If you’re a golfer, the Monterey Peninsula is an absolute sanctuary. From world famous Pebble Beach to Old Del Monte golf course – the oldest course west of the Mississippi – the history is rich. The understated Pacific Grove Golf Links and classic Monterey Pines offer more affordable rates for golfers, and I recently discovered a fantastic alternative to this category that I wanted to share.

Laguna Seca Golf Ranch is located about 8 miles inland via Highway 68 from Monterey. Robert Trent Jones was the architect with over 500 courses under his belt worldwide. It has beautiful undulating hills, challenging negotiations with water, trees, and sand, and a wonderful natural grass practice facility.

This course happens to have some fantastic membership programs where, at the time of making this post, just a few buckets of balls at the range per month will cover the fees, let alone playing a full round or two. Laguna Seca Golf Ranch is worth a look if you’ve been considering a golf membership without much of a barrier to entry. It’s late November now, and the weather here is just perfect!