August 14th, 2008 — CA, Madera, golf courses, private course, restaurant
Riverbend Golf Club is located in Madera, CA
Phone: 559-432-3020
Website: http://www.riverbendgolf.com
Course History:
This is a private course that offers daily fee play and is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Each year, the following events are hosted here: NCGA California State Amateur Qualifying Events, California Players Tour, Golf Channel Amatuer Tour, the Annual Outlaw Cup Championship (formerly Coombs Cup) and is the Home of the Save Mart Shootout. It is easy to see why this is such a popular destination. This is truly one of the nicest courses on the West Coast.
What You Need to Know:
You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above. Since this is a private course, traditional golf attire is necessary. No sleeveless shirts are allowed and no denim. The course does not state whether they prefer soft or metal spikes, but we recommend soft spikes just in case.
This course offers a very unique system called the ProShot Golf System. This gizmo is well worth the time it takes to get to this course. You’ll be able to use this to get exact information on the distance of your shots as well as customized tips to help you improve your game. The system is mounted on to your golf cart and can be used to determine how many yards you are from the hole, how to handle upcoming hazards and functions very much like a high tech caddy.
The onsite café offers breakfast and lunch and features a great mix of real ranch cooking. They also provide catering services and are well loved by the entire community.
Playing Hints:
Don’t let the virtual caddy fool you into think this is an easy course. It’s actually quite difficult in spots but always fun to play. You’ll need that system for many of these holes since they can be pretty tough. The first three holes may lull you into a sense of complacency, but the fourth hole will shake you up. The green is almost completely surrounded by a lake and you’ll really need to have an accurate shot to get it. We recommend a short second shot from the tee to get into a better position to land on the green.
The seventh hole features a dogleg with a lake tucked into the curve and around the green. You’ll want to stay to the right on this hole to have a clear shot to the green and to avoid the water. The 18th hole is a behemoth that can either save your score or ruin it. Work on an accurate tee shot to avoid the rough and try to stick to the middle of the fairway for the best chance at making par or a birdie.
View Larger Map
Fees:
| |
|
|
Standard Rates
|
Twilight
|
9-Hole*
|
|
Monday - Thursday
|
$45.00
|
$35.00
|
$25.00
|
|
Friday
|
$55.00
|
$40.00
|
$30.00
|
|
Saturday
|
$75.00
|
$50.00
|
$40.00
|
|
Sundays
|
$65.00
|
$45.00
|
$35.00
|
| 9 hole rates starts at 3:30 pmAll fees include golf cart & global positioning satellite service.?You may request tee times up to 7 days in advance.??Twilight starts at 2:00 pm ??Range balls are available in three sizes:?Small bucket - $4.00?Medium bucket - $6.00?Large bucket - $8.00 |
Related Articles
Related Stores
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.
View Larger Map
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)
Related Articles
Related Stores
June 12th, 2008 — CA, Casey O'Callaghan, Yountville, golf courses, restaurant
Vinter’s Golf Club is Located in Yountville, CA
Phone: (707) 944-1992
Website: http://www.vintersgolfclub.com
Course History:
This is one of the most popular courses in Napa Valley and with good reason. This is a pleasant nine hole course that is still challenging without sacrificing fun. It became an instant favorite among locals and continues winning accolades to this day.
The course was designed by Casey O’Callaghan and opened in 1998. Since then, it has been redesigned and the play is more exciting than ever. The new design made it appealing for players of all skill levels and the course is known for its incredible greens.
What You Need to Know:
You can book your tee time by calling ahead at the number listed above or by using their online system. Keep an eye on their website since they frequently post specials. Their overall low prices are already hard to beat, and the specials are even better.
The Lakeside Grill offers an incredible lunch with old fashioned favorites like grilled hamburgers. They also have a few more sophisticated items on the menu, but everyone should try the burgers at least once. The pro shop is well stocked and overall, you would think this is a much bigger course than it is.
Playing Hints:
There are a few water hazards on the course, but nothing that should cause too many problems for most players. Unless you have an inordinately bad hook or slice, these should not pose a problem. The bunkers however are a whole other issue. Even though the course is short, you’ll get plenty of chances to work on your short game by trying to avoid these traps.
The first hole has a sharp left to get to the green and can be tricky to play. We recommend going to the right on your drive so that you have a better line to the green. The fourth hole is a short par three that is still challenging thanks to the tricky green here. Eight can be a bit tough due to the rough, so you’ll want to try to get as close to the green as possible with your tee shot. In order to get to the ninth green, you’ll need to stay first towards the middle of the fairway and then go right.
View Larger Map
Course Fees:
9-Hole Green Fees Mon. - Thurs. Fri. - Sun. & Holidays
Non Residence $25.00 $35.00
Napa Valley Resident/Senior $20.00 $30.00
VGSC Members $18.00 $25.00
Early Bird before 7:00 a.m. $12.00 NA
Twilight after 4 p.m. $16.00 $20.00
18-Hole Green Fees Mon. - Thurs. Fri. - Sun. & Holidays
Non Resident $35.00 $45.00
Napa Valley Resident/Senior $30.00 $40.00
VGSC Members $26.00 $35.00
Twilight after 2:00 P $22.00 $25.00
Cart/Club Rental
9-Hole Golf Cart Single Rider - $10.00 Two Riders - $20.00
18-Hole Golf Cart Fee Single Rider - $13.00 Two Riders - $26.00
Pull Cart $5.00 9-Holes $8.00 18-Holes
Golf Club Rental $25.00
Range Balls Tokens Cost Cost per Token
51 1 $5.00 $5.00
204 4 $18.00 $4.50
510 10 $40.00 $4.00
Related Articles
Related Stores
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.
View Larger Map
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
Related Articles
Related Stores
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.
View Larger Map
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
Related Articles
Related Stores
