Cheers to 30 Years!

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.  

Bella Collina to Host Golf Fundraiser for Shark Attack Victim

Bella Collina has partnered with the Camp Pendleton USMC's School of Infantry (West) to host a golf tournament fundraiser in support of recent Shark Attack Victim, Leeanne Ericson. The golf tournament will take place on Monday, June 5th at 1:00pm. Register by calling Mr. Dittamo at (760) 725-7807 or via email: michael.dittamo@usmc.mil. Free Green Fees with a minimum donation of $25.00 (for military/uniformed personnel) and $50.00 for non-military.

Finding that Perfect Romance Between Cigar and Spirit!

The cigar culture is alive and thriving here at Bella Collina. Some would say no activity pairs better with a good smoke than a day out on the links. But when it comes to pairing your favorite cigar with a Wine, Beer or Spirit, some don’t know where to begin.

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I like to tell people who are pairing drinks with cigars to simply match the body of the beverage to the body of the cigar. For example, a light-bodied cigar will go well with some white wines, young reds like Pinot Noir or blended scotches. Medium-bodied smokes are great with Craft Beers like IPAs and Stouts, or Irish Whiskeys, Scotch, spiced Rums, American bourbons, Cognac and Ports. Full-bodied smokes are a perfect match with Peaty Islay and heavier Highland Single Malts, or a dense Bordeaux Blend.

Pairing cigars with wines and spirits is just one part of the equation. Cocktails can make for great pairings, too. Try a Mojito or Moscow Mule with a light cigar and see where it takes you. A Tequila Sunrise with a nice oaky Anejo Tequila might really surprise your taste buds when paired with a sweet wrapper like a Maduro.

In the end, your taste is the final judge as to what works. If the two complement each other and nothing is over-powered you have yourself a match! Have fun testing out different smoke and drink combinations and develop your own perfect pairings.