A welcomed winter rain twists and turns around our feet as we make our way up the steps from the greens to the lodge. No, it’s not a lodge, but that’s what best describes the clubhouse. Its exposed wood and log beams give it a feel like a ski resort. Only a few days before, snow blanketed the golf course, welcoming families from all over the mountain to come and play in a winter wonderland. Inside, people warmed their cold fingers with hot cocoa or lunch in front of the club’s open fire pit. See, a lodge, right?
Today, the snowstorm has turned into a rainstorm outside the clubhouse. Inside, the same warm fire greets us, beckoning us to come closer, and we do. It’s near closing time, and most patrons have already come and gone except for a few locals sitting at tables. A television screen flashes pictures at the end of the bar. We find a spot near the fire and are soon greeted by our waitress. We order a beer and my usual, a Bloody Mary. I know when I find a good one—not too salty and the horseradish is just right. At the bar stands Eddie Mullins, owner and visionary of all that is Adams Springs. Before too long, he makes his way to our table like he always does to greet us.
“Hi Eddie,” we smile. Eddie’s always happy to chat.
“You know I grew up here,” he says. In fact, he spent his childhood summers in Loch Lomond about a half-mile down the road in the cabin next door to ours. He’s come to the Cobb Mountain area since he was a child. Neighbors still tell us stories of “the Mullins boys.”
But Eddie’s all grown up now and eagerly walks us over to a painting done by a local artist of the old clubhouse. “This is the clubhouse that burned in the Valley Fire,” he says, pointing at the painting. After the fire, only a trailer stood for several years until Eddie had the vision to build a new clubhouse/lodge. It’s a beautiful place, built mainly with local wood. We admire the beauty of the rough-cut pine marbled with shades of dark.
“All the wood on the walls came from one tree in Edie’s Resort in Loch Lomond,” he says, looking at the live-edge wood. Do you see the streaks? That’s pine beetle damage. They used to call it junk wood. Now they charge a premium for it!” Eddie laughs.
“And those pillars?” Eddie continues, pointing at the four large tree trunks holding up the center of the building. “That one came off the fifth fairway, and the other one came off the first.”
Eddie’s on a roll now and eagerly shares the details of his vision. Building the lodge was a family affair. One of his sons worked as the general contractor, another did the plumbing, and a nephew did all the electrical.
“Did you see the bar,” he asks? “That came from Mariah Meadows. You know where that is?” Of course, we do. It’s a hop, skip, and a jump from our place, but everyone we know calls it Salmina Meadows.
Mid-conversation Eddie turns his eyes towards our table. “Looks like your food came; better leave you to it.” There sits our tri-tip sandwich, fries and bowl of clam chowder begging our attention. The steak is tender and juicy in its sauce, just like you would expect. The fries are crisp to perfection with a flavor that takes me back to childhood eating fries at the local Dairy Queen.
“What’s the secret to these fries?” I ask our waitress.
“I don’t know; I think it’s the seasoning he uses,” she smiles. “And their steak fries are good, too!” I leave the secret ingredient alone and enjoy another. David enjoys his clam chowder, a comfort food, rich creaming and topped with oyster crackers.
Eddie walks to the fire pit and adds another log. The flames crackle and grow. Outside, the wind blows sheets of rain against the spacious windows. Inside, all is warm and well in this small oasis on Cobb Mountain.
Adam Springs is a must-visit for anyone who lives in Lake County. It’s a destination any time of year, whether you golf or not. It’s a place truly away from it all.
Adams Springs Golf Course
14347 Snead Ct, Cobb, CA 95426
(707) 928-9992
Hours vary. Call ahead before you visit.
