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 23rd, 2008 — CA, Chandler Egan, Pacific Grove, golf courses
Pacific Grove Golf Course is located in Pacific Grove, CA
Phone: 831.648.5775
Website: http://www.ci.pg.ca.us/golf/default.htm
Course History:
This is a beautiful municipal course that has been voted one of the best municipal courses in the nation. The value is absolutely unbeatable and the old English links style of play is very popular. It was designed by Chandler Egan in 1932 and quickly became one of the most popular courses in the area. The original course management wanted it to be suitable for players of all skill levels and they certainly achieved that. Novices won’t be intimidated but pros can still enjoy a nice round of golf here.
What You Need to Know:
You can register your tee time by calling ahead at the number listed above or by visiting their website to book online. We recommend stopping by their site to take advantage of their specials. The pro shop here is top notch and overall, from the money, the facilities here are actually quite surprising. You wouldn’t expect this level of service from a municipal course, but they truly exceed all expectations.
Playing Hints:
Most of the holes on the course are very straightforward but you will be dealing with more natural conditions such as some really tough roughs since this is an English style course. However, that only adds to its charm and it is a refreshing break if you are used to playing on more modern courses.
The third hole has a pretty severe dog leg, so you’ll want to aim a little left from the tee to make sure you get a clear shot of the green. The eighth hole can also be tricky in this regard. Once again, hang a little to the left to best this hole.
The sixteenth hole is a long haul but offers a chance to catch up on your score before heading to the final holes that are a lot shorter but a little tougher.
View Larger Map
Course Fees:
| Green Fees (effective July 1, 2007) |
Resident
|
Non-Resident
|
| 9 Hole Mon - Thurs |
$12
|
$20
|
| 18 Hole Monday-Thursday |
$20
|
$40
|
| 9 Hole Fri - Sun & Holidays (Reservations after 2:30pm) |
$18
|
$25
|
| 18 Hole Fri - Sun & Holidays |
$25
|
$45
|
| 18 Hole Twilight RateAfter 2pm Standard TimeAfter 4pm Daylight Savings |
$15
|
$20
|
| 18 Hole Junior Rate - 17 and under Mon - ThursAfter 2pm Fri - Sun & Holidays |
$10
|
$20
|
| Annual Cards (Valid from July 1 to June 30) |
|
|
Resident
|
Non-Resident
|
| Single Player |
$710
|
$875
|
| Single Senior (65 or older) |
$635
|
$775
|
| Non-Resident (No Club Affiliation) |
|
$2,000
|
| Junior Annual (17 & Under)Mon - ThursAfter 2pm Fri - Sun & Holidays |
$200
|
n/a
|
| Junior Summer 3-Month Card(17 & Under)Available June-August only Mon - Thurs
After 2pm Fri - Sun |
$75
|
n/a
|
| Rentals
|
|
|
Resident
|
Non-Resident
|
| Electric Cart - 9 Hole |
$20
$10 rider
|
$20
$10 rider
|
| Electric Cart - 18 Hole |
$34
$17 rider
|
$34
$17 rider
|
| Set of Golf Clubs - 9 Hole |
$25
|
$25
|
| Set of Golf Clubs - 18 Hole |
$40
|
$40
|
| Pull Cart - 9 Hole |
$4
|
$4
|
| Pull Cart - 18 Hole |
$8
|
$8
|
| Annual Club Storage(Fiscal Year July 1 - June 30) |
$125
|
$125
|
| (4) Bag Attachment |
$5
|
$5
|
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June 2nd, 2008 — CA, Vallejo, golf courses
Phone: (707) 643-8476
Website: http://www.bluerockspringsgolf.com
Course History:
Blue Rock Springs is actually two courses in one and you can play both for an incredibly reasonable rate. This is a very popular course and we recommend booking your tee time well in advance.
What You Need to Know:
The course has an online tee time registration system where you can get a discount off their already low prices. You can also call the pro shop if you prefer to reserve your time this way. The course offers a very nice pro shop and is a great place to spend the afternoon.
Playing Hints:
West Course - This is a very straightforward course that is a little under 6,000 yards in length. Although there are not a lot of water hazards, the tree lined fairways do present a bit of a challenge for most players. There are a few bunkers but nothing that most golfers can’t surmount with ease and a little accuracy.
The first two holes are deceptively easy and it gets a little tougher from there. There is a water hazard near the fourth green, so make sure your approach is cautious here. You’ll also want to look sharp on the eighth hole, it’s a real killer. The long par five is birdie-able, but only with some practice. The fourteenth hole is bisected by a creek, so you’ll want to go a little short with your drive and then iron over for the best results.
East Course - This course has a very interesting layout and they have made excellent use of the space they had to work with. This is a little over 6,000 yards but feels a bit shorter due to the layout. Most of the holes are very straightforward and there are a not a lot of hazards to trip you up. We recommend that novice players start on this course first.
The only hole that may present quite of a challenge is the seventeenth with its severe dog leg to the left. You’re going to want to stay right off the tee to avoid the bunkers at the curve. From there, you should have a straight shot to the green. The eighth hole is also a little challenging with a pond right behind the green, so don’t overdo your approach here.
Course Fees:
Public, 36 holes
Green Fees: $19?$35
Cart Fee: $16 per rider
Tom Wade, Mgr./PGA Class A Pro; Brian Morris Certified GCSAA, Supt.
Northeast Bay Zone. Club 53-401
Lessons:
Individual Sessions
½ hour for $35
Five ½ hour sessions for $150
Link Up to Golf and Play Golf America clinics
Five 1 hour sessions for $99 (Clinics require a minimum for four )
Semi-private and Corporate Clinics
Rates depend on group size
How to Get There:
View Larger Map
The best way to get to the Golf Course from Highway 80 is to exit at Columbus Parkway south and proceed for about 2.5 miles. The golf course entrance will be on your right.
Coming from Highway 37 take the Columbus Parkway exit, then follow the above directions.
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