Last week Russell and I were talking about all of the breweries in Sonoma County. I thought Sheryl and I had seen them all, but realized there were 3 missing from our list. That night we decided to visit Parliament Brewing Company and OLD CAZ BEER. It is a goal for us to visit every brewery in Sonoma County, the same way it is a goal for me to play every golf course in Sonoma County. There are several courses on that list, but on Monday I got the chance to play Bennett Valley Golf Course. I called my buddy Marc and booked a tee time.
The weather wasn’t great, but I arrived early to hit some balls. I met Jess behind the counter and we talked briefly about the golf course. He gave me some insight on the course and said the back was more wet than the front. We’ve had over 6 inches of rain this winter… Most of Santa Rosa is a swamp right now! From there I headed to the range. From the moment I arrived at Bennett Valley, I felt like I was back in high school preparing for a golf match. Just the feeling I got from the the parking lot to the clubhouse to the golf course… It just reminded me of what municipal golf is all about. I’m not sure if any high schools practice or play here, but they should! It just feels like a course you could grow up on!
Marc has played this course before and was quick to tell me about his experience here. He said some of the holes required some thought off the tee. We stepped to the first tee, a long par 5, and both ripped driver down the middle. Marc suggested I lay up my second shot. The green goes left, but there is a giant tree on the right. I had less than 230 yards to the green, but the way the tree is situated, I couldn’t hit more than a wedge! I hit wedge and left myself about 120 yards to the pin. Hit my third just to the middle of the green and made par. The hole was tricky, but knowing that, I might not hit driver here the next time I play the golf course.
There were a few more holes like that on the front. A few tricky greens, too. The greens were in great shape, and while they weren’t overly fast, they were receptive. Marc managed to make a couple of birdies along the way. I, on the other hand, couldn’t get the putter working. Since I knew Marc would be okay walking, I decided to track my steps/miles. The front 9 ended up being 6,267 steps/2.80 miles. As we made the turn, Marc mentioned the back was flat and more traditional. It was, and didn’t feel like it was as long. I was wrong… The back 9 was 6,422 steps/2.86 miles. It didn’t feel like I had walked 12,689 steps/5.66 miles. It is a course that I’d recommend everyone walk the first time out.
The course was fun. I always enjoy my time with Marc whether on the golf course or at the dinner table, and it was great getting caught up with him. I also enjoyed seeing another golf course. Walking to our cars we stopped to ponder where our next round will be. I’m thinking Fairgrounds Golf Course may be Sonoma Golf Club. He mentioned Sea Ranch Golf Links, too. I don’t know where we will play next, but I can’t wait to find out!
