July 21st, 2008 — Ahwahnee, CA, golf courses, restaurant
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.
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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
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June 25th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Santa Barbara, William Bell, golf courses
Sandpiper Golf Course is located in Santa Barbara, CA
Phone: (805) 968-1541
Website: http://www.sandpipergolf.com
Course History:
This beautiful course was designed by William Bell and first opened to the public in 1972. It quickly became one of the most popular courses in Santa Barbara and has been a top rated course for many years. Most recently, Golf Digest named it one of the top twenty five golf courses in the United States.
The course stretches out over 7000 yards and has a rating of 74.5. This is a championship level course that has hosted many PGA and LPGA players but novices should not find it terribly intimidating.
What You Need to Know:
Tee times can be registered online or by calling the number listed above. Please note that this is a soft spike facility. All metal spikes must be changed out before arriving on the course. There is a dress code at this course as well and the management asks that all players and spectators abide by it. For men, a collared shirt with sleeves must be worn. Slacks are preferred, but shorts are allowed as long as they are at least knee length and no shorter.
For women, collared shirts are a must, but the rules are a little more relaxed when it comes to sleeves. Tank tops are not allowed, but a sleeveless shirt may be worn so long as the shoulders are covered. Golf shorts and skirts are allowed, but must not be shorter than mid thigh. Denim is prohibited for both sexes.
Reservations are available but must be made up to 60 days in advance. Please be advised that the course does have a 48 hour cancellation policy. If you fail to cancel within that time period, you will lose your fee.
If it fits your schedule be sure to take advantage of the very reasonable weekday twilight and super twilight rates.
Playing Hints:
The beautiful course is alongside the ocean, but you won’t have to worry too much about water hazards. The main trip up here are the numerous bunkers which can be found on every single hole. Most holes are straightforward, but quite long. The seventh hole is perhaps the toughest on the course. It features a sharp dogleg to the left and there is a nice big bunker in the middle of the fairway. It’s best to keep to the center on this one and go a little short off the tee. From there, you’ll have a clear view of the bunker and the curve.
The eighteenth hole features the one and only water hazard. You’ll be shooting across a large lake to make it to the green, so give it a good one off the tee. Just make sure to avoid the bunkers around the green. With practice, you can easily birdie this hole to save your score.
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Course Fees:
Mon - Thur / Fri - Sun, Holidays
Daily Fee
$129 / $149
Junior
$95 / $95
Twilight
$69 / $84
Replay
$69 / $84
Titleist Rental Clubs
$60 / $60
Cart Fee
$16 / $16
Spectator Fee
$20 / $20
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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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June 10th, 2008 — Bert Stamps, CA, Lessons Available, Sonora, golf courses
Phoenix Lake Golf Course is located in Sonora, CAPhone: 209-532-0111
Website: http://www.phoenixlakegolf.com
Course History:
This is a great little nine hole course that opened in 1968. It was designed by Bert Stamps and became an instant local favorite. The incredibly scenic course is perfect for a little getaway and the play is challenging enough for everyone to enjoy.
What You Need to Know:
This course has a great atmosphere. We really recommend attending the numerous tournaments that are held here since you cannot beat the pit barbeque or the fun. The fees are incredibly reasonable and we do recommend booking your tee time in advance since this is a popular course. Lessons are available and the membership packages make it easy to enjoy this course all year round. It is a little tucked away off the beaten path, so we’ve included directions to the course below.
Playing Hints:
This may be a little course, but don’t let it fool you. It’s actually quite tough in spots. Please note that if you are playing 18 holes that the white tees are for the front nine, and the black are for the back nine. The first hole is a gentle dogleg to the left, and you’ll want to keep to the right so you can get a clear shot to the green. This is a pretty long par five given the size of the course, but you can birdie it if you avoid going out of bounds.
The fifth hole is a bit challenging. You’ll want to avoid overhitting on your approach to the green. There is a water hazard behind it and it’s all too easy to end up taking a swim. The ninth hole is the most forgiving and just about any player can birdie this one to salvage their score. Just watch out for the sloping green, it’s a doozy.
Course Fees:
Green Fees - Monday Thru Thursday (Excluding Holidays)
9 Hole Fees 18 Hole Fees
Regular $15.00 $20.00
Seniors $11.00 $15.00
Juniors $11.00 $15.00
Green Fees - Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
9 Hole Fees 18 Hole Fees
All $17.00 $22.00
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES
(Unlimited Play)
Single: $900.00
Couple: $1,200.00
Family: $1,400.00
POWER CART
9 Holes ( $7.00 / Rider ) $14.00
18 Holes ( $11.00 / Rider ) $22.00
CLUBS & PULL CARTS
Club Rentals $8.00
Pull Carts $3.00
DRIVING RANGE BALLS
Small (40 Balls) $3.00
Large (70 Balls) $6.00
52 PLAY MEMBERSHIP FEE
$750.00
How to Get There:
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Take the Hess Rd. exit off Highway 108. If traveling EAST on Highway 108: Turn left at the bottom of the off-ramp. If traveling WEST on Highway 108: Turn right at the bottom of the off-ramp.
Turn right at the next stop light, follow Phoenix Lake Rd. 2 miles to Paseo De Los Portales (watch for the Phoenix Lake Golf Course signs). Turn left on Paseo De Los Portales, our clubhouse is approximately 1/2 mile on the left. Parking is available on the right directly across from the clubhouse.
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June 9th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Robert Muir Graves, Sonora, golf courses
Phone: (209) 532-1000
Website: http://www.mountainspringsgolf.com
Course History:
The renowned course designer Robert Muir Graves put together this championship level public course. Tucked into gold country and near the Sierra Nevadas, this incredible scenic course is every relaxing to play. The course first opened in 1994 and become an instant hit. Due to its popularity, we do recommend reserving your tee time well in advance. You can get a sneak peak of the course thanks to their live webcam.
What You Need to Know:
There is a dress code here for men, who must wear collared shirts. We also recommend proper slacks. The course does not specify any restrictions for women, but proper golf attire is the safest bet. You can register your tee time up to two weeks in advance by calling the pro-shop. While you cannot bring your own ice chest on the course, you can get one from the restaurant.
Please be advised that all players must have their own set of clubs. If you don’t have yours, you can rent a set. We’ve included their rates for this option below. The pro shop is incredibly well stocked and lessons are available at very good rates. The restaurant is a great place to unwind and overall, this is a very nice course.
Playing Hints:
This is a championship level course, but it is not terribly daunting for a novice player. Pros will find it just challenging enough and it will take a few passes to get it down.
The first hole is a dogleg left and you’ll want to keep to the right if you want to get a good score on this one. Don’t go too far right though, the water hazard on this hole runs the entire length of the fairway. The third hole is incredibly challenging and will require a bit of skill to master. It’s another dogleg, and you’re going to want to keep to the right to avoid the bunkers at the curve.
There’s no letting up on this course. The fourth hole is surrounded by two water hazards and bisected by a creek. We recommend a short shot off the tee, followed by an iron to get over the creek. From there, you’ll have a straight shot. The eleventh hole is another severe dogleg. Go a little left to get to the center of the fairway so you’ll have a clear shot to the green. The fourteenth hole is a real killer with a small dogleg left, then a dogleg right, followed by a green surrounded by water hazards. Take a short shot to layup your second one, and then use a three or five wood to go a little to the right to avoid the lake. From there, you can iron into the green.
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Course Fees:
Monday - Thursday
18 Holes: $27
Twilight: $16
Senior: $17
Junior: $13
Friday - Sunday & Holidays
18 Holes: $40
Twilight; $22
Junior: $13
Carts:
Monday - Friday
18 Holes: $30
9 Holes: $20
Club Rentals:
18 Holes: $15
9 Holes: $8
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June 5th, 2008 — CA, Manteca, golf courses
Manteca Park Golf Course is located in Manteca, CA
Phone: 209.825.2312
Website: http://www.ci.manteca.ca.us/golf
Course History:
When the course first opened in 1966, it was a simple nine hole executive course. However, the second nine were added soon after and it became an incredibly popular course. The founding fathers of Manteca built this course with their citizens in mind and the attention to detail shows. It is definitely a high class facility, even though it is a public course. The championship level of play is challenging enough to keep pros interested without overcoming the novice player.
What You Need to Know:
Tee times can be reserved by calling the pro-shop. This is a public course, but we still recommend wearing appropriate golfing attire. In addition to the course, you’ll also find a full service park, making it a fun getaway for the whole family. Tennis courts are also available to the public on site. The pro-shop is stocked with all of the latest gear and the snack bar is well stocked. This is definitely a family friendly course.
Numerous tournaments are hosted here all year round and it is a very popular destination. We recommend reserving your tee time well in advance to make sure you get the slot you want. Please note that members of the military get a special rate on all green fees. Overall, given the low price, great atmosphere and challenging play, this is one of the nicest courses in the area.
Playing Hints:
The first hole is a bit daunting at first glance, but if you’ve got a strong drive you can easily do this one in just three shots. Watch out for the green though, it’s very fast. The fourth hole is a bit tricky. You’ll be pointing to the right, but you’re going to want to shoot to the left. If you have a tendency to slice, be aware of the nearby water hazard.
The dogleg on the twelfth hole is a bit challenging for some. Aim to the right for a clear shot to the tee. You don’t want to hit this one too long or you’ll end up in the field. If you do, the course asks that you take an extra shot and that you do not go into the field to get your ball since it is private property. You’ll meet another dogleg on the last hole. For this one, try to keep as close to the center of the fairway by aiming a little left. From there, you’ll have a clear shot to the green.
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Course Fees:
DAILY FEES
Current Fee
WEEKDAYS
9-Hole Weekday
$15.00
18-Hole Weekday/Resident
$18.00
18-Hole Weekday/Non-Res.
$21.00
Junior and Military Weekday
$10.00
Senior/Disabled Special-T/Th After 12:00 Noon
$10.00
Twilight-Weekday
$14.00
Promotional Fee (max with cart) After 11:00 AM
$21.00
WEEKENDS/HOLIDAYS
9-Hole Weekend
$16.00
18-Hole Weekend/ Resident
$21.00
18-Hole Weekend/Non-Res.
$28.00
Junior and Military Weekend
$12.00
Twilight-Weekend
$16.00
MONTHLY PASSES (weekdays only)
Resident Adult
$75.00
Non-Resident Adult
$95.00
Senior/Disabled Resident
$57.00
Senior/Disabled-Non-Resident
$80.00
Junior (Resident or Non-Resident)
$37.00
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June 3rd, 2008 — Burlingame, CA, Dress code, William Herbert Fowler, golf courses, restaurant
Crystal Springs Golf Course is located in Burlingame, CA
Phone: (650) 342-4188
Website: http://www.playcrystalsprings.com
Course History:
This is a very historic course that was designed by William Herbert Fowler, a British course architect of great renown. It was first opened in 1924 and became an instant favorite. It has certainly withstood the test of time and is heavily played to this day. The course is known for its incredible amount of wildlife, numbering more than 61 species of birds, numerous deer and even a bobcat or two.
What You Need to Know:
You can book your tee time online or by calling the pro shop. This is a very nice facility and we recommend wearing a collared shirt and slacks. This is a soft spike facility, so please change out any metal spikes before you arrive. The pro shop here is top notch and is completely stocked with just about everything you could ever want. The Pub and Grill is beyond fantastic and overall, this is definitely one of the nicest courses in the area.
Playing Hints:
This is considered to be a true championship course so you will need to bring your best game. It’s a little longer than 6600 yards and we highly recommend taking the cart option. The sixth hole is famous, or infamous, take your pick. It’s a common site for weddings, due to the several hundred foot drop off between the tee and the green. You’ll want to hit a very long drive off the tee if you want to do well on this hole.
The dogleg on the tenth hole is quite a challenge, but if you can hit it long, you’ll do just fine. The fifteenth hole is deceptively easy, but if you give this one too much power, you’ll end up surrounded by trees. Give this one a soft shot off the tee and then iron in for greater accuracy.
The eighteenth hole is your chance to even up your score. It’s a long par five, but with a good drive you can easily get a birdie. Just watch out for the sloping green that can really ruin your score.
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Course Fees:
Weekdays (Monday to Thursday)
18 Holes $44
Twilight After 2:00 PM $36
Super Twilight After 4:00 PM
$26
Senior ( Age 60 +) Mon-Wed After 11:00 AM $30
Junior (Under 18) After 2:00 PM Walking only $15
Junior Super Twilight (under 18) After 4:00 PM Walking Only $10
9 Hole Early Bird (first hour 1/2 of the day) Cart included $28
Cart Fee ($15 per person) $30
Weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays)
Before 2:00 PM $66
Twilight After 2:00 PM $43
Super Twilight After 4:00 PM $36
Junior (Under 18) After 2:00 PM Walking only $25
Junior Super Twilight (under 18) After 4:00 PM Walking Only $15
9 Hole Early Bird (first hour 1/2 of the day) Cart included $39
Cart Fee ($15 per person) $30
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