Sharp Park Images and Thoughts

My Golf World story on Sharp Park looks at the complicated battle over the future of Alister MacKenzie's gem in Pacifica, California. Many points are covered in the story and as you can imagine there is even more to say than I can fit in 2000 words, but I believe the story gets to the essence of this battle to save the place.

To supplement the piece, I thought I'd post a few images to give you a better idea what the property looks like and just how dynamic the MacKenzie vision was for this property.

The opening graphic is courtesy of MacKenziephile Sean Tully, who found this early course rendering in an old newspaper story. While it does not appear to be by MacKenzie's hand, it does appear in a style produced by his firm.  Tom Naccarato took the map and spruced it up, including some credit to designers Egan and Hunter who were a part of the job.

As always, click on the images to enlarge.

Early course rendering showing many of the dynamic design features (Click image to enlarge)

The Angus McSweeney clubhouse was completed by WPA crews (Click image to enlarge)

Wildlife of all types is abundant at Sharp Park (Click to enlarge)

Sharp Park Golf Course viewed from Mori Point (Click image to enlarge)

The approach to No. 2, a MacKenzie green complex screaming for some simple restoration of green size and bunker (Click image to enlarge)

View of the 3rd tee and golfers at Sharp Park. Monterey Cypress were planted by SF park legend John McLarren (Click image to enlarge)

View from behind the 13th tee, a beautiful par-5 with what remains of the Laguna to the left. (Click image to enlarge)

The approach to the 14th features classic MacKenzie mounding and a beautiful deception bunker placed well short of the green to reward drives from the left side (where one of the alternate fairway options was once in play). (Click image to enlarge)

Atop the sea wall with the 16th hole left and the Pacific to the right. (Click image to enlarge)