In Paso Robles
just an hour and a half to our north lays a luxurious option for a golf
getaway. The Villa Toscana Bed and Breakfast built on the Martin
Weyrich Winery has the feel of a small Italian
village. Just a couple of miles away lies the Hunter
Ranch Golf Course, which is probably the best course in the Central Coast area.
Hunter Ranch was the dream
of the late Ken Hunter who developed La
Purisima and Sandpiper. Hunter actually designed the course, which has
received four and a half stars out of five from Golf Digest who called it, “The
best kept secret in California.” The course is set in rolling terrain about
four miles east of downtown Paso Robles off of Highway 46 East. The clubhouse
is situated high on a hill overlooking the course and a good portion of the
town.
There are many distinctive holes on the course including the
424-yard par 4 second. This dogleg to the right plays slightly uphill all the
way. The drive must negotiate a fairway bunker and large tree that guards the
right side.
The second shot is fairly long and it must avoid a large oak tree
on the right.
Once you reach the green
the difficulty is not over. The putting surface is steeply sloped from front to
back giving most putts a lot of break. This is one of the best par fours I have
ever played. A bit later on the front nine the golfer is given back-to-back par
fives. Number six plays 509 yards and is slightly downhill. A dogleg left this
hole is reachable in two for many players but it requires accuracy. Large oaks
in the middle of the fairway and near the green must be avoided. The 7th hole
is one of the toughest par fives in the state. At 586 yards it plays slightly
uphill and a double dogleg to the left. Again, oak trees on both sides guard
the drive and the second shot. The green is well bunkered making par a very
good score on this one.
There are so many good
holes at Hunter Ranch it is hard to pick which ones to write about. Number 11
is a real tester though. This par four plays 396 yards and straight a way. The
drive is played to the top of a plateau. From hear the golfer must play a
downhill approach entirely over water to the peninsula green. This shot will get your heart pumping and I
would suggest adding half a club to the yardage. Number 14 is a difficult par
three at 186 yards.
The shot must carry a
large gorge, which is a lateral hazard. The green is very narrow in front but
much more receptive in back so take enough club. The
par five 15th is one of my favorites. A dogleg to the
right of 518 yards it is reachable in two for the brave. A drive down the right center will catch the
downhill fairway and roll into position for a go at the green. From here the
player must cross a lake to reach the green, which is guarded by a trap on the
left and more water to the right. Overall the course plays 6741 yards from the
Blue Tees, 6292 from the White Tees, and 5639 from the Red Tees.
Hunter Ranch has an
excellent practice facility, which includes several chipping and putting
greens. The clubhouse includes the well-appointed golf shop and a restaurant
with indoor and outdoor seating. The entire golf facility is spacious and well
laid out, enhancing the experience.
The Villa Toscana
Villa Toscana is about 3
miles from the course towards Paso Robles and located on the Martin Weyrich Vineyard, it is the top of the line of Bed and
Breakfasts. There are 8 suite rooms and one separate fully private winemakers residence, including a two-bedroom, two and a
half bath suite, with a detached garage, patio and spa. All of the rooms
include views of the vineyards and are quite large and finely decorated. They
are all named after one of the winery’s award winning wines.
Guests enjoy a lavish
breakfast and buffet at the bistro just steps from the rooms. In the afternoon
the chef serves hor devourers and of course a
selection of Martin Weyrich wines.
The charming Italian
Tuscan feel pervades the grounds. If you are more interested in how the wine is
made, tours are available daily at their adjacent winery. Villa Toscana would
be a great spot for a wedding party or a retreat. The Cuchina Kitchen
and catering facility is available for parties and special events.
Villa Toscana is about 10 minutes from downtown Paso Robles. For more information visit www.myvillatoscana.com or call
805-238-5600. For Hunter Ranch Golf Course information visit,
www.hunterranchgolf.com or call 805-237-7444.