November 15th, 2008 — CA, Chowchilla, Lessons Available, golf courses, restaurant
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
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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.
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October 27th, 2008 — CA, Oroville, driving range, restaurant
Table Mountain Golf Course is located in Oroville, CA
Phone: 530 533-3922
Website: http://www.tablemountaingolf.com/
Course History:
This is a terrific course if you don't like a lot of uphill walking or you simply want to get out in the fresh air for a fun game of golf. You won't find any hills here, but it is still a beautiful course that is challenging and fun. Table Mountain has been very popular since they opened, due to their low green fees and friendly staff and it's easy to see why people return here again and again. We really appreciated the quality of the facilities and it would be hard to find a course with a better practice facility in this area.
What You Need to Know:
The atmosphere at the course is very relaxed and it's a great place to bring young golfers. You'll be able to register your tee time by calling the number listed above, but we do recommend checking their website for specials before you do. You can save a lot of money on their already low fees.
The pro shop was terrific and the grill was certainly above par. The same atmosphere extends there and it is a great place to go after a round. The food was great and the prices were even better.
The practice facilities, as mentioned above, are simply divine. The driving range is spacious and the two putting greens will really get you prepared to go out on the course. It's a great place to go before you head out, or some even prefer just to get their practice in here.
Playing Hints:
Although you won't be dealing with hills, that doesn't mean the course is an easy one. Water hazards really make it fun and you'll be dealing with five. The sixteenth hole, or should we say island, is probably the most challenging hole on the course. You'll be surrounded by water on all sides, so make sure you adjust your shot so that it doesn't get pulled too much to either side.
There are also plenty of bunkers to deal with, and the fourth hole has more than its fair share. They happen to be right in the center of the fairway, so you'll want to go a little to the left for your tee shot to avoid them.
Fees:
| GREEN FEES |
| . |
Weekdays
Monday - Thursday |
Weekends
Friday - Sunday & Holidays |
| 18 Holes |
$25.00 |
$30.00 |
| 9 Holes |
$15.00 |
$20.00 |
Senior
60 & Older |
$16.00 |
Friday Only Special Rate - $20.00 |
Junior
17 & Younger |
$8.00 |
$10.00 |
| After Hour |
$15.00 |
$20.00 |
| CART FEES |
| . |
9 Holes |
18 Holes |
|
| Electric |
$15.00 |
$25.00 |
|
| Single Rider |
$10.00 |
$15.00 |
|
| Pull |
$3.00 |
$5.00 |
|
| Transit |
$15.00 |
$15.00 |
|
| RANGE PROGRAM (annually) |
| Single |
$200 |
|
| Couple |
$250 |
|
| Family |
$300 |
|
| RANGE BALLS |
| Small Bucket |
Large Bucket |
|
| $3.50 |
$6.00 |
|
| RENTAL CLUBS |
| 18 Holes |
9 Holes |
|
| $10.00 |
$5.00 |
|
How to Get There:
View Larger Map
They are located near the Oroville Municipal Airport, just outside of Oroville. Please call the pro shop for exact directions on how to reach the course.
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October 22nd, 2008 — Bodega Bay, CA, Dress code, Robert Trent Jones, golf courses, restaurant
The Links At Bodega Harbor Golf Course is located in: Bodega Bay, CA
Phone: 1-866-90-LINKS
Website: http://www.bodegaharbourgolf.com
Course History:
This is a stunning course and there are few on earth that are quite like it. If you love an ocean course, this is definitely one that is well worth the trip. Robert Trent Jones Jr designed this course and it is a testament to his true talent. You'll be playing right on the coastline and the experience is amazing.
What You Need to Know:
There are a few rules to know before you arrive. First, all players must have clubs, and if you don't have your own, you can rent a set at the pro shop. They do not however rent out shoes, so you will need to bring your own. Please wear traditional golf attire since this is an upper level course.
There is no driving range here, but they do provide a net to allow you to get in a few practice swings. It's a small price to pay for a chance to play on a course this nice. The Bluewater Bistro is an amazing place to go after your round and the food here was well above par. You can register your tee time online or by calling the number listed above.
Playing Hints:
Your main hazards will be, of course, sand, and there are so many bunkers on this course we lost count. Accuracy is a big plus and there are quite a few holes here that will test your skills. Novices might feel a little intimated, but that wears off pretty quickly once you get started. This is a great course for pros however and offers plenty of challenges.
Our favorite hole was the eighth, due to its complex bunker system. All along the right side of the fairway you'll find enormous bunkers, so it is best to aim a little to the left to avoid them. Your second shot should be a careful one since the green is completely protected by around five large bunkers. It's best to go a little short on your second shot and then pitch over the bunkers unless you are completely certain that you can clear them without this step.
Fees:
Twilight begins at 2 PM
Standard Rates
18 Holes Twilight
2008
Monday - Thursday $60 $45
Mon - Thurs: Twilight starts at 2 PM
Friday $70 $55
Friday: Twilight starts at 2 PM
Weekends & Holidays $90 $65
Sat, Sun, Hol: Twilight starts at 2 PM
Management supplied the following directions:
View Larger Map
From SAN FRANCISCO
Take the 101 Freeway north to Petaluma. Take the E. Washington - Central Petaluma exit and cross over the freeway, heading west, and follow the signs to Valley Ford and Bodega Bay. As you get to Bodega Bay you will see "Welcome to Bodega Bay", "Golfing" and "South Harbour Way" signs, turn left on South Harbour Way. At the top of the hill, turn right and continue on to The Links at Bodega Harbour and The Bluewater Bistro.
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October 9th, 2008 — Dress code, Golf Ball Driver, Robert Trent Jones, golf courses
Greenhorn Creek Golf Course is located in: Angels Camp, CA
Phone: 888-736-5900
Website: http://www.greenhorncreek.com
Course History:
Robert Trent Jones II designed this truly remarkable course that is nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This is truly a marvelous course both in terms of challenging play and sheer natural beauty. We really enjoyed the fact that the designer kept many of the natural elements of the course intact and were pleasantly surprised by our whole stay here. If you're looking for a fun but challenging course that features heart stopping beauty, this is definitely one to try.
What You Need to Know:
The course has a pretty strict dress code, and denim is forbidden. Collared shirts are a must for both men and women and the dress code also applies on the driving range. The course management also requests that all players use soft spikes. They can help you change them out at the pro shop if you don't have your own.
We really enjoyed the GPS carts at this course and the facilities were truly remarkable. This is by far one of the nicest kept courses we've seen in some time and the staff really will go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The fees are quite low considering the level of service that you get and overall, we hated to leave! The grill has some terrific food and the club house is very nicely appointed.
You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above, and it's also a good idea to check their website for specials before you do. Although their fees aren't high, they do have some really great deals that they post every month.
Playing Hints:
You really won't be dealing with a lot of sand traps or water hazards, especially when compared to some courses, but that doesn't mean that this course isn't challenging. The natural terrain is your worst enemy here, as are the trees and rock walls that spring up all over the place. You'll really need to work on accuracy and power here. The fairways are narrow and tree lined and we found most of them to be quite long.
Our favorite hole was the 12th and it is a challenge to say the least. The green is situated above the fairway and it is very easy to go too long if you're not careful. On the plus side though, if you do hit it a little long and to the right, there is a natural slope down that will deposit your ball right back on the green.
View Larger Map
Fees:
Monday - Thursday Friday - Sunday
Daily Fee
(Low Season November - March) *Shotgun 50.00 65.00
Twilight (2 p.m. or later) 40.00 50.00
Daily Fee (High Season April - October) 70.00 90.00
Junior with cart
(must have driver's license to drive cart 27.00 39.00
Junior walking 12.00 24.00
(includes GPS cart and green fees)
* Shotgun starts begin Thanksgiving Day until Febuary 28, 2008.
Tee Times March 1, 2008 to November 27, 2008.
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September 4th, 2008 — CA, Lake Tahoe, driving range, golf courses, restaurant
Wolf Run Golf Club is located near Lake Tahoe, CA
Phone: (775) 851-3301
Website: http://www.wolfrungolfclub.com/
Course History:
Wolf Run Golf Club is a very nice course that is a little expensive to play but well worth the trip. The course was designed to fit right into the landscape, which means it can be quite challenging to play at times. It quickly became a local favorite and golfers from all over the world travel to take a crack at this tough but fun course.
What You Need to Know:
You can book a tee time up to fourteen days in advance either by phone or online. The practice facilities are definitely state of the art and the 10,000 square foot practice green is essential before heading out on the course. They also include a 100 yard short game practice area as well as a newly remodeled driving range. Overall, the practice facilities are some of the nicest in the area.
The pro shop is very well stocked and you'll find just about everything under the sun that's related to golf. It's a great place to shop for golfers on your list, especially if they think they already have everything. The club restaurant is out of this world and offers a great mix of high-end fare mixed with comfort food.
The course does not specifically state that they have a dress code, but please keep in mind that this is a very nice and exclusive facility. We recommend collared shirts and slacks for both men and women playing this course. You may want to bring soft spikes since most courses in this area are soft spike facilities.
Playing Hints:
This is a challenging course that offers a good mix of different shots that all work towards perfecting your game. Don't expect to master it in one go-round, unless you're already a pro. However, that's part of the fun and you'll definitely want to keep going back to give it another shot.
The fairways undulate and at times, you may be hard pressed to see where to go with your next shot. They don't go overboard with tips on the scorecard either, so you'll be playing the first round pretty much blind. We recommend working on accuracy since some of the roughs are incredibly tough. The greens are very fast and you'll need to really work on putting accuracy and speed to find the right mix.
There are also plenty of water hazards that definitely make your round a challenge. You'll want to do your best to shoot over them, but in some cases, you may be better served with a short shot that will put you in a better position to get over the hazard. The key to this course is definitely using the right club at the right time.
View Larger Map
Fees:
While the course does not list their green fees, they do offer membership packages.
Individual Family Corporate
Initiation Fees $7,000 $15,000 $21,000
Monthly Dues $220 $265 $750
Type Non-Equity Non-Equity Non-Equity
Transfer Fee for Resale of Membership $1,500 $2,500 $4,500
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September 1st, 2008 — Tips and Tricks
When it comes to golfing, a lot of attention to paid to the feet, the entire stance and the swing, but the moment of impact is possibly the most critical. Whether you are trying to hit a ball 200 yards or 2 inches, it’s that moment of impact that will determine how successful you are. Here are some tips on how to fine tune how you impact the ball.
Long Shots
The long shot is all about the power and learning how to channel energy from your swing into a strong impact with the ball that will send it hundreds of yards through the air. While much of this is handled simply by the nature of swinging the club and hitting the ball, there is a reason why some players can hit much further than 200 yards, while others struggle for 50.
It’s about knowing when to release that stored up energy from your swing through the club and into the ball. It sounds quite complicated, but it all comes down to the wrists. In fact, if you aren’t using your wrists properly, chances are you won’t be able to hit nearly as far as you would like. In order to properly channel that power into impact, you have to be able to keep your wrists straight on the backswing, straight on the downswing and break them right as you hit the ball.
This is a timing issue that can be worked on at home, or out on the driving range. Instead of focusing on your stance or swing, spend an hour or so really focusing on what happens when you actually hit the ball. You’ll be able to pick up the feel of what is right and what isn’t right. Work on breaking your wrists without the club, then add the club and try it again. Finally, put it all together in one fluid motion. With time, you’ll get the feel down.
Short Shots
The short shot is all about finesse. In these instances, you generally don’t want to power the ball too much, or you’ll end up over the green. Learning how to tone down that energy from your swing and channel it into the right amount of distance is what keeps many golfers from perfecting their short game.
Once again, we look to the wrists for guidance here. In this case, it is the forward wrist that should be focused on. This is the only wrist that will break when you are hitting a short shot. Put your hands together in front of you. Now, still keeping them together, snap them both to the left. Your left hand should be horizontal, but your right wrist doesn’t really move all that much.
You can do the same thing with a club since this is generally the motion that you’re going to need to perfect. It will feel a little differently since you are now holding your hands downward, but practice snapping those wrists until you learn to control how hard you snap them. This is the secret to getting those short distances just right.
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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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July 9th, 2008 — CA, Fredrick Bliss, San Rafael, driving range, golf courses
Phone: (415) 492-1800
Website: http://www.mcinnisparkgolfcenter.com
Course History:
This great little executive course was designed by Fred Bliss. It's a par 31 that stretches out nicely giving you just enough room without being too daunting. This is a great course if you just want a quick round of golf.
What You Need to Know:
You can book your tee time by calling the pro shop. We recommend a few days ahead of time since this is a popular course. You'll want to wear standard golf attire, but the course isn't terribly stuffy about that. What this course is really known for are its practice facilities which are simply incredible.
They offer a swing recorder and the 52 stall driving range is fantastic. There is a reason that this facility is ranked in the top 100. They are currently adding new turf to the range and the expected renovations should be completed shortly. In addition to the range there is also a short game practice center.
The pro shop is very well stocked and offers plenty of gift ideas for every golfer. They offer custom fitting for clubs as well as the ability to order any line of clubs that you may be looking for. Hands down, this is definitely one of the best nine hole courses in the entire area and the staff is incredibly friendly. We highly recommend this course.
Playing Hints:
The first hole is very straightforward, if a bit long. You'll really want to give this a hard shot off the tee if you want to birdie it. There is a slight slope to the green on this hole so putt with care.
The second hole looks easy at first, but watch out for the rough right off the tee. One bad swing and you can really ruin your score. By the time you get to the green you'll want to keep an eye on the bunkers to the right. The third hole is even tougher with more rough to contend with. Give this one a very hard shot off the tee to clear the rough spots.
The fourth hole offers a great water hazard in front of the green. We recommend a nine iron for your second shot to make it to the green. The fifth hole can be described as hop scotch. You'll have to make it across to the island fairways, cross a creek and then get across even more rough to reach the green. It can be done in two shots with the right strategy.
The problem repeats itself on the eighth hole where nothing but rough separates you from the green. Aim to the right to get to the first island fairway and then really give it a good shot to get on the green from there.
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Course Fees:
9 Holes
Monday through Friday
Regular: $17
Senior: $13
Junior: $13
Replay: $11
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
Adults: $20
Junior: $16
Replay: $13
Rental Clubs: $12
Pull Cart: $4
Electric Cart: $15 (only available to disabled players)
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