood wineries are exceptionally close to the Inn. There is much to see in and around Napa and Calistoga as well. There are many more wineries as well as the home of the mud bath. The ocean is less than an hour drive and features some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Bodega Harbor sight of Hitchcock’s “The Birds” is one option. My favorite is the Point Reyes National Seashore. This large national treasure is punctuated by the Point Reyes Lighthouse built to prevent the many shipwrecks that were occurring on the coastline in years past. Point Reyes alone could take a full day to see properly with its endless beaches, bays and forests. Not far from Sonoma is the Russian River which can be fished or rafted. The famed Bohemian Grove, is also located in this area. The Grove belongs to the exclusive Bohemian Club of San Francisco and the annual encampment is attended by past US Presidents as well as captains of the industry. Each and every one of these spots can be reached within an hour of the Sonoma Mission Inn. Of course, you may just want to stay put and enjoy the luxury that a Fairmont Hotel always delivers.