November 17th, 2008 — CA, Camino, golf courses, restaurant
Apple Mountain Golf Course is located in: Camino, CA
Phone: 530-647-7400
Website: http://www.applemountaingolfresort.com
Course History:
Although this is a resort golf course it is open to the public. This is definitely a majestic course that all players in the area should try at least once. It offers a challenging round of golf in a setting that is unmatched throughout the area. In fact, you may enjoy it so much you may even consider becoming a member of the club, where you can save extra money on greens fees and get more benefits.
What You Need to Know:
Since this is a semi private club it is best to wear a collared shirt and slacks while you're playing here. We also recommend soft spikes. Since the course is quite challenging, you'll also want to take advantage of their rental carts. You'll be thankful you did about halfway through.
The practice facilities here are worth the trip alone and the pro shop is a sight to behold with all the latest gear and apparel. When you're done with your round stop in the restaurant for a great meal and some relaxing conversation. This is truly a resort environment and a great place to get away from it all.
Playing Hints:
When the first hole is called the gold seeker, you know you're in it for the long haul. There is a water hazard right to the left of the green so make sure your approach shot is as accurate as possible. The third hole is a tough dog leg. You're going to want to keep to the middle of the fairway if possible. Go too far to the right and it will be impossible to get around the bend with any accuracy.
The seventh hole is lined with majestic trees that immediately lose their mystique once you get stuck behind them. Again, try to stick as close to the center of the fairway as you can. The twelfth hole features numerous slopes and can be difficult to master. You'll want to play a little to the right to make the most out of this one.
The challenge on the fifteenth hole is avoiding the trees and rough. The fairway is very narrow and curved and it will take some time to get this one down pat. Last but not least, the eighteenth hole is a bit of monster that will take some effort to best. Watch out for the slopes that can really eat up your score. Your best bet is to really let this one fly off the tee.
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Fees:
Spring Rates - Tee Times Starting 8:00 AM
Carts are Mandatory, and All Rates Include Cart Fees
Mon-Thurs Friday Sat, Sun,& Holidays
Regular 18 Hole rates $44.00 $54.00 $64.00
Apple Mountain Gold Members $20.00 $20.00 $25.00*
Gold & Platinum Member Guests $37.00 $39.00 $54.00
Seniors (55 and older); Law Enforcement,
Firefighters, & Active Duty Military $37.00 N/A N/A
Twilight (after 1:00 PM) $37.00 $39.00 $42.00
Juniors (17 years and under) $20.00 $25.00 $25.00
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November 15th, 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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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:
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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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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 6th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Robert Muir Graves, Sonora, golf courses
Mountain Springs Golf Course is located in Sonora, CA
Phone: (209) 532-1000
Website: http://www.mountainspringsgolf.com
Course History:
This is one of the prettiest golf courses we've ever seen in this area, and it's easy to see why it has become such a local favorite. Robert Muir Graves designed the course, which opened in 1990. Although it is still relatively new, it has that old fashioned links feel and you'll be able to enjoy a challenging round of golf during your stay.
What You Need to Know:
There are several stay and play packages available in this area that will reduce the already low green fees even further. You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above. During peak visitor seasons, it may be difficult to get your time, especially if you don't call far enough in advance.
There is a dress code on this course, and they are pretty traditional. Men are advised to wear collared shirts and the course management asks that only two riders per cart be allowed. While they do not allow players to bring their own ice chests, you can get one at the course. In addition, all players must have their own golf clubs. Rentals are available at reasonable rates if you don't have your own set.
Overall, we found this to be a great golf course that had just the right amount of challenging play.
Playing Hints:
The fourth hole is quite tricky on this course, since you will be going uphill from the tee. We recommend putting as much power as you can into your tee shot to get through this hole. You'll also be dealing with a hidden bunker right to the left of the green, so go a little to the right on your approach shot.
The twelfth hole features a very tricky two tier green and will require a lot of patience and a good deal of skill to master. This is only a par three, but it can be difficult to get to the pin, especially if it is on the top tier. The fifteenth hole is especially tricky with an uphill lie and a dogleg to the left. Hit it hard and go a little to the right for the best layup. You'll need to hit about 230 yards to make it to the top of the hill. Once you're there, you'll have a clear view of the green, but it's not easy to get there.
Green Fees:
Monday - Thursday Friday Weekends and Holidays
18 Holes $27.00 $32.00 $40.00
Twilight $16.00 $19.00 $22.00
Senior (Mon and Tues) $17.00
Junior $13.00 $13.00 $13.00
Golf Carts - Monday through Friday
18 Holes - $30.00
9 Holes - $20.00
Club Rentals
18 Holes - $15.00
9 Holes - $8.00
How to Get There:
Go to Tuolumne County up Highway 108 and turn right at Lime Kiln Road (at the light). Follow this road until you see the Mountain Springs monolith on the right. The golf course is right there.
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