The Valley Club of Montecito

The Valley Club is a stunning Alister MacKenzie design, laid out in an hourglass shape that offers a rich variety of challenges and scenic beauty. Highlights include the third hole, nestled against a barranca; the dramatic, uphill 10th; the breathtaking canyon-carry 14th; and the sweeping, serpentine 15th. While the fairways are generous, the greens’ slopes demand precise angles of approach, testing both strategy and execution.

MacKenzie’s iconic bunkers, restored to their original splendor, are a visual and strategic masterpiece. Architect Jim Urbina noted how they resemble interlocking puzzle pieces, seamlessly complementing one another. The club’s prime location boasts some of the nation’s finest golfing weather, but the surrounding dry hills are prone to erosion. In 2018, devastating mudslides severely damaged the course, prompting an extensive restoration effort to reclaim its grandeur.

Today, The Valley Club stands as a testament to resilience and timeless design, offering golfers a captivating blend of natural beauty and challenge.