The Reserve at Spanos Park is truly a golfer’s sanctuary! This came to mind as Jim Hansen and I relaxed on the patio of the expansive clubhouse after the most enjoyable round of golf we have experienced in years.

We observed a player on the 18th fairway throw emerald blades of grass into the air attempting to judge the effect of the wind on his approach shot to the green. Apparently his foresight was successful because we watched the white sphere land softly on the pristine rolling green just inches from the cup. Jim & I raised our wine glasses to the gentleman saluting his well executed shot and he acknowledged our compliment with the customary tip of the hat.

The Reserve at Spanos Park is an eighteen-hole, par 72 championship course which opened in June 1999 and stretches 7000 yards from the championship tees. The course was designed by Andy Raugust and built by the Spanos Corporation. The course is currently managed by American Golf Corporation.

Eight crystal clear lakes beckon on twelve of the classically designed holes. Well placed sandy white traps discourage the fade which is enhanced by the prevailing delta winds. Waste bunkers await the errant hook. The pristine, rolling greens caress a well stroked putt directing it perfectly along the line toward the cup. The greens are friendly; allowing the player to use his imagination, providing it is enhanced by the spirit of Bobby Jones!

This course greets the novice player with a friendly handshake, but will offer realistic challenges for those who play the tips! The tournament course record is 64.

After completing our round we were joined by General Manager Tim Walsh and Class “A” Golf Professional Rich Howarth who graciously talked with us about the course. Rich’s helpful tip for the course. The eleventh hole features a slight left to right dog-leg par 5. Aim for the left rough as the prevailing winds blow from left to right and will push the ball dramatically. The fairway slopes to the water so to negotiate this fairway successfully you need to land the ball on the left or high side of the fairway. If this shot is executed properly your drive will keep you in the fairway and away from the penalty strokes. This tip can easily save you 2 or 3 strokes, says Rich.

Tim had been involved with the “The Reserve” project even before construction began. Tim states, “I feel the condition of the course you see today is the quality that was expected by Mr. Spanos. It is a distinct pleasure to work for American Golf and with Mr. Spanos.”

Tim enthusiastically mentioned the annual A.G. Spanos Open that is coming to the “Reserve” on June 14, 2004 and continues through June 18, 2004 with exciting changes to the format. The Celebrity Amateur event is a major fund raiser for the United Way charities and will be held on Monday, June 14th. It has raised more than $250,000 in the past two years and 50 local charities have benefited from the proceeds. As in past years the roster of celebrities will include Hollywood actors, current San Diego Chargers football players, former San Francisco 49er’s and former Major League baseball players.

The 72-hole Open Championship will be played Tuesday through Friday including 168 professionals playing for a purse of $250,000. This is the largest purse for a non-PGA Tour event of its kind in California. The 2003 Champion Matthew Jones, currently playing on the Nationwide Tour, will return to defend his title. Spectators are welcome and there is no entry fee.

Mr. Spanos is the sponsor of a ten event series of professional golf tournaments named The A.G. Spanos California Tour that debuted in San Diego in February. These first nine events serve as the prelude to the finale of the tour ending at the Spanos Open in June. The winner will collect $45,000 and become the new A.G. Spanos California Tour Champion.

Speaking of special events Christine Ward Giordani, Director of Catering, joined us on the patio. We discussed the new “Mount Diablo Room” that offers 2,900 useable square feet and will seat approximately 225 for weddings, tournaments and social occasions. This new addition to be completed later this summer will catapult “The Reserve” into a new era of hospitality.

Nicole Rayl, Director of Sales, in charge of Memberships and Tournaments pointed out many additional amenities offered by The Reserve at Spanos Park including: Complete Tournament Services, fully stocked Golf Shop, Elegant Clubhouse with Bar & Grill, Meeting space available for groups of 5-200, Convenience Carts, Jeff Palmer school of golf, 18 acre practice facility, Lighted Driving Range with putting greens & sand traps. Equipment rentals are available.

This golf reserve is truly a sanctuary of plant, animal, and human resources. The Reserve at Spanos Park has created a playground for our spiritual and physical endeavor that enhances this great game we call golf. Come visit this course and discover peaceful tranquility and exhilarating fun amidst this delta sanctuary.

The Reserve at Spanos Park located at 6301 W. Eight Mile Road just off Interstate 5. Green fees range from $24 to $66. All rates include carts. For tee times phone 209-477-4653. For banquets contact Christine, for memberships or tournaments contact Nicole.