Source: The Californian (Salinas, Calif.)
King City Golf Course is making a slow but sure recovery from a New Year's Eve flood that left 25 of its 40 acres underwater.
And with just six holes available for play, discounted green and cart fees have turned one man's misery into a real bargain for south Monterey County golfers.
"Fees are down to the bare bones," course manager and club pro Perry Slocum said. "For $5 you can play as many holes as you want. Most people play 12."
Before San Lorenzo Creek ran over its banks, the nine-hole municipal course built by Bob Baldock in 1953 charged $15 to $20 for 18 holes, or $10 to $13 for nine.
The current lineup includes holes No. 1, 2 and 3. A former practice hole is the new No. 4. The old No. 4 became No. 5, and No. 9 reopened March 5 as No. 6.
It might sound makeshift. But the Northern California PGA has already re-rated the course, allowing golfers with established handicaps to continue to post scores from King City. You must play the six holes three times each, for a total of 18, for your score to qualify.
The most challenging hole is the par-4, 245-yard No. 2. San Lorenzo Creek runs the entire length of the hole's right side.
"You either birdie it or get a triple bogey," Slocum said. "For some people it's drivable, but if you pull the ball left you can go out of bounds, and if you push it right, then you're in the water."
Before the flood, this course saw 25,000 rounds per year. That pace fell off, but interest is growing.
"We're getting a lot of people come out and play," Slocum said. "It's fun at that price. And the six holes are in gorgeous condition. The greens are beautiful."
Barring new storm damage, King City Golf Course will have eight of its original nine holes available for play within three months, Slocum said.
The exception is No. 7, a 515-yard par 5 that suffered the most extensive damage - the creek deposited up to 3 feet of mud there.
The hole will take six months to restore.
Restoration work includes the creation of berms to direct runoff from the creek more quickly into the Salinas River.
As of March 5, King City Golf Course faced the possibility of needing a new leaseholder.
Jeff Christensen of Sierra Golf Management had an option to void the lease 60 days after a flood.
King City submitted a restoration plan to SGM, but as of this writing Christensen had not decided whether to remain leaseholder.
"A community group is ready to step in and become the new leaseholder," Slocum said.
