November 6th, 2008 — CA, Fresno, golf courses
Fig Garden Golf Club is located in Fresno, CA
Phone: 559-439-2928
Website: http://www.figgardengolf.com
Course History:
This is a great course located in one of the best areas to play golf in California. It first opened in 1958, and it's location on the San Joaquin river helps make this one of the prettiest courses in the Fresno area. With just the right level of challenging play, reasonable green fees and a great atmosphere, this is definitely one course to play at least once in your life.
What You Need to Know:
You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above, but you may want to check their website for some extra discounts on fees, just in case. The pro shop here is definitely top notch and we were surprised at just how extensive their inventory was. This may not be the biggest course in the area, but it is definitely one of the friendliest and one that we intend to return to in the future.
You'll want to go with traditional golf attire, and leave the denim at home while you play here. It's not a course that has a lot of rules, but it's always best to err on the side of caution and go with the best type of gear. The staff is incredibly helpful here and if you don't have the right clubs, you can always rent a set at the pro shop before you head out on the course.
Playing Hints:
Our favorite hole was the fifth. Right away, it looks like an easy par four, right up until you realize just how long it is. You'll need to have a good shot off the tee, and really strive for accuracy on this hole. The fifteenth hole is also a bit tricky. On your approach to the green, take care to avoid the sand trap that is guarding it. You won't be able to see it until it's too late, so try a shorter approach shot to give yourself a chance to miss this hazard.
On the seventeenth hole, make sure that you really go short on your approach shot. The back of the green slopes sharply and you’ll end up way over par three on this hole if you’re not careful.
Fees:
Green Fees (eff. April 1, 2004)
A.M. Before 12:00 $40.00
P.M. 12:00 - 2:30 $30.00
After 2:30 P.M. $20.00
Jr. Fee Under 18 after noon $14.00
A.M. Back 9 $20.00
Mini Green Fees
A.M. Before 12:00 $30.00
P.M. 12:00 - 2:30 $20.00
After 2:30 P.M. $15.00
Public Cart Fees
18 holes $32.00
9 holes $19.00
How to Get There:
View Larger Map
From Highway 99:
Take the Herndon Exit. Head Eastbound on Herndon. Drive approximately 5 miles east from the exit and turn left on Van Ness Blvd. The Golf Club is 1 mile from Herndon on Van Ness. Van Ness dead ends right in our parking lot.
From Highway 41:
Take the Herndon Exit. Head Westbound on Herndon about 6 miles out. Turn right on Van Ness Blvd. The Golf Club is 1 mile from Herndon on Van Ness. Van Ness dead ends right in our parking lot.
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September 11th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Graeagle, Lessons Available, driving range, golf courses, public course
Plumas Pines Golf Course is located in Graeagle, CA
Phone: 530.836.1420
Website: http://www.plumaspinesgolf.com
Course History:
This is a terrific course on a resort that is still open to the public. If you're looking for a challenging round set in a beautiful location, this is the perfect course. Since it opened it became incredibly popular with the locals and the stay and play packages have since made it a favorite among guests. Overall, given the green fees and the amenities, this is truly a great value.
What You Need to Know:
There are numerous lesson plans available here and it is a great place to go if you're new to the game or want to get a few tips on improving your score. They offer an eclub that features even lower rates on their already cheap green fees and the pro shop is incredibly well stocked.
You can book your tee time by calling the number above, but we recommend checking their site first. They do run frequent specials and they have several offers that are well worth checking out.
We recommend wearing traditional golf attire since this is a resort course. They don't specifically state that there is a dress code, but it is best to respect the course and err on the side of caution. The practice facilities are really top-notch and at the end of the day, the grill is the perfect place to relax. The staff is very helpful and friendly.
Playing Hints:
This is a course that is well planned out and offers just enough of a challenge to give pros a good game while not being terribly intimidating to a novice. The terrain is a bit challenging at times and we recommend a cart unless you're in terrific shape. There are plenty of hazards that keep the game fun, so you're best bet is to try to aim for the center of the fairway with most of the holes.
The eighteenth hole is a real killer, but if you've got a great drive, you should be able to get a birdie without a problem.
View Larger Map
Fees:
RATE SCHEDULE (Less than 16 players)
| WeekdaysMonday through Friday |
$80 per player includes cart |
| Twilight WeekdayMonday through Friday after 3:00 p.m. |
$45 per player includes cart |
| Twilight WeekendSaturday and Sunday after 3:00 p.m. |
$55 per player includes cart |
| Weekends & HolidaysSaturday and Sunday |
$95 per player includes cart |
| 9 Hole Weekday RateMonday through Friday anytime |
$45 per player includes cart |
| 9 Hole Weekend RateSaturday and Sunday |
$55 per player includes cart |
TOURNAMENT FEES (16 or more players) - (530) 836-1420
Tournament players receive $5 per player gift certificate credit in the golf shop
| Monday through FridayShot-gun |
$80 per player includes cart$85 per player includes cart |
| Monday through Friday after 3:00 p.m. |
$50 per player includes cart |
| Saturday and SundayShot-gun |
$95 per player includes cart$100 per player includes cart |
| Saturday and Sunday after 3:00 p.m |
$60 per player includes cart |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Driving Range |
$5 per bucket, 50 ball bucket |
| Spectator Policy |
$30 cart fee |
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July 16th, 2008 — CA, Visalia, golf courses
Phone Number: 559-651-1441.
Website: http://www.playvalleyoaks.com
Course History:
This is a stunning course that is incredible to play. It is actually made up of three nine hole course and you can pick your own configuration. It's almost impossible to get bored with this course and you'll find plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself. Although the course can be difficult at times, it is not too much for a novice player to handle.
What You Need to Know:
You can book your tee time by calling the number above or they do have the option to book online. The staff here are incredibly friendly and the course is very well maintained. Although they don't specifically state that there is a dress code, it is best to err on the side of caution and wear traditional golfing attire.
The pro shop is simply the best in the area and they also offer custom club fittings. If you're new to golf or need some pointers, the pros are very helpful and the lessons are very beneficial. Numerous events are held throughout the year on the course and it has become a local favorite. It is a bit tucked away however, so we included some basic instructions on how to get there below.
Playing Hints:
Each of the three layouts will play very differently. The first, the Valley Course, is a very traditional course that has incredibly narrow fairways lined with trees. You'll really need to work on your accuracy with this one. Even though the 7th hole is the shortest, it's also the most difficult. It's a 200 yard par 3, but you'll need to avoid the bunkers on your approach. Try to be as accurate as possible since the 45 foot green can easily demolish your score.
The Oaks Course is a great place to start if you're still working on accuracy. The fairways are a bit wider on this one and you'll have more room for error. Once again, the hardest hole is the shortest. The eighth hole is a par 3 but it may take a few times around to get that score. You'll be dealing with trees to the right and a lake to the left. Once you get past these, the sloping green is surrounded by tough bunkers.
The Lakes Course is the newest addition and offers a good balance between the other two courses. The fairways and greens have a bit of a roll to them, but they aren't too much to handle with practice.
Green Fees:
Weekdays Fees
Regular (18 holes/9 holes) $24.50/16.50
Twilight $16.50
Junior and Senior $16.50
Tournament $24.50
Weekends and Holidays Fees
Regular (18 holes/9 holes) $31.00/18.50
Twilight $18.50
Junior and Senior (after 11:00 am) $18.50
Tournament $31.00
Cart rental (18 holes) $12.00/rider
Cart rental (9 holes) $8.00/rider
Rental clubs $10.00
Driving range
Discount Cards Available
$4.00/token
Directions
View Larger Map
From CA 99, take the Highway 198 exit to Plaza Drive. Bear right, then take a left at the T-intersection, and Valley Oaks is located on your left. Call for more information at 559-651-1441.
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June 26th, 2008 — CA, George H Kelley, John Harbottle III, Stevinson, golf courses
Phone: (877) 752-9276
Website: http://www.stevinsonranch.com/information/golfrates.html
Course History:
This truly incredible course went under construction in 1995 and was opened to great fanfare one year later. It immediately hosted several championships and was soon named one of the best courses in California. Once you've played here, it's easy to see why since it is truly an incomparable course.
Designed by John Harbottle III and George H. Kelley, the course takes advantage of the natural wetlands and is home to many species that are preserved here. When it comes to accolades, only two courses are rated higher, and they are both at Pebble Beach. Considering what it costs to play here, you can truly have an incredible round of golf at a very cheap rate.
What You Need to Know:
You can register your tee time using their online system or by calling the number listed above. Since this is such a popular course, it is best to register a few weeks in advance so you can lock in your time slot. The amenities don't stop on the course - the pro shop will absolutely blow you away and the grill is heavenly. You can get a sample taste of what they have to offer by taking a peek at their online store. It's a good idea to check their site frequently for specials.
Although they don't specifically state that there is a dress code, it's best to err on the side of caution and wear traditional attire. We also recommend soft spikes for this facility. This is a bit of a long course, so it is also a good idea to take advantage of a golf cart during your round.
Playing Hints:
This can be a tough course for some players, but it is well worth the time and money you'll be spending here. We recommend taking a few trips around to really get a feel for the course and at these prices, it's easy to afford to do just that.
Right off the bat you'll be dealing with a huge bunker at the first green. You'll want to go to the right to avoid it. The second hole features a terrific water hazard and the third hole is reminiscent of a Scottish links course. You'll be dealing with undulating fairways and greens here.
Hole 16 is called the Hawk Perch and features some pretty big water hazards. We recommend staying as close to the center of the fairway as possible and going to the left of the green to avoid the bunkers. If you go too far right on the fairway, you'll end up in the marshes of the pond and it's nearly impossible to get out of there.
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Course Fees:
Resort/Public (Golf, Cart, & Unlimited Practice Balls Included)
M-F / Weekends
Opening $70.00 / $50.00
Noon - Twilight $90.00 / $70.00
Twilight
$35.00 / $45.00
Players Club Cardmembers
(Golf & Warm-up Balls Day of Play)
$31.00 / $41.00
Regular Cart fee is $15.00
Player's Club Cart fee - prior to 2:00 - $12.00
Prefered Members Cart fee - prior to 1:00 - $12.00
Twilight hours begin:
Resort/Public
3:00 PM
Players Club
2:00 PM
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