Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club: The Origin of Pro-Am Golf

Golf is more than a sport—it's a lifelong pursuit. For many, including myself, it evolves into a deep passion shaped by history, architecture, and the unique character of each course. I've had the opportunity to play most of Southern California's premier golf venues, and while Los Angeles Country Club and Riviera remain elusive on my personal list, I firmly believe that Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club deserves to be mentioned in the same breath.

Rancho Santa Fe operates quietly, away from the spotlight of international rankings and major television coverage. But make no mistake: this course offers an experience that is every bit as refined and compelling as its more famous counterparts. What sets Rancho apart is its distinctive ambiance. Where else in Southern California can you find equestrian trails winding alongside fairways, with riders passing by as you line up an approach shot? It is an elegant quirk that reflects the community’s character. Membership requires ownership of property within the Covenant of Rancho Santa Fe, creating a sense of seclusion and tradition that is increasingly rare.

Until recently, I had not explored the historical depth of this course. That changed while listening to Mark Frost’s "The Match," a book that dives into the golden era of American golf. In it, I discovered a remarkable chapter in the club's history: the inaugural Bing Crosby Clambake was held here in 1937. This was more than a friendly gathering—it was the birthplace of the Pro-Am format that would come to define a major part of modern golf.

The Birthplace of Pro-Am Golf 

At the time, Bing Crosby was not only one of the most recognized voices in entertainment but also an enthusiastic amateur golfer. A member and resident of Rancho Santa Fe, Crosby envisioned an event where professionals, amateurs, and celebrities could gather in a relaxed setting to celebrate the game.

Each year, Bing would personally curate a private invitation list, handpicking friends from Hollywood, the music industry, and the world of golf. He also took it upon himself to pair the amateurs and professionals, often mixing contrasting personalities to encourage camaraderie. It was golf with a social touch, and it was executed with Crosby's trademark charm.

Some of the notable figures who played in the early Clambake included George Von Elm, Ralph Guldahl, and Bing's close friend and fellow entertainer Phil Harris. Winners of those early tournaments were often top pros of the era, though full archival records are scarce. What mattered more than the trophy was the atmosphere: relaxed, friendly, and slightly irreverent.

At the time, the PGA Tour was still evolving, and professional golfers were not yet the media darlings they would become. There was notable friction between the professional and amateur ranks, with the USGA clinging to strict definitions of amateurism and the PGA focused on establishing a sustainable professional circuit. Bing’s Clambake bridged that divide—placing elite professionals and entertainers side by side, playing not for purses but for fun and pride.

Crosby’s influence extended well beyond the fairways. He was also a co-founder of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, where his presence helped elevate the track into a nationally recognized venue. He famously greeted racegoers at the gates on opening day in 1937, a moment that captured his dual passion for sport and showmanship. Rancho Santa Fe and the greater San Diego area benefited greatly from his charisma and investment.

From Rancho to Pebble Beach 

Although World War II interrupted the annual event, Crosby revived it in 1947, relocating it to Pebble Beach. There, the Clambake evolved into what is now the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, one of the most celebrated events on the PGA Tour. Yet the origins of that beloved format—professionals paired with amateurs and celebrities in a spirited environment—trace directly back to the tranquil fairways of Rancho Santa Fe.

Today, the pro-am model is a fixture in professional golf, used in tournaments around the globe. But its blueprint was drawn in San Diego County, under the direction of a man whose passion for the game helped bridge the gap between tour professionals and the public.

A Living Legacy 

To play Rancho Santa Fe today is to engage with that legacy. While the clubhouse has seen updates and the equipment in our bags may be different, the club's essence remains unchanged. The course is understated, but meticulously maintained. The setting is serene, yet alive with tradition. It is easy to see why Crosby chose this venue to launch what would become a cultural touchstone in golf.

Origins of the Course 

Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club was originally designed by Max Behr, one of the lesser-known but deeply respected figures in early 20th-century golf architecture. Behr was an advocate for naturalism in design, believing that a course should follow the contours of the land rather than impose geometry upon it. Rancho Santa Fe, completed in 1929, reflects those ideals. Its routing is understated but clever, with greens that are subtly contoured and fairways that invite strategic decision-making.

Behr's work was influenced by the Golden Age of golf architecture, and his ideas predated many of the minimalist design philosophies that gained popularity decades later. The course doesn’t shout for attention, but it rewards thoughtful play and repeated rounds. Interestingly, Rancho Santa Fe was also an early host of the California State Open in the 1930s, cementing its place among the West Coast's competitive venues even before the Clambake came to town.

There are stories, too. It's said that Bobby Jones made informal visits to Rancho Santa Fe during its early years, and that Crosby himself would often play music from a nearby portable radio as he teed off—something that must have startled the more conservative club members.

There is a quiet dignity to Rancho Santa Fe, and for those who appreciate the game beyond scorecards and rankings, that dignity speaks volumes. It is not merely a course; it is a reminder that golf, at its best, is about community, history, and the joy of walking where legends once did.

So when the conversation turns to California's greatest courses, remember to include Rancho Santa Fe. Not just for its architectural merit or pristine conditions, but for its role in shaping one of golf's most enduring traditions. This is where the Pro-Am was born. And it is where the soul of the game still echoes, quietly and profoundly.