The Catalina Express eases away from the mainland, with golf clubs in tow, for a 75-minute ride to Santa Catalina Island.
Popular for family getaways and romance for more than a century, Catalina’s pleasures aren’t limited to its ease of access, imbibing ways and rhythmic waters, because the 76-square-mile destination is also home to the oldest golf course in California, a nine-hole track in Avalon that local historians have deemed the oldest course west of the Rockies and perhaps the Mississippi.
Founded as a three-hole play in 1892 by island owners the Banning Brothers, the Catalina Island Golf Course expanded to nine holes two years later. In 1919, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. purchased the island, and Catalina remains in the family name to this day.
“The greens were oiled sand and the problem, even back then, was the lack of water,” said Michele Bestudik, historian and film liaison for Santa Catalina Island Company. “When Mr. Wrigley came along in 1919, he eventually added grass to the course and then expanded play to 18 holes.”
Shortly after his purchase, Wrigley’s Chicago Cubs began a three-decade run of spring training on the island during a time that coincided with the Bobby Jones Golf Invitational from 1931-1955.
“He was always here and very much a part of the tournament,” Bestudik said of Jones’ island presence, a history that can be seen in the original trophy depicting Jones on display in the course clubhouse.
Though the World War II years saw the grounds fall into disrepair and return to a nine-hole play, the course is soon to recognize a half-century hosting its Santa Catalina Island Junior Championship, a tournament that attracts full fields and has included players such as Tiger Woods, Amy Alcott, Craig Stadler, John Cook and Corey Pavin.
Today, the 2,100 yards of comfortable play and its two sets of tees (for players who want to go around twice) continue to see regular rounds from the island’s 3,800 locals, and Catalina’s visitors (about 1 million annually) can now enjoy the grounds with the prospect of an enhanced, post-round pamper.
“We have a great many activities and packages we offer on the island, but we thought that a spa and golf idea really went hand-in-hand,” said Andrew Welham, general manager of tours and activities for the Santa Catalina Island Company. “And we’ve already started to see it become very popular for golfing couples.”
The Golf & Spa package (visitcatalinaisland.com) is well timed for the holiday gift list. Along with a round of golf for two, the deal includes two $150 credits at Island Spa Catalina, which opened in late 2014. In addition, the deal covers round-trip transportation for two on the Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer and an overnight at the cozy Pavilion Hotel situated mere steps from the ocean.
A post-round rub of particular note is a Sports Massage that focuses on deep muscle recovery and tension relief. After round and rub, check out the Pavilion’s wine and cheese hour and the dining scene just a quick stroll from the hotel. At Avalon Grille, seasonal servings and American classics are paired with a nice wine list and upscale surrounds. Across the street at Bluewater Grille, grab a patio spot overlooking the water and enjoy fresh catch brought to the plate from the restaurant’s fishermen.
In city life, 26 miles might not very far. But in island life, the stretch of ocean between Southern California and Catalina has a habit of washing stress away and packing it up, at least for the extent of your journey.
