CROWN CITY HISTORY: A look back at Coronado's Love of Golf

Crown City History

IN COLLABORATION WITH CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Coronado's Love of Golf

By CAROL PASTOR, CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER

1900, the Hotel del Coronado construction was complete and the City of Coronado was incorporated. Times were changing, lots were being purchased, businesses were opening and development of housing was moving forward. John D. Spreckels now held the controlling interest of the Coronado Beach Company and the Hotel Del. With forward thinking, Mr. Spreckels developed a nine-hole golf course on the dunes where Ocean Boulevard sits today. Golf was an increasingly popular sport across the country at that time, with the U.S. Golf Association forming in 1894. Mr. Spreckels saw the opportunity to attract visitors to the Hotel Del with a space dedicated to the relaxed sport. One ad touted: “Golf can be played at Coronado every day in the year. It is never too cold in winter and never too hot in summer to indulge in this as well as most other sports in Coronado. The golf course of the Coronado Country Club is the best in Southern California; it is three thousand yards in length and quite sporty.”

As development in the city continued, a new course was laid out in the Country Club area, so-called because of the Coronado Country Club, which existed until 1952. By 1912, the course was expanded to an 18-hole site. That was changed once again in 1944, when the Navy needed part of that land for temporary housing during World War II. When the Country Club closed in 1952, the area was developed into a large residential housing site that still exists today.

It wasn’t until 1956 that the city developed the present municipal golf course on Glorietta Bay. The course was laid out to run along the newly developed tideland area, which also follows along Glorietta Boulevard. The highly anticipated new course had many in the community pitching in. Up to 250 palm trees were transplanted from the yards of residents across the village. Construction on the clubhouse was completed in 1957. It included the pro shop, snack bar, restrooms and storage. During opening day, Mayor Coleman Gray happily proceeded with President William Howard Taft plays golf at Coronado Country Club. c. 1915. Coronado Historical Association Collection. the “first drive.” The following year, the Coronado Men’s Golf Club and the Women’s Club were formed.

With spectacular views of the bridge and bay, the Coronado Golf Course became a favorite place to play. John

Ruedi became the head PGA pro for the club in 1965. Many of you who still reside here will remember the days of John Ruedi. He was with us until the 1990s, when he retired in 1995.

The construction of the Coronado Bridge brought forth more changes to the course, including the restructuring of the first nine holes. The clubhouse has also been remodeled several times. The newest club house is bigger and better than ever. It provides more outdoor seating for food service, along with that spectacular view.

The course has been played by many foreign visitors as well as our own presidents; the first being Howard Taft and the most recent, Bill Clinton. Friendly staff members have always graciously helped visiting players obtain dinner reservations, given directions and presented smiling faces. Not a bad way to spend a day on the course in sunny Coronado.

Coronado Country Club & Golf House. 1906.

Golfers on Coronado Golf Course looking west toward the Hotel del Coronado, the Coronado Yacht Club, and the Boat House. 1950s.