November 5th, 2008 — William Bell, public course, restaurant
San Clemente Golf Course is located in: San Clemente, CA
Phone: (949)361-8380
Website: http://www.sanclementegc.com/
Course History:
This is a beautiful course that was designed by William Bell, it quickly rose to prominence in the area. Considering the quality of the course, the rates are incredibly low, thanks in part to the fact that this is a municipal course. You'd never know it to look at it though and the facilities are very well maintained. The level of play is just the right mix of fun and challenging and novices should not be intimated.
What You Need to Know:
This is a public course, so while the dress code is not strict, it's still a good idea to wear traditional golf clothes. You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above, or by visiting their website. Specials are frequently posted there, so it's a good idea to check ahead of time.
The golf shop was very well stocked and you can also get lessons from the resident club pro. We found some great golf clubs there and the prices were very competitive. The grill had some of the best food in the area and we though the clubhouse was very nicely appointed, given that this is a public course. Overall, it's easily one of the best courses in the area.
Playing Hints:
This course has many gentle slopes that are pretty deceiving. They look a lot easier to play than they are, so try to stick as close as possible to the middle of the fairway. Some of the elevation changes are pretty sudden, and this gives an extra amount of challenge to your game.
The bunkers are probably the biggest challenge for most players and the course features them on most holes. The greens are well protected, and it can be tough to get that shot just right. On the fifteenth hole, we recommend going a little short on the approach shot, since the bunkers here are particularly deep.
On the seventeenth hole, you're going to want to go a little to the right with your tee shot to make up for the fact that the entire fairway slopes down. By sticking to the top ledge, you should be able to keep your ball from rolling too far away from where you wanted it to land.
Fees:
Standard Rates
Weekday 18 Holes $33
Weekday Twilight $25
Weekday Sr. 18 Holes $28
Weekday Sr. Twilight $21
Super Twilight (M-Th) $13
Weekend & Holiday 18 Holes $41
Weekend & Holiday Twilight $31
Resident Rates - with proof of residence and $50 pass card.
Weekday 18 Holes $18
Weekday Twilight $15
Weekday Sr. 18 Holes $17
Weekday Sr. Twilight $13
Weekend & Holiday 18 Holes $25
Weekend & Holiday Twilight $19
How to Get There:
View Larger Map
From northbound Interstate 5, take the Ave. Magdalena exit and turn south (right) onto El Camino Real then left onto Ave. Magdalena.
From southbound Interstate 5, take the El Camino Real exit and turn south (left) onto El Camino Real then left onto Ave. Magdalena.
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October 23rd, 2008 — CA, Pioneer, golf courses, restaurant
Mace Meadows Golf Course is located in: Pioneer, CA
Phone: (209)295-7020
Website: http://www.macemeadows.com
Course History:
This is a very nice course that surprised us. It's a rare gem tucked away in Pioneer, CA and although the prices would indicate that the course was on the lower end, we were positively shocked by the quality of the course, the helpfulness of the staff and the attention to detail. This is one of the best courses in the area and it is easy to see why it has become such a popular destination.
This is a mountain course in the Sierra foothills, and the views are astounding. With a course rating of 69.4, it's not terribly difficult for novices, and just about right for intermediate players.
What You Need to Know:
Although the atmosphere here is very laid back, we still recommend traditional attire. You can book your tee time in advance by calling the number above, but they do frequently post specials on their site so you may want to check there first. The pro shop is very well stocked and we were pleasantly surprised by the food at the clubhouse grill.
This is a very relaxing course to play on the natural beauty is inspiring. The designer did a fantastic job of keeping all the elements of the terrain and incorporating them into the course. There are a few hazards, but most players should be able to do quite well, provided they are careful on a few holes. The course record is 66 so give it a try and see if you can't beat it.
Playing Hints:
Since this is a mountain course, expect rolling hills and a lot of hard walking if you don't elect to go with a cart. The trees and the tiered greens are the biggest challenges here, and there are a few holes that will test your skills as a golfer. This is a course where you will be using just about every club in your bag, so come prepared.
Our favorite hole was the eleventh. It features a water hazard on both sides of the fairway, so watch your accuracy here. Aim for the center and you may even want to underhit it a little if accuracy is not a strong point for you. Your next shot will be straight uphill, but watch out for the bunker by the green. You can birdie this one, but it won't be easy.
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Fees:
FEE SCHEDULE DURING SEASON (MARCH-NOVEMBER)
18 Hole 9 Hole
Weekday $27.00 $19.00
Seniors (M-F only) $24.00 $17.00
Weekend/Holiday $37.00 $24.00
Weekday Twilight $20.00 $15.00
Weekend Twilight* $25.00 $18.00
Super Twilight*(M-F) $12.00 $10.00
Super Twilight*(S-S) $15.00 $12.00
Cart Fee (per player) $16.00 $12.00
Jr.Weekday(Under 18)after 3 PM $7.00
*Twilight begins at 12 PM from April 1 to September 30
*Super Twilight begin at 2:00 from April 1 to September 30
1:00 from October 1 to March 31
Monthly Fee (Weekdays only) $230.00 Single $330.00 Couple
Hand Carts $5.00
Rental Clubs $10.00
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October 8th, 2008 — Dress code, Myrtle Creek, OR, driving range, golf courses
Myrtle Creek Golf Course is located in: Myrtle Creek, OR
Phone: 888-T-MYRTLE
Website: http://www.myrtlecreekgolf.com/
Course History:
This is a terrific course that offers a wonderful traditional experience with just the right mix of challenge and fun. The course was first opened with 9 holes in 1997, and the back nine were added soon after that. It became known as one of the best places to play golf in the area and the natural beauty of the course is simply incredible.
What You Need to Know:
You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above. At this time they do not offer online booking. The course does ask that golfers were traditional attire while they are here, so please remember collared shirts and nice slacks. They did not state whether shorts were allowed, but the climate here is mild enough you shouldn't need them.
The instruction here is fantastic and the PGA pro on staff was incredibly helpful. The pro shop is a great place to stop by, and we found that the selection was truly wide for a course of this size and in this price range. The practice facility really blew us away and we were more than happy to relax in the awesome clubhouse at the end of our round. One of the nicest facilities on the West Coast and truly worth the trip.
Playing Hints:
The course ranges from more than 6,000 yards on the professional tees, to just under 5,000 on the gold tees, so you should have plenty of room to pick which one will work best for you. We found that the course was very straightforward and only tricky at times.
Although it is a nice, honest course, it is not boring. The spectacular view really made the whole day that more special. You will want to watch out for the bunkers and the water hazards. Accuracy pays with this course. Pay special attention to the sixth hole, it is a deceptively easy Par 4 that requires a lot of finesse and careful aim to make par.
View Larger Map
Fees:
|
Fees
|
|
Weekday |
|
Weekend |
| Category |
|
|
|
|
| Regular 18 holes |
|
$45
|
|
$55
|
| Myrtle Club Card |
|
$29
|
|
$35
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Regular 9 holes |
|
$27
|
|
$35
|
| Myrtle Club Card |
|
$18
|
|
$21
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Regular Twilight (after 3:00) |
|
$30
|
|
$39
|
| Myrtle Club Card (after 2:00) |
|
$25
|
|
$29
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Carts 18 holes (1/2 cart) |
|
$15
|
|
$15
|
| Myrtle Club Card (1/2 cart) |
|
$13
|
|
$13
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cart 9 holes (1/2 cart) |
|
$8
|
|
$8
|
| Myrtle Club Card (1/2 cart) |
|
$7
|
|
$7
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Monday Madness-18 holes |
|
$27
|
|
|
| Myrtle Club Card |
|
$21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Monday Madness-9 holes |
|
$16
|
|
|
| Myrtle Club Card |
|
$14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Tuesday Seniors (with ½ cart) |
|
$38
|
|
|
| Myrtle Club Card (1/2 cart) |
|
$33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Tuesday Ladies-18 holes w/cart |
|
$38
|
|
|
| Myrtle Club Card |
|
$33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Tuesday Ladies-9 holes w/cart |
|
$28
|
|
|
| Myrtle Club Card |
|
$23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Thursday Twilight (with ½ cart) |
|
$35
|
|
|
| Myrtle Club Card (1/2 cart) |
|
$30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sunday Twilight (w ½ cart) |
|
|
|
$39
|
| Myrtle Club Card (w/1/2 cart) |
|
|
|
$34
|
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August 29th, 2008 — Book Review
How do you fit a complete golfer’s handbook into 170 pages? The author of this book actually managed quite well, surprisingly. From pictures of golf courses in South Africa, to analyzing Ben Hogan’s famous swing, everything you could ever really need to know about golf is contained within these scant pages. At times, the book suffers from a lack of focus, but overall, we found it to be a very enjoyable read.
We appreciated the fact that this book did a great job of covering all of the basics, such as the history of the game, rules, etiquette and different strategies. Each section contains incredible illustrations and photographs, and visually, this is a very stunning book. Since the page count is rather limited, the author really didn’t go into as much detail as he could have, but the basics are all covered quite nicely. He did a good job of demystifying a lot of the aspects of this sport and you’ll come away with some very interesting trivia to share with your friends on the 19th hole.
Player has three Master’s jackets and is well known throughout the golfing world as one of its nicest personalities. This shines through in the book and if a read could ever be called genial, this book would take the cake. It was a pleasant read that captured Player’s spirit and translated it onto the page, and that is something that many authors fail to do throughout their careers. He did have the help of two co-authors, but you never feel that they are writing the book while he’s off at the clubhouse. A lot of books by star players fall prey to this, but Player’s book managed to really capture his love of the game, and his personality, without feeling like it was overly ghostwritten.
The section on practice drills and games was very informative and we came away with some great tips to use out on the course the next time we head out. The mental preparation section was also particularly useful and again, full of tips you can put to immediate use.
Bottom line, if you are a fan of the sport and already own every book on the subject, you should still be able to get something out of Player’s book. If you’re completely new to the game and looking for an instructional, this is not the best resource for that, but it is still a good read that can help explain a lot of the game to a novice. Golfers are an odd bunch, as we should know, but this book does a good job of appealing to all of them. It may not be our favorite golfing book, and it may not be the most useful book ever written on the sport, but that didn’t take away from enjoying it thoroughly. Buy it, give it as a gift to a rabid golfer and take it at face value as an entertaining read. You won’t regret the purchase.
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August 28th, 2008 — CA, Clubhouse menu, Howard Flint, Lake Alamanor, driving range, golf courses, restaurant
Bailey Creek Golf Course is located in: Lake Alamanor, CA
Phone: 530-259-GOLF
Website: http://www.baileycreek.com/
Course History:
This stunning course was designed by Howard Flint and has won numerous awards and accolades since it first opened. This is definitely a championship course, but novices still have a good shot if they use the right tees. The combination of first class service, stunning natural views and a great challenge make this one of the best courses in the area.
What You Need to Know:
This is a terrific course, that is outdone only by the accommodations. The practice facility is more than worth the trip and offers a driving range complete with mats, as well as grass chipping areas. The pro shop is a marvel and offers just about everything you could ever want.
You can register your tee time by calling the number above. This is a popular course, so it is important to make sure that your slot is reserved. During your round, take advantage of the great snack bar - it's well worth it. After you're done, you can relax in the clubhouse, which is very sumptuously appointed.
Playing Hints:
The variation in terrain makes this a challenging course. We recommend a cart, especially if you're not in the best of shape. Each hole has numerous bunkers lining the fairway, so accuracy really counts here. There are a few water hazards to watch out for as well. However, if you can keep to the middle of the fairway and work on your distance, you should be able to master this course without a problem.
The best hole is the 10th and it is quite a challenge. The green is surrounded by bunkers, so you will want to shorten your second shot to give yourself a chance to avoid them. Your approach shot is vital here since the green is quite small. By taking these precautions you can still par, if you are an accurate putter.
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Fees:
GREEN FEES MAY 1 - JUNE 26 / JUNE 27 - SEPT. 7 / SEPT. 8- OCT 26
PUBLIC WEEKEND RATES
18 holes - includes cart - Fri, Sat & Sun $88.00 $98.00 $88.00
9 holes - includes cart - Fri, Sat & Sun $50.00 $55.00 $50.00
PUBLIC MIDWEEK RATES
18 holes - includes cart - Mon - Thurs $72.00 $98.00 $72.00
BAILEY CREEK HOMEOWNER
18 holes - includes cart $70.00 $70.00 $70.00
9 holes - includes cart $45.00 $45.00 $45.00
MID DAY (after 1:00 PM)
18 holes - includes cart $68.00 $78.00 $68.00
TWILIGHT (after 4:00 PM)
18 holes - includes cart $48.00 $58.00 $48.00 (after 3 pm)
REPLAY
18 holes
$40.00 $40.00 $40.00
TEN PLAY PASSES MAY 1 - JUNE 28 JUNE 29 - SEPT. 9 SEPT. 10- OCT 28
Ten Play Pass (10 Rounds) with cart $750.00 $750.00 $750.00
UNLIMITED FULL SEASON PASSES PUBLIC HOMEOWNER
Unlimited Golf - w/ Cart $1600.00 $1400.00
Unlimited Golf - w/ Cart for Married Couple $2200.00 $2000.00
Unlimited Golf - Mon. thru Thurs. w/ Cart $1000.00 $900.00
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August 27th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks, injuries
Although golf is a non-contact sport, there are still plenty of different ways that you can injure yourself on the course. Many players don’t look at golf as a form of exercise, and as such, they don’t take the proper precautions to ensure that they do not strain their muscles or injure their tendons. There are a few things that every golfer can do to minimize their chance for injury on the course and many of these tips will actually help you improve your game.
1. Don’t forget to stretch.
Any type of exercise should be preceded by a brief stretching session. Take about ten to fifteen minutes to stretch out your arms, leg and back. Your movements should mirror the swings you will be taking but much slower. This will give you plenty of time to get warmed up. As a bonus, the first few holes should go a lot smoother since you won’t have to get warmed up while you are actually on the course. If you don’t have a lot of free time, even five minutes of stretching is better than none.
2. Don’t forget to cool down.
Conversely, just like stretching before golf is important, it is also vital to go through a good cool down stretching session when you are done. When you go right from the course to flopping into a chair at the grill, you are not giving your muscles enough time to recover after your exertion. Simple stretches can help you avoid post-game soreness and keep your muscles in shape. Even though it is tempting to immediately quit once you’ve finished the last hole, try to do a few cool down stretches before you head off to the clubhouse.
3. When necessary, use a cart.
There are just some courses out there that are not friendly for walkers. Unless you are in peak physical condition, you will regret it if you don’t use a cart, especially if the course is very hilly. As a bonus, your game will go a lot faster, and you won’t end up feeling like you just ran the Boston Marathon when you wake up the next morning. If the course is easy to walk – walk it. If not, err on the side of caution and get the cart. Your muscles will thank you.
4. Use proper form.
One of the easiest ways to injure yourself on the course is by using improper form on your swing. This can stress not only your arms and shoulder, but also your back, neck and legs. If you are finding that you are wracked with pain after every round of golf, your form may be to blame. Schedule a one-time lesson with the club pro to make sure that your stance is correct. This can save you many aches and pains later on.
Golf actually does require a good deal of physical effort. Treat it like you would any other exercise program and remember not to overdo.
Photo Credits: 1
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August 12th, 2008 — CA, Chico, golf courses
Tuscan Ridge Golf Course is located in Chico, CA
Phone: (530) 624-7006
Website: http://www.tuscanridgeclub.com/
Course History:
Tuscan Ridge Golf Course is a beautiful course that is off the beaten path near Chico, CA. This is truly a rare course and we were very happy to find it. Since it opened, it became an instant favorite of the locals and it's easy to see why. This course offers a great challenging level of play and some of the best facilities we've seen in the area.
What You Need to Know:
Tuscan Ridge doesn't specifically state that there is a dress code, but we do recommend standard golf attire. You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above. In addition to their usual pro shop gear, which is terrific by the way, they also offer some of the best club fitting and repair services we've ever seen. This is a great place to go if your clubs are getting a bit run down and you need them fixed properly.
The clubhouse is worth the trip alone and it is extremely relaxing. This was definitely one of the nicest rounds of golf we have played in years and we simply cannot say enough nice things about this incredible course.
Playing Hints:
The designer of this course was a master of optical illusions and the "risk reward" strategy. You'll need to bring your best game here and chances are, you'll want to keep coming back to perfect your own strategy. We found that the natural terrain was very challenging and there were times that we weren't sure where the green was.
There are numerous hazards on the course that make it fun to play. One wrong move and you may find yourself in a small quarry. Accuracy is definitely key here and we highly recommend working on the art of the straight and powerful drive before you arrive. Watch out for the bunker on The Vineyard Hole. You may need a bulldozer to get out if you have the misfortune of landing in there.
Fees:
| |
| |
Weekday Rates |
Weekend Rates |
| 18 Holes |
$29.00 |
$36.00 |
| Student, Senior, Military |
$19.00 |
$26.00 |
| Twilight Rate -3pm |
$21.00 |
$24.00 |
| Super Twilight Rate -5pm |
$12.00 |
$15.00 |
| Jr. Rate (18 & under) |
$10.00 |
$14.00 |
| Replay Rate |
$11.00 |
$14.00 |
| Cart Rental |
| |
18 Holes |
| Twilight Riding Fee |
$10.00 |
| Riding Fee |
$14.00 |
| Driving Range Fees |
| |
Small |
Medium |
Large |
| Range Balls |
$4.00 |
$6.00 |
$8.00 |
How to Get There:
View Larger Map
From Bay Area (East I-80)
Approximately 2 hours drive time from Vacaville, CA
1. Drive East on I-80
2. Merge onto I-505 North
3. Merge onto I-5 North
4. Take EXIT 619 in Orland (CA-32)
5. Turn RIGHT at light and follow CA-32 to Chico
6. In Chico, take a LEFT at East Ave (first light)
7. East Ave turns to Manzanita Ave, then to Chico Canyon Road and finally to Bruce Rd.
8. Bruce Road intersects Skyway Blvd at a major intersection
at Skyway Blvd, turn LEFT
9. Tuscan Ridge Golf Course will appear on the right side of Skyway Blvd
10. Turn Right at rock sign under 4.5 miles from Bruce Road
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June 4th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Sam Whiting, Sonoma, golf courses
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Golf Course is located in Sonoma, CA
Phone: 877-289-7354
Website: http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma/Recreation/Golf/
Course History:
This is an incredibly idyllic course located in the middle of a resort. Even if you're not planning on staying, you should give this course a try. It was first designed by Sam Whiting in 1928 as part of the then Mission Inn. Throughout the course of history, ownership has changed hands, but the course has remained. In 2001 the course was privatized after being rejoined to the resort on the same location. The 7100 yard course was recently chosen as the season ending course for the PGA Champions Tour Season.
What You Need to Know:
There are some specific rules of play that you will need to know before visiting the course. Management states, "The Sonoma Golf Club adheres to a strict dress code. Collared golf shirts and slacks or golf shorts are required for men. Golf dresses, skirts, slacks or golf shorts and blouses or golf shirts are required for women. Tank tops, other athletic wear and denim are not permitted. Cellular phones are not allowed on the practice facility, in the golf shop, clubhouse or anywhere on the golf course."
In order to play you must make a reservation by calling the number listed above. Without this, you will not be able to go out on the course. The pro shop here is absolutely astounding and the lessons are incredibly popular. Kris Moe teaches throughout the year here and we've included their most recent rates for his special golf schools.
Playing Hints:
This is a championship course and it can be difficult at times. However, even novices can enjoy their round with a little patience. It's going to take a few times to get this one figured out, so go with the flow and remember to have fun.
The long par 5 off the second hole will get you started off right. With the right tee shot, you should be able to birdie this one. It's a good thing too since the holes just get tougher. Watch out for the 11th hole it can be a bit tricky, and it's hard to make this par 3. You'll get another challenging par 5 on the sixteenth hole but you can use the last two to salvage your score after a tough round.
View Larger Map
Course Fees:
$215.00 USD Range balls and cart are included with all greens fees.
Golf Clubs (Titleist Irons and Taylor Made Woods): $75 USD
Tee times are available every ten minutes beginning at 7:30 a.m. until dusk. Reserve now to guarantee your tee off!
Kris Moe Golf School Rates
$325 USD full day (January 01 to April 30, 2007 and November 17 to December 31, 2007), 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
$495 USD full day (May 1 to November 16, 2007), 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
$175 USD, one hour private lesson with Kris Moe, $150 USD with the rest of staff
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