2 minute read
Tee it Up: History Beneath your Feet
www.DanvilleLivingCA.com @DanvilleLivingCA #DanvilleLivingCA
By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008
Just a stone’s throw from the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and 90 minutes from Danville, is Sea Scape Golf Course in Aptos, California. This course, designed by Garret & David Gill, opened as the exclusive Rio Del Mar Golf and Country Club in 1926. With the Roaring 20’s, economic prosperity, the Ford Model T, bold fashion and Jazz, I have no doubts that this exclusive Golf and Country Club has it’s stories to tell. All of that came to an end just 13 years later with the beginning of World War II. Most men went off to war, which left fear and sadness in the hearts of those at home.
What could build better morale for Americans during World War II than a Victory Garden? This was a brilliant marketing campaign, by prominent American Agricultural Scientist, George Washington Carver, to boost morale during WWII. Families at home feared for their sons’, brothers’, and fathers’ lives. The government was rationing food and giving food stamps for eggs, milk and cheese. The War Garden or Food Gardens for Defense campaign gave the women and children an opportunity to do something positive for the country they loved. People were encouraged to turn their yards and public spaces into gardens. Not only did this help with the public food supply, it was an empowering way for those at home to help in the war efforts. Victory Gardens were built, tended to, and harvested with great pride. The Rio Del Mar Golf and Country Club was one of the sites that was used as a Victory Garden.
After WWII, the exclusive club (turned Victory Garden), had reopened as Sea Scape Golf Club in 1945. This course has history and stories to tell. The manicured course is lined with Monterey Pines and Eucalyptus trees. The deck of the clubhouse overlooks the 9th and 18th holes, the Pacific Ocean is a magnificent backdrop. Seascape Golf Club is welcoming and offers a challenge to the experienced or novice golfer on it’s 6,034 yard par 71 course.
My youngest daughter played her first 18 holes at Sea Scape just two weeks ago. The weather, the views, the course and playing with my daughter made it a perfect day! Hole 6 is a long par 3 that plays longer than the yardage due to the wind tunnel the landscape creates. The 10th hole is a par 5 that is elevated by about 80 feet and the fairway is very narrow with steep hillsides both on the left and the right. You can see the ocean from the tee box. The Sea Scape Golf Club course is well manicured and loved by all who play it. Maybe it is the history, maybe it is the course, maybe it is the view, or maybe it is the love of sharing your day with your friend, child, parent or spouse. Whatever it is, you will be back to Sea Scape again and again.
Lynne Harrosh is an avid golfer and traveler. Follow her on Facebook & Instagram @TeeItUpTravel to get connected to the best places to golf, golf technology, golf equipment, discounts on green fees, stay & plays, and golf travel - lynneharrosh@me.com
