It was 30 years ago today that Bella Collina opened it’s initial 9 championship holes, as Pacific Golf Club, making it San Clemente’s only private golf club.
On March 1st, 1988, Pacific Golf Club became the first Gary Player signature course in the West. Designed by the golf legend in the tradition of Scottish seaside links, the 27 championship holes would wind gently through ravines, lakes and natural foliage, while preserving the rugged environment and special character of the land. The course offers all the elements of traditional design, combined with unique variations which provide a challenge to professionals and amateurs alike.
Former founding member, Tom von Gremp, recalled meeting Gary Player on the first day the course opened. Following a golf course boom in the mid 1980’s and after much research, von Gremp chose to join the Gary Player Signature course because he loved the idea of 27 holes, and that Mr. Player named each of the nine hole tracks after the courses that earned him the Caret Jug. Little did von Gremp know, that he would get a little golf lesson from the legend himself that first day as Gary Player was onsite to review the progress of the course. It was a day he would never forget.
We will be celebrating our 30th Anniversary with events and festivities planned throughout the year beginning with a kick-off event the weekend of April 6-8th.
As part of the year long celebration, Bella Collina is offering various membership specials and events including the display of club memorabilia collected over the past 30 years and invite members (both past and present) to share their photos and memories using the hashtag #bella30years.
“Bella is an amazing place and we have some incredible events planned this year to celebrate our anniversary to thank everyone for their loyal support, effort, and patronage over the years.” says General Manager/Superintendent, Jay Pesicka.