Monarch Dunes Set to Open

Monarch Dunes Golf Club, the first 18-hole golf course constructed within The Woodlands – a large master-planned community in California’s Central Coast – will open for public play on January 1, 2006.

Located in the southern end of San Luis Obispo County in Nipomo, the par-71 layout introduces links-style golf to California’s wine country. Surrounded by windswept dunes, coastal vistas and tawny hillsides, Monarch Dunes represents the handiwork of El Dorado Hills-based architect Damian V. Pascuzzo of Graves & Pascuzzo. PGA Tour professional Steve Pate contributed to the project as a design consultant.

“Monarch Dunes is a monumental first step in the evolution of this development,” said project owner and developer John Scardino. “The course is reminiscent of the links layouts found in Scotland and Ireland, making for a truly unique and unspoiled golf experience.”

Ultimately, The Woodlands will boast 45 golf holes – two 18-hole regulation tracks and a nine-hole executive course – in addition to a clubhouse and driving range, 1,320 homes, a shopping center, business park and full-service resort.

KemperSports was named development consultant in April 2004 when construction began and has since assumed operations management for the upscale, public facility.

“We look forward to introducing this unique destination to the golf world in January and providing first-rate service to our guests,” said KemperSports’ Matt Kalbak, who was appointed general manager of Monarch Dunes and will oversee the golf shop and restaurant, which features an outdoor deck overlooking the first and ninth holes.

During the first two months of operation, the course will accommodate only 80 rounds a day. For more information about Monarch Dunes Golf Club, call 805/343-9459 or visit http://www.monarchdunesgolf.com.