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What would you do if the nearest golf course was an hour away? Playing there required negotiating a two-lane highway and another long drive after finishing the round. Not only that, if you could get a tee time, three other intrepid individuals had to be convinced to go along. Just one round of golf required planning, luck, ingenuity, and strategy… all before stepping on to the first tee. Well, I would probably do what the members at Cold Spring Golf & Country Club did. Build a course! The possibilities and obstacles were discussed. There had to be financing, creating a membership and of course, acquiring a suitable site. Was it possible to build a local course in Placerville? Sure it was! The search for land led to Cold Springs where Jerry and Lois Brown had available acreage. The property was overgrown with brush, fallen trees, and mine tailings. After walking the property, John Sarlo and Don Shannon approached the Browns, and an informal agreement was reached with a handshake. Hence, sprang the first nine holes of Cold Springs Golf & Country Club.
After suffering financial problems, construction difficulties, and weather delays, Cold Springs Golf & Country finally opened for play on November 5, 1961. Over one-hundred members and their guests took part in the first day competition. In order to protect the young grass, all the players were asked to tee up every shot! “The soil had been prepared, the seeds planted, the earth nurtured, and hope was held against all odds, it was time to enjoy the harvest.” * Under the tutelage of Mr. Bob West, member in good standing, and President of the Board of Directors from 1961 to 1968, the Country Club began it’s evolution into one of the best kept secrets in El Dorado County. Bob’s countless contributions to the club have taken many forms. There would have been no Cold Springs without him! Expansion to 18 holes was being considered as early as 1961 but was not fully realized until July 21, 1979. Seventy acres had been purchased adjoining the front nine. Bert Stamps was hired as the architect. Bert’s accomplishments include Cameron Park Golf & Country Club, The Lake Course on Woodbridge Country Club and the East Course at Rancho Murrieta Country Club. Rocks were moved from the future fairways by volunteers armed with rakes and buckets. Finally another dream was realized. Instead of stopping at nine the members could continue on to ten! Since those early days Cold Springs has matured into one of the most beautiful private courses in Northern California. The course stretches 6,118 yards from the white tees. The course rating for men is 70.5 with a slope of 127 and for the women they are 76.8 and 135. The fairways are lined with oaks and pines, not backyards like many private clubs. The greens are small, well maintained and require well planned approach shots. Two of the par-fives were chosen among the top 18 holes in the area, by Sacramento Magazine! My favorite holes on the course? Every darn one of them! Each hole has its own character, beauty and challenges. I’ve never been so impressed by a private course in my career. The front nine reminds me of the old courses back east, with the emerald green fairways which require well planned shots. Don’t let the front nine fool you, its only 2713 yards, but every yard is a challenge and beauty to behold! The back nine is longer, 2914 yards. It requires imagination, focus and a deft touch on the greens. The day ended too soon, I wanted to play more! |
Prior to the round I had an opportunity to sit down with Kevin Earl, General Manager of Cold Springs. Kevin comes from a varied background in Golf. He was a Division II All American while playing on the California State University, Sacramento Golf Team in 1987. He joined the PGA in 1995 and played on the Hogan-Nike- and Golden State Mini Tours from 1992 until 1994. He then became a PGA Master Professional-General Management, joining a group of only 27 in the whole country. He came to Cold Springs with a wonderful resume. His wife Laurie, daughters Courtney and “We are the best value oriented club in the valley, in fact the quality exceeds the value”
Shannon are all accomplished players. Go Figure! “We are the best value oriented club in the valley, in fact the quality exceeds the value,” added Kevin. “The members are such fine people. I don’t really feel the stuffy country club feeling here. You can wear blue jeans 12 months of the year. This has been a great opportunity for me!” If you are looking for golf lessons, Mike Silva, Head Professional is the gentleman to talk with. Mike has been in the golf business since 1967. He came to Cold Springs 3 years ago after stops at Haggin Oaks and Northridge Country Club. “I love teaching,” said Mike. “We have 430 members and the largest change has been Junior Golf. Getting them enthusiastic is very important. They are the future of Golf,” added Mike. “We have a large practice facility here, which the members really enjoy. The course is set in a Valley. It is very peaceful; a bird could be deafening. It is an older style course which is very appealing. The small greens are its defense, particularly the elevated ones,” said Mike.
The large clubhouse was opened on June 13, 1964. Since then it has hosted many weddings and charity events in its large dining room. Any outside events have to be sponsored by a member. A patio facility is featured along with the bar and snack area so you can grab a sandwich or beverage between nines. Cold Springs is a private club with 430 propriety family memberships. Memberships become available when a member puts the membership up for sale. Please contact the office for current prices and availability. If you want to be treated extra-special contact Cold Springs Golf & Country for possible membership. Whether you are a single golfer, a married couple looking for your “home course”, or you have a family of golfers, Cold Springs is the club for you! Directions: From Hwy. 50 take the Placerville Rd exit go north., proceed to Cold Springs Rd. go north till you reach Richards Ave., go west on Richards and it will take you to Clubhouse Dr,. 530-622-4567 Tell them D’Vine Wine & Visitors Guide sent you! Cold Springs Golf & Country Club |
