October 6th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Robert Muir Graves, Sonora, golf courses
Mountain Springs Golf Course is located in Sonora, CA
Phone: (209) 532-1000
Website: http://www.mountainspringsgolf.com
Course History:
This is one of the prettiest golf courses we've ever seen in this area, and it's easy to see why it has become such a local favorite. Robert Muir Graves designed the course, which opened in 1990. Although it is still relatively new, it has that old fashioned links feel and you'll be able to enjoy a challenging round of golf during your stay.
What You Need to Know:
There are several stay and play packages available in this area that will reduce the already low green fees even further. You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above. During peak visitor seasons, it may be difficult to get your time, especially if you don't call far enough in advance.
There is a dress code on this course, and they are pretty traditional. Men are advised to wear collared shirts and the course management asks that only two riders per cart be allowed. While they do not allow players to bring their own ice chests, you can get one at the course. In addition, all players must have their own golf clubs. Rentals are available at reasonable rates if you don't have your own set.
Overall, we found this to be a great golf course that had just the right amount of challenging play.
Playing Hints:
The fourth hole is quite tricky on this course, since you will be going uphill from the tee. We recommend putting as much power as you can into your tee shot to get through this hole. You'll also be dealing with a hidden bunker right to the left of the green, so go a little to the right on your approach shot.
The twelfth hole features a very tricky two tier green and will require a lot of patience and a good deal of skill to master. This is only a par three, but it can be difficult to get to the pin, especially if it is on the top tier. The fifteenth hole is especially tricky with an uphill lie and a dogleg to the left. Hit it hard and go a little to the right for the best layup. You'll need to hit about 230 yards to make it to the top of the hill. Once you're there, you'll have a clear view of the green, but it's not easy to get there.
Green Fees:
Monday - Thursday Friday Weekends and Holidays
18 Holes $27.00 $32.00 $40.00
Twilight $16.00 $19.00 $22.00
Senior (Mon and Tues) $17.00
Junior $13.00 $13.00 $13.00
Golf Carts - Monday through Friday
18 Holes - $30.00
9 Holes - $20.00
Club Rentals
18 Holes - $15.00
9 Holes - $8.00
How to Get There:
Go to Tuolumne County up Highway 108 and turn right at Lime Kiln Road (at the light). Follow this road until you see the Mountain Springs monolith on the right. The golf course is right there.
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September 15th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks, injuries
If you are an avid golfer that plays several times a week, there is a risk that you could develop joint erosion. This is a painful process that can reduce your swing, and make it difficult to function normally. However, there are steps every avid golfer can take that will help them avoid joint erosion.
Wrists
This is a very common problem area for many golfers. Your wrists are a big part of your game and if you’re not protecting them, you may find that after awhile you experience joint pain. It is vital to wear proper golf gloves that will support your wrists and help make the impact less noticeable. A good pair of golf gloves can go a long way in protecting your wrists and preventing future problems, such as joint erosion.
Shoulders
This is another problem area that can flare up suddenly in many golfers. You’ll be using your shoulders quite a bit while you play and repetitive motion can be very hard on your joints. Try to take a few days off if you notice excess strain on your shoulders and make sure that you stretch beforehand. One of the best ways to prevent joint erosion in the shoulders is to space out your playing time and to make sure that you are swinging properly. However, if you do play a lot, this may not be enough to keep your joints sound. Consider speaking with your physician about medications that can prevent joint erosion.
Hips
Since your hips are a large part of your swing, and you’ll be using them if you are walking a course, it is important to protect these joints as well. Minimize your walking time if you already are experiencing joint pain, and take advantage of a cart whenever possible. This can help reduce the overall wear and tear on your joints. Having the proper form can also have a big impact on how your hip joints wear over time.
These are just a few examples of the major joints that can be affected by erosion. While there may not be a cure-all preventative, you can minimize the damage that you are causing by taking the steps to ensure that you are swinging properly and using the right equipment to support your joints.
Sometimes, the best medicine is simply to reduce the amount of golf you play each week, or you may be able to get extra help from your physician as mentioned above. There are also supplements that will help keep your joints lubricated, to further reduce the risk of joint erosion, but once again, these should only be used under the care of a physician since they may interact with other medications.
Joint erosion is a problem that affects millions, but with care, special attention and the right equipment, you can do your part to reduce the risks that you may develop this painful condition in the future or prevent an existing condition from getting worse.
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September 5th, 2008 — DVD Review
While we normally cover books in this section, this DVD just about threw itself in our cart and since it is a Dummies title, we decided to see what it had to offer. If you're more of a visual learner or if you just don't have the time to sit down and read, this is a great way to learn about golf and see if you're ready for the challenge. If you're already a golfer, there are some great tips inside and the way the information is presented makes it very easy to put them to use. After all, what good are golf tips if you can't see the way you should implement them?
Gary McCord is a well known CBS commentator and wrote the original book that this DVD is based on. He actually hosts the DVD so fans will appreciate learning from the master first hand. The DVD starts out with learning how to handle each individual course you'll plan on. From figuring out the types of clubs you'll need to use to make par, to learning how to tell what kind of shot you're going to need from the tee, this is information that you can really use. Scorecards are explained which is great for new players as well as those of us that still get stumped occasionally.
The DVD also covers two things that plague millions of golfers - the hook and the slice. You'll get some great tips on correcting both and learn how to perfect your swing. This part of the DVD was worth the cost alone, since it is so similar to an actual lesson that you would receive from a pro. That will cost a lot more than $18, and you wouldn't have the benefit of learning from home, and at your own pace.
That perhaps is the strongest point of the entire DVD. You can go over the same part again until you understand it, and you'll be able to move at your own pace. Need to focus on just one aspect of the game, use the menu to jump ahead. The DVD is well designed and makes it easy to navigate back and forth to each section at will very quickly.
Overall, we really enjoyed this DVD and found that it had a lot to offer any level of golfer. Sometimes, you just need to see something instead of reading about it and this DVD did a great job of really illustrating what they were talking about. We're all for books and you can get some terrific tips in them, but for a lot of golfers, this DVD will make a big difference in their game. It makes a terrific gift for any golfer, and can easily be watched time and time again. We highly recommend it and were very glad that we took a chance on it. A rare find that definitely made it to the top of our list of favorites.
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June 19th, 2008 — CA, Clubhouse menu, Lessons Available, Santa Barbara, golf courses
Glen Annie Golf Course is located in Santa Barbara, CA
Phone: 805-968-6400
Website: http://www.glenanniegolf.com/main/index.php?name=Rates
Course History:
This is a truly stunning course that overlooks the channel islands and the bay. For those who enjoy a scenic course, it is hard to beat this one. The amenities here are absolutely some of the best in the area and this is considered to be one of the best and most challenging championship courses in this region. That said, although the course appeals to pros, novices should still be able to enjoy playing here. It may take a few times to master the course, but considering the view, it is well worth the time spent.
What You Need to Know:
By far, the club house at Glen Annie is one of the best ever built. Visitors come from miles around to enjoy it, even if they don't play golf. The structure has won numerous architectural awards and the inside is sumptuously furnished. You'll enjoy dining here after a tough round of golf or maybe stopping by just for fun.
The pro shop is completely stocked and offers gifts for all golfers. Many players like to take advantage of the patio after a round so they can relax and get a better view of their surroundings. This is one course that everyone should try to visit at least once in their lives.
This is a championship course and it is quite hilly, so we recommend taking advantage of the proffered cart. The course is currently running a special where you can get unlimited rounds of golf for a month, with a cart, for less than $300 a month and we highly recommend taking them up on this deal. For the money, this is a great deal.
Playing Hints:
While the course has only two water hazards and a few bunkers sprinkled around, it's the hills that make this a challenging round of play. There will be times when you won't even be able to see where you're aiming, but that is part of the fun of playing here.
Most of the holes are straightforward, but you will be dealing with a dogleg on holes four, ten, sixteen and fourteen. They are reasonably easy as long as you stick to the left on four and to the right on the others. You'll need to bring your top game for this one, as longer drivers will definitely have an advantage. A long drive off of most tees is essential as the rough is quite tough here and separates each fairway into well trimmed islands surrounded by a sea of grass.
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Course Fees:
Monday-Friday
18 Hole Regular
$59.00
Resident*
$39.00
Regular Twilight
$34.00
Resident Twilight
$24.00
Saturday-Sunday and Holidays
18 Hole Regular
$74.00
Resident*
$49.00
Regular Twilight
$39.00
Resident Twilight
$29.00
Cart Fee Rates
18 Hole Cart Fee
$11.00
9 Hole Cart Fee
$6.00
PGA Golf Instruction
$65.00 hr.
$40.00 ½ hr.
Driving Range
$5.00 - 40 Balls
$8.00 - 80 Balls
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