By Rick Rodriguez
Nearly every time I've driven down US 101 I've always gazed at a protruding peak in San Martin, California! It may be in Morgan Hill, the adjacent town about 20 miles south of San Jose; nonetheless, the peak and town of San Martin has always grabbed my attention on my drives down to Carmel/Monterey. On 4/25/09 I discovered my curiosity, I visited the town and the Corde Valle Golf Resort http://www.cordevalle.com/ and now I know why I always wanted to go there!
While I spent little time in San Martin, I did spend the day at Corde Valle and that was plenty and a well invested day. And, it was completely by chance that I got a great price (free!) on a round of golf at one of the best golf courses/resorts in California! The resort has received numerous accolades for its accommodations, golf, and overall experience.
Situated about 20 miles south of San Jose in the Santa Cruz foothills, the resort is perfectly placed in a valley almost created just for a golf course. I was able to get a Birdseye view from my friend's room while enjoying an after round beverage and a fine puro! This is the view from Mark's room! We sat there for a couple hours gazing over and discussing the days round as the sun set past the hills circling the valley and course. While the game of golf is a highlight and sometimes not depending on the score, the camaraderie and friendship is what makes the game so special. And in this case, at just that moment--life was perfect!
There were a couple of golf highlights to brag about and some good drives. But the real treat was the fore caddy (Quinn); a first time experience for me. Not the caddy part, the fore caddy part. This guy was unbelievable in that he not only caddied for us, but would run ahead and find our errant shots landing in some unsuspecting bush yards down the golf course. He was particularly adroit in club selection, reading the wind, and the break on putts; all necessary attributes for caddy acumen!
Mark had an excellent back nine guaranteeing him lunch on me the next time we sit down for a meal. And, my only highlights were hole 8 and 9 where I managed a Birdie and Par (30 foot putt) other than that, I need to find a driving range. Mark, a very capable and avid golfer, observed throughout the day, my tendency to break down at the elbow; and after the round he showed me what he would like me to work on. Let's hope I heed his advice because I need it!
The Corde Valle Golf Resort is a bit on the spendy side. According to Mark, the restaurant serves great food and the hospitality/service is a first class experience. I found the personnel to be customer service oriented and I sensed immediately I was in a special place. The rooms are gorgeous and well appointed. The small yards are perfect for relaxing and admiring a valley that is simply majestic. The birds chirping and a soundless backdrop make this a great place to get away from it all even for a small token of time that was my experience! Under these conditions or a multiple day experience, I suggest that Corde Valle and that interesting little peak off US 101 are more than worthy of a second or third visit! And, I am sure that there is whole lot more that I need to know about San Martin and its peak. Next time, I'll stay a bit longer and play a bit better! Regardless, I know that it will be a day well spent in this part of California!
