Lockford Springs Golf Course is located in: Lodi, CA

Phone: 209-772-1081

Website: http://www.lockefordsprings.com

Course History:

This course was designed by Jim Summers and Sandy Tatum and quickly became a favorite of golfers from the entire bay area. The course is well suited to players of all levels and is challenging enough to give a pro a great round of golf.

What You Need to Know:

This is definitely a full service golf course and the practice facilities are unmatched. The grill is also top notch as well as the pro shop. You can really make a great afternoon of it here and have a lot of fun while you’re at it. The course is home to numerous events and tournaments throughout the year and it is easy to see why.

You can register your tee time by calling the number above or you can use their online registration system. We recommend checking their website often as they usually have specials or giveaways every month. It is a good idea to register your tee time around two weeks in advance since this is a popular course.

We recommend wearing traditional golf attire such as a collared shirt and slacks when golfing here. They do observe PGA rules so you’ll want to be on your best behavior at this course. We also recommend soft spikes so it’s a good idea to change out your metal ones before you arrive.

Playing Hints:

The main issue with this course for many players are the hidden water hazards. It’s difficult to know where they are until you are right on top of them so you will want to play with caution at least the first time around. This is a championship links course so expect to deal with sloping greens, changes in elevation in the fairways and numerous hazards along the way.

The only holes that do not have a water hazard are the seventh, ninth, third and seventeenth holes. That doesn’t mean they are easy however. Most have narrow fairways, so you’re going to want to avoid the rough at all costs. With most holes, your best bet is to really hit it off the tee as straight as possible. The one exception would be the fifth hole where you are going to want to hit it to the left to avoid the rough. The eighteenth hole also has a severe dog leg filled with rough, so it’s best to go as left as you can on this hole as well.

Fees:

How to get there:

View Larger Map
From Sacramento

Hwy 99 South to Hwy 12 East.

8 miles east on 12 to Hwy 88.

Turn right on 88.

1/2 mile south on the left.

From Stockton

Hwy 99 North to Kettleman Lane.

8 miles east on Kettleman to Hwy 88.

Turn left on 88.

1/2 mile on the right.

Related Articles

• Adam Springs Golf Course, Loch Lomond, CA

• Crystal Springs Golf Course, Burlingame, CA

• La Contenta Golf Course, Valley Springs, CA

• Crystal Springs Golf Course

• Too Much Golf?

Phone Number: (559) 642-1343

Website: http://www.sierrameadows.com

Course History:

Sierra Meadows has long been considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in California and with good reason. The fairways are lined with enormous oaks and the overall feel is very tranquil. The course recently underwent a multimillion dollar makeover and the fairways and greens were all rebuilt. This course has a reputation of being suitable for novice players while still being challenging enough for professionals.

What You Need to Know:

You can book your tee time online or by calling the number above. They frequently run specials on their site so we recommend checking there before you book your time to take advantage of them. However, this is a very economical course even without discounts.

The pro shop is stocked incredibly well and features gifts and merchandise for all golfers. The on-site restaurant is one of the best in the area and is open for lunch every day. It is frequently booked for private events and they are known for their delicious soups and sandwiches.

Although the course does not specifically state that there is a dress code, we recommend traditional golf attire. It is also best to change out any metal spikes for soft ones, since most of the courses in this area do have a soft spike rule. Lessons are available from the resident pro and are reasonably priced.

Playing Hints:

This is a terrific course that offers enough of a challenge without being terribly intimidating. The first hole gets you started off right with a severe dogleg. We recommend keeping to the right. Watch out for their signature oak tree in the middle of the fairway at the curve.

The fifth hole is known as their signature hole and it is a challenging par three. You’ll be playing across the water so try to hit a long tee shot to make the green in one. However, be careful of the bunkers that surround the green.

The tenth hole will take a while to master. It has a slight dogleg, but danger is present on all sides. Go too far to the right and you’ll end up out of bounds. Too far to the left and you’ll end up in the creek. We recommend playing this one conservatively until you get the hang of it.

The sixteenth hole also features a hazard that runs the entire left side of the fairway. You’ll need to drive a little bit right of center to avoid it. Keep in mind that there are some severe bunkers around the green. It’s the perfect spot to work on your chip shots.

View Larger Map

Green Fees:

All green fees include a cart fee, except “Walking Golfer” prices.

Weekday Green Fees Monday - Thursday

18 Holes 9 Holes

Regular $34.00 $20.00

Senior $29.00 $18.00

Junior $15.00 $15.00

Cart $15.00 $10.00

Twilight w/cart $30.00 $30.00

(Call for start times)

Weekend Green Fees Friday - Sunday

18 Holes 9 Holes

Regular $39.00 $22.00

Senior $34.00 $20.00

Junior $15.00 $7.50

Cart $15.00 $8.00

Related Articles

• Chardonnay Meadows Vineyards Golf Course

• Mountain Springs Golf Course, Sonora, CA

• Chardonnay Lakes Meadow Golf Course

Laguna Seca is located in Monterey, CA

Phone: (831) 373-3701

Website: http://www.lagunasecagolf.com/sites/courses/view.asp?id=292&page=6005

Course History:

This course first opened in 1970 and was designed by Robert Trent Jones. It was instantly one of the most popular courses in the area and it is easy to see why. By combining great value with challenging play the course has managed to stay current and keep offering players of all skill levels a terrific round of golf.

What You Need to Know:

You can book your tee time online or by calling the number listed above. We highly recommend booking in advance since this is a popular course. Check their website for their frequent special offers as well as their promotion to win a free round of golf.

The golf shop is truly top quality and the restaurant is reason enough to make the trip in itself. This course does allow walking and they aren’t as strict on pace of play, so if you enjoy a relaxing round of golf at your own pace, this is a great course to visit.

Although the course does specifically state that there is a dress code, we recommend traditional golf attire and soft spikes.

Playing Hints:

As the course management states, you will need to use every single club in your bag to finish this course. It offers a true challenge for many players without being terribly intimidating. However, you may want to take advantage of their special natural grass practice area before heading out on the course, just to get a feel of what you’ll be facing.

The bunkers are the biggest hazards on the course and some greens are virtually surrounded by them. You’ll really need to work on accuracy, especially on hole second, fourth and fifth holes. Most of the holes are straightforward but they are peppered with bunkers throughout the fairway, so use caution from the tee and really try to stay in the center of the fairway.

The fifteenth hole offers quite a challenge with some major water hazards as well as the notorious bunker. We recommend a long drive to reach the end of the first fairway, followed by a three wood to get across the creek and avoid the rough to get to the second fairway. From there you should have a clear shot to the green.

View Larger Map

Course Fees:

Related Articles

• No related posts

Cherry Island Golf Course is located in: Elverta, CA

Phone: 916-991-7293

Website: http://www.empiregolf.com/empire/cherryisland

Course History:

Robert Muir Graves, one of the most celebrated course archtitects today designed this course in 1990. It has become an area favorite with most golfers and offers just the right level of challenging play for golfers of all skill levels. The course is lush and scenic and is a great place to relax and get away from it all. It is tucked away, so we included directions on how to get to the course below.

What You Need to Know:

This is truly a full service golf course with a great grill, pro shop and lessons. The practice facility is terrific and offers numerous opportunities to improve on your game. This is a public course but we still recommend wearing appropriate golf attire.

You can register your tee time by calling the number above, but you may want to check out their website as they post frequent specials to save on their already reasonable green fees.

Playing Hints:

Water hazards are plentiful here and there are a few that are quite tricky. The first hole is clear of these but the sharp dog leg will definitely test your skills. The third, fourth, sixth and seventh holes all feature large lakes, so you’ll want to try to be as accurate as possible on your tee shots.

The thirteenth hole is bisected by a creek, so you’ll need to watch your tee shot here. Some players may prefer to hit it short and then iron over the creek to be on the safe side. The eighteenth hole is no gimme and meanders along with plenty of rough patches to keep you guessing. This one will take some time to master, but you should be able to birdie it with practice.This is a long course so we really recommend making use of a cart unless you are in tip top shape.

Fees:

How to Get There:

View Larger Map

Cherry Island Golf Course is conveniently located 20 minutes from downtown Sacramento, California with easy access off I- 80 and Highway 99

From Highway 99 - take the Elverta Road exit east for approximately seven miles to 2360 Elverta Road.

From Interstate 80 - take Watt Avenue North turn left on Elverta Road and proceed one mile to 2360 Elverta Road.

Related Articles

• Bethel Island Golf Course, Bethel Island, CA

• Mare Island Golf Course

• Antelope Green Golf Course, Antelope, CA

• Pebble Beach Golf Course - The Links at Spanish Bay

• McInnis Park Golf Club, San Rafael, CA

Phone Number: 209-962- 8620

Website: http://www.pinemountainlake.com

Course History:

This gorgeous course was designed by William Bell and has been rated as a top course by Golf Digest. One look and you’ll know why it has received so many accolades. The area has more than 300 days of sun every year and the course offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. It’s a bit hilly, so we do recommend taking advantage of a cart.

What You Need to Know:

There is a dress code at Pine Mountain. Men are asked to wear collared shirts and appropriate trousers. Denim pants or shorts, swim trunks and sweats are not allowed. For women, tank tops are not allowed, and if a shirt is sleeveless, it must have 4″ wide straps. Denim pants and shorts are not allowed, but women may wear tee shirts on the course. In addition, short shorts are prohibited.

Tee times can be booked by calling the number listed above. We recommend reserving your slot a few days in advance since this is a popular course. Special guest rates are available, please check with the pro shop for more information.

Speaking of the pro shop it is very well stocked and the on site restaurant is fantastic. This is a terrific place to spend an afternoon. Lessons are available as well as special clinics throughout the year and the pros here are very helpful.

Playing Hints:

The holes here are very straightforward and the main issue are the trees. They line the fairways and in some cases, sit smack dab in the middle of the fairway. You’ll really need to work on having long accurate drives to get under par at this course. The level of play is suitable for pros or novices and although it can take some time to maste the course, it is well worth it.

View Larger Map

Green Fees:

Carts are mandatory for all golfers on major holiday weekends until twilight. Cart rates are based on 1/2 cart per round or 1 person per round.

*Twilight begins at 2pm, 3pm or 4pm depending on the season. Please call the PML Golf Pro Shop at 209/962- 8620 for details.

Golf Membership Annual Individual Rates

Related Articles

• Incline Village - Mountain Golf Course

• Incline Golf Course - Championship Course

• Apple Mountain Golf Course, Camino, CA

• Mountain Springs Golf Course, Sonora, CA

• US Amateur Golf Championship at The Olympic Club

Phone Number: 866-475-2525

Website: http://www.pheasantrungolfclub.com

Course History:

This is a beautiful course that is very well liked among the locals as well as travelers. It is considered to be one of the most well maintained courses in California and their unique blend of fairway grasses stay green nearly all year round. The course management really keeps everything running quite well here and the fairways are always well trimmed and sculpted. The greens are a bit fast here, but that just adds to the challenge.

What You Need to Know:

This course offers a unique feature with a special GPS unit that can assist you with yardage and more while you play. It’s a reasonably cheap addon and we highly recommend taking advantage of it. Tee times are available to be booked online or by phone. They run frequent drawings to win a free round of golf and specials are updated monthly on their site. We recommend checking back with them often to save off their already low cost green fees.

Lessons are available from the onsite pros and they offer several levels of instruction. The course is located near a special RV park and also sits near some prime real estate that has been integrated with the course. If you’re an avid golfer, this is a great place to set up a home.

The Putter’s Bistro and Pub is worth the trip alone and has become very popular even among those who do not golf. They frequently cater special events in the area and it is easy to see why. The food here is simply fantastic. The pro shop is very well stocked and has all the latest merchandise and brands.

The practice facility is top notch and features a driving range, putting green as well as an area to work on your chip shots. These facilities are also very well maintained and very popular. The course does offer special memberships if you are a frequent visitor and we recommend taking advantage of the savings.

Playing Hints:

This is a great course that is challenging enough for pros while being a good fit for novice players. The holes are pretty straightforward and the water hazards are challenging without being intimidating. You’ll need to work on your long drives to get the best score here, but don’t forget your green skills either. You’re definitely going to need them if you want to stay under par.

Green Fees:

18-Hole Green Fees Weekdays Weekends/Holidays

Regular $32 $49

Seniors $22 $37

Juniors (17 & under) $19 $25

Mid-Day Rate $22 $37

Twilight (4 hrs before sunset) $12 $27

Golf Cart (per person charge) $13 $13

Players Club Members $28 includes cart $40 includes cart

Cart Fees are $13 per player, single rider rate is $18.

$5 per player for optional GPS yardage system. Rates subject to change.

Directions

View Larger Map

Pheasant Run Golf club is located at the intersection of Highways 99 and

Roberson Blvd, centrally located from anywhere in the Valley and only 75 miles from Yosemite National Park.

Related Articles

• No related posts

Phone Number: (805) 343-1214

Website: http://www.blacklake.com/

Course History:

This course is actually three nine hole courses in one, so you’ll have the rate opportunity of being able to change up your game. This is one of the few 27 hole courses in the area and it’s well worth the drive. Most players prefer to start with their “Lakes and Canyons” layout and then move to the more difficult configurations after they get the hang of the course.

What You Need to Know:

Tee times can be registered online or by calling the number listed above. This is a busy course so we recommend reserving your time a few days in advance to make sure you get the slot you want. Numerous specials are posted on their website throughout the month, and you can save quite a bit on your green fees by taking advantage of them.

The bar and grill is open for lunch and also provides catering services. This is a great place to relax after a round of golf and the food is spectacular. The pro shop is well stocked and carries just about anything you could ever need. It’s a great place for gift shopping for the golfers on your list.

Numerous tournaments are held here throughout the year and since this is a championship course, play can be a little difficult at times. However, most players find that it is just challenging enough without being terribly intimidating. The course does stipulate that no ice chests are allowed on the course and any alcoholic beverages on the course should be purchased through the bar and grill.

They do not specify a dress code, but traditional golf attire is the norm for both men and women. We also recommend soft spikes. You can get the full list of course rules from the pro shop.

Playing Hints:

Although there are numerous water hazards and bunkers to deal with, most of the holes are pretty straightforward. The Oaks course has the straightest fairways but they are a bit long. The Canyon course is a little more complicated and more compact. It features some great water hazards and the play here is challenging. You’ll need to have a really good short game for many of these holes.

The Lakes course is challenging and although the holes are a bit short, you’ll have plenty of chances to practice your chip shots and putting. The greens here are a bit fast according to some players, so you’ll need to get some practice in ahead of time.

View Larger Map

Green Fees:

WEEKDAY GREEN FEES

January-December

18 Regular $56

Senior (62 & over) $48

Twilight* $40

9-Holes (Before 8am & after 3pm) $20

WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS

January-December

18 Regular $70

Senior (62 & over) $58

Twilight* $50

9-Holes (Before 8am & after 3pm) $25

* Call for twilight times & restrictions.

CARTS

18 Holes $17 per player

9 Holes $14 per player

Pull Cart 18 $6

Pull Cart 9 $3

Spectator Fee $12

MISCELLANEOUS

Club Rent 18 $30

Club Rent 9 $20

*All rentals include a sleeve of Titleist NXT Golf Balls

Demo Club Rental $40

Brand Names: Call

Related Articles

• Phoenix Lake Golf Course, Sonora, CA

• US Amateur Golf Championship at The Olympic Club

• The Olympic Club Course Changes

• Incline Golf Course - Championship Course

• Stone Tree Golf Club

CordeValle is located in San Martin, CA

Phone: 408.695.4500

Website: http://www.bouldercreekgolf.com/golf/proto/bouldercreekgolf/

Course History:

This is one of the most prestigious courses in California that has received numerous accolades. They include:

Condé Nast Traveler - #13 Golf Resort Worldwide

Golf Digest - #2 Golf Resort in California, #11 Golf Resort in North America

Gary Gaylean’s The Golf Letter - International Top 20

Golfweek - America’s Best Resort Golf Courses

Links - Reader’s Choice: California

Golf Digest Index - America’s 50 Best Modern Golf Clubs

Designed by Robert Trent Jones, who was given free reign, this is definitely not a course for the faint of heart. This is championship level playing at its best, and although it costs a pretty penny to play here, this is one course that should definitely be included in the list of courses to play before you die. It’s well worth the fee for the experience alone.

What You Need to Know:

This is a course where you will definitely need to be on your best behavior. Traditional golf attire only, no cutoffs or denim are allowed. The pro shop is as you would expect, exceptional and the practice facilities are spectacular. The restaurant offers the best in cuisine and has a wonderful atmosphere for relaxing after your game.

There is a youth golf program at the course, as well as a caddie internship program that has produced some of the finest and most well paid caddies in the state.

Overall, for the money, this is still one of the best courses in California.

View Larger Map

Playing Hints:

This is a very long course with over 7,000 yards and some pretty high elevations. Walking is encouraged however, so you won’t need to worry quite as much about the speed of play. There aren’t too many water hazards and although the bunkers are extreme, if your aim is good they should not present too much of a problem. The key to getting through this course is pacing yourself and mastering the art of the accurate long drive.

Most of the holes are very straightforward and there are only a few doglegs that can be surmounted by simply paying attention and aiming in the correct direction. The main challenge is definitely the rolling nature of the course and it is easy to lose sight of where you are aiming if you find yourself at the bottom of one of the main valleys on the course. Patience is also key since this is a course that cannot be mastered with one round of golf.

Course Fees:

Resort Guest cart & forecaddie*

18 holes $390

9 holes $230

Resort Guest walking caddie (double bag)*

18 holes $400

9 holes $230

Resort Guest walking caddie (single bag)*

18 holes $420

9 holes $242

* Price includes minimum tip for caddie

Rates are subject to change without notice. All guests are required to walk the course prior to 9 a.m. each morning. Exclusive rates and tee times are available for members and their guests only.

Related Articles

• Pebble Beach Golf Course - The Links at Spanish Bay

• Pebble Beach Golf Course - Spyglass Hill Course

• Pebble Beach Golf Course - Del Monte Course

• Apple Mountain Golf Course, Camino, CA

• Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Golf Course, Sonoma, CA

Boulder Creek Golf Course is located in Boulder Creek, CA

Phone: (831) 338-2121

Website: http://www.bouldercreekgolf.com/golf/proto/bouldercreekgolf/

Course History:

This incredibly beautiful course is located in a very remote area (we’ve included directions below) but it is well worth the trip. The course is challenging enough for a pro while not being to intimidating for a novice player. First opened in 1961, this became one of the top places to play golf in the area. The course is nestled amidst pine trees and redwoods and features some of the most beautiful lakes in California.
This is a full service course and you can even rent a condo on site if you fall in love with it. The pro shop is very well stocked and there are also tennis and swimming facilities so the whole family can enjoy the outing.

What You Need to Know:

You can book your tee time online or by calling the number listed above. We recommend checking their site often since they frequently post online only specials. Numerous events and tournaments are held throughout the year here and the course is popular. We recommend reserving your tee time well in advance to get the slot you want.

This is one of the few “No soft spike” facilities. Please wear metal spikes while playing this course. There is a dress code and all players are required to wear collared shirts. Please leave the denim and cutoffs at home.

The Ironwood Restaurant at the course features some of the highest rated cuisine in California and it is well worth the trip alone. Overall, this is a very family friendly course that packs high class amenities in a reasonably priced package.

Playing Hints:

This can be a tough course at times, thanks to its rolling terrain. We highly recommend getting a cart to make it a lot easier to traverse the course. If not, you’d better be good at hiking. The holes are all pretty straightforward, but there may be times when it is difficult to see the green. Long drives are necessary if you want to make the Par 65 a reality.

Course Fees:

Greens Fees Monday-Thursday Friday Weekends/Holidays
Regular $23.00 $27.00 $42.00
First Twilight $19.00 $19.00 $29.00
Second Twilight $17.00 $17.00 $25.00
Third Twilight $15.00 $15.00 $17.00
Seniors* $19.00 — –
Juniors** $8.00 — –

How to Get There:

View Larger Map

From Santa Cruz
Head North on the CA-17N to San Jose/Oakland
Take the Mt Hermon Road exit, and continue on Mt Hermon Road
Bear Right and head toward Graham Hill Road, then bear Right on Graham Hill Road
Bear Right at CA-9 (go 6 miles into Boulder Creek), and turn Left on Big Basin Way (proceed 3.2 miles to golf course)

From Saratoga
Take the CA-17S to Santa Cruz
Bear Right onto the Bear Creek Road
Turn Left at Bear Creek Road (go 12 miles into Boulder Creek)
Turn Left at CA-9, and turn Right at Big Basin Highway (proceed 3.2 miles to golf course)

Related Articles

• Poplar Creek Golf Course

• Diablo Creek Golf Course

• Coyote Creek Golf Club

• Boundary Oak Golf Course

• Mountain Springs Golf Course, Sonora, CA

Vinter’s Golf Club is Located in Yountville, CA

Phone: (707) 944-1992

Website: http://www.vintersgolfclub.com

Course History:

This is one of the most popular courses in Napa Valley and with good reason. This is a pleasant nine hole course that is still challenging without sacrificing fun. It became an instant favorite among locals and continues winning accolades to this day.

The course was designed by Casey O’Callaghan and opened in 1998. Since then, it has been redesigned and the play is more exciting than ever. The new design made it appealing for players of all skill levels and the course is known for its incredible greens.

What You Need to Know:

You can book your tee time by calling ahead at the number listed above or by using their online system. Keep an eye on their website since they frequently post specials. Their overall low prices are already hard to beat, and the specials are even better.

The Lakeside Grill offers an incredible lunch with old fashioned favorites like grilled hamburgers. They also have a few more sophisticated items on the menu, but everyone should try the burgers at least once. The pro shop is well stocked and overall, you would think this is a much bigger course than it is.

Playing Hints:

There are a few water hazards on the course, but nothing that should cause too many problems for most players. Unless you have an inordinately bad hook or slice, these should not pose a problem. The bunkers however are a whole other issue. Even though the course is short, you’ll get plenty of chances to work on your short game by trying to avoid these traps.

The first hole has a sharp left to get to the green and can be tricky to play. We recommend going to the right on your drive so that you have a better line to the green. The fourth hole is a short par three that is still challenging thanks to the tricky green here. Eight can be a bit tough due to the rough, so you’ll want to try to get as close to the green as possible with your tee shot. In order to get to the ninth green, you’ll need to stay first towards the middle of the fairway and then go right.

View Larger Map

Course Fees:

9-Hole Green Fees Mon. - Thurs. Fri. - Sun. & Holidays

Non Residence $25.00 $35.00

Napa Valley Resident/Senior $20.00 $30.00

VGSC Members $18.00 $25.00

Early Bird before 7:00 a.m. $12.00 NA

Twilight after 4 p.m. $16.00 $20.00

18-Hole Green Fees Mon. - Thurs. Fri. - Sun. & Holidays

Non Resident $35.00 $45.00

Napa Valley Resident/Senior $30.00 $40.00

VGSC Members $26.00 $35.00

Twilight after 2:00 P $22.00 $25.00

Cart/Club Rental

9-Hole Golf Cart Single Rider - $10.00 Two Riders - $20.00

18-Hole Golf Cart Fee Single Rider - $13.00 Two Riders - $26.00

Pull Cart $5.00 9-Holes $8.00 18-Holes

Golf Club Rental $25.00

Range Balls Tokens Cost Cost per Token

51 1 $5.00 $5.00

204 4 $18.00 $4.50

510 10 $40.00 $4.00

Related Articles

• I Can’t Believe I Turned Down Golf At Olympic Club

• US Amateur Golf Championship at The Olympic Club

• Saratoga Country Club

• Sunol Valley Golf Course

• San Ramon Golf Club