October 20th, 2008 — Brookings, OR, golf courses
Salmon Run Golf Course is located in: Brookings, OR
Phone: 877.423.1234
Website: http://www.salmonruninfo.net/
Course History:
This is a truly beautiful course that has won many accolades since it was first built. Most recently, Mike McAllister of Sports Illustrated included it in his special feature, Oregon: 72 Holes in 72 Hours and highly recommended it. It's easy to see why once you arrive. The natural beauty was not destroyed by the course, and in fact, they managed to integrate the course quite well into the existing landscape.
The green fees are actually quite low given the quality of the course and we found our round to be very enjoyable, with just the right amount of challenging play. If you are planning a trip over the border to Oregon, this is the place to stop.
What You Need to Know:
The course frequently runs specials on their website for even more savings on green fees, so we highly recommend stopping by there before you book your tee time. You can call the number above to book, or they do allow for online booking as well.
The course management does specify that twilight times begin at 3pm, and that no coolers are allowed on the course. Each player must all have their own set of clubs, or they can rent one at the pro shop. There is no specific dress code in place, but we still recommend the usual golf attire.
There are several nice inns and resorts in the area that offer special stay and play packages, making this an ideal course to try if you are vacationing in this area. The staff is very friendly and the grill had some truly terrific food. A very nice place to play golf!
Playing Hints:
This is not a terribly difficult course, but it's not easy either. The course designer managed to find that perfect medium in between the two, making it perfect for both novices and pros alike. The main issue that you will be dealing with on several holes are water hazards, but with care and a good aim, you should be able to avoid most of them without too much trouble.
We loved the Azalea Hole, which is the seventh on the course. Completely enclosed with trees, the narrow fairways offer a great challenge. There is a slight slope to the green, which is elevated from the fairway, so bring your best chip shot to this hole.
We also enjoyed the Alder Row Hole which is the fourteenth on the course. This is a fun hole to play, mainly due to the fact that the fairway has a definite slope down. Your best bet is to stick to the left from the tee, but still manage to avoid the trees. From your tee shot, you should have a better lay up to see the hole and avoid the slope.
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Fees:
Rates Effective as of April 1
9-Holes :: $39*
18-Holes :: $64*
* Prices Include Cart
Senior Special Players 55 and over Tuesdays and Thursdays after 1:00PM $32
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August 12th, 2008 — CA, Chico, golf courses
Tuscan Ridge Golf Course is located in Chico, CA
Phone: (530) 624-7006
Website: http://www.tuscanridgeclub.com/
Course History:
Tuscan Ridge Golf Course is a beautiful course that is off the beaten path near Chico, CA. This is truly a rare course and we were very happy to find it. Since it opened, it became an instant favorite of the locals and it's easy to see why. This course offers a great challenging level of play and some of the best facilities we've seen in the area.
What You Need to Know:
Tuscan Ridge doesn't specifically state that there is a dress code, but we do recommend standard golf attire. You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above. In addition to their usual pro shop gear, which is terrific by the way, they also offer some of the best club fitting and repair services we've ever seen. This is a great place to go if your clubs are getting a bit run down and you need them fixed properly.
The clubhouse is worth the trip alone and it is extremely relaxing. This was definitely one of the nicest rounds of golf we have played in years and we simply cannot say enough nice things about this incredible course.
Playing Hints:
The designer of this course was a master of optical illusions and the "risk reward" strategy. You'll need to bring your best game here and chances are, you'll want to keep coming back to perfect your own strategy. We found that the natural terrain was very challenging and there were times that we weren't sure where the green was.
There are numerous hazards on the course that make it fun to play. One wrong move and you may find yourself in a small quarry. Accuracy is definitely key here and we highly recommend working on the art of the straight and powerful drive before you arrive. Watch out for the bunker on The Vineyard Hole. You may need a bulldozer to get out if you have the misfortune of landing in there.
Fees:
| |
| |
Weekday Rates |
Weekend Rates |
| 18 Holes |
$29.00 |
$36.00 |
| Student, Senior, Military |
$19.00 |
$26.00 |
| Twilight Rate -3pm |
$21.00 |
$24.00 |
| Super Twilight Rate -5pm |
$12.00 |
$15.00 |
| Jr. Rate (18 & under) |
$10.00 |
$14.00 |
| Replay Rate |
$11.00 |
$14.00 |
| Cart Rental |
| |
18 Holes |
| Twilight Riding Fee |
$10.00 |
| Riding Fee |
$14.00 |
| Driving Range Fees |
| |
Small |
Medium |
Large |
| Range Balls |
$4.00 |
$6.00 |
$8.00 |
How to Get There:
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From Bay Area (East I-80)
Approximately 2 hours drive time from Vacaville, CA
1. Drive East on I-80
2. Merge onto I-505 North
3. Merge onto I-5 North
4. Take EXIT 619 in Orland (CA-32)
5. Turn RIGHT at light and follow CA-32 to Chico
6. In Chico, take a LEFT at East Ave (first light)
7. East Ave turns to Manzanita Ave, then to Chico Canyon Road and finally to Bruce Rd.
8. Bruce Road intersects Skyway Blvd at a major intersection
at Skyway Blvd, turn LEFT
9. Tuscan Ridge Golf Course will appear on the right side of Skyway Blvd
10. Turn Right at rock sign under 4.5 miles from Bruce Road
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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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July 7th, 2008 — CA, Elverta, Lessons Available, Robert Muir Graves, golf courses, restaurant
Cherry Island Golf Course is located in: Elverta, CA
Phone: 916-991-7293
Website: http://www.empiregolf.com/empire/cherryisland
Course History:
Robert Muir Graves, one of the most celebrated course archtitects today designed this course in 1990. It has become an area favorite with most golfers and offers just the right level of challenging play for golfers of all skill levels. The course is lush and scenic and is a great place to relax and get away from it all. It is tucked away, so we included directions on how to get to the course below.
What You Need to Know:
This is truly a full service golf course with a great grill, pro shop and lessons. The practice facility is terrific and offers numerous opportunities to improve on your game. This is a public course but we still recommend wearing appropriate golf attire.
You can register your tee time by calling the number above, but you may want to check out their website as they post frequent specials to save on their already reasonable green fees.
Playing Hints:
Water hazards are plentiful here and there are a few that are quite tricky. The first hole is clear of these but the sharp dog leg will definitely test your skills. The third, fourth, sixth and seventh holes all feature large lakes, so you'll want to try to be as accurate as possible on your tee shots.
The thirteenth hole is bisected by a creek, so you'll need to watch your tee shot here. Some players may prefer to hit it short and then iron over the creek to be on the safe side. The eighteenth hole is no gimme and meanders along with plenty of rough patches to keep you guessing. This one will take some time to master, but you should be able to birdie it with practice.This is a long course so we really recommend making use of a cart unless you are in tip top shape.
Fees:
| Standard Rates |
|
| Weekday back 9 |
$14.00 |
| Mon Thurs 18 hole |
$25.00 |
| Weekday Tourney |
$28.00 |
| Friday 18 hole |
$28.00 |
| Weekend back 9 |
$18.00 |
| Weekend 18 hole |
$33.00 |
| Weekend tourney |
$36.00 |
| Mon Thurs 9 hole |
$13.00 |
| Friday 9 hole |
$16.00 |
| Weekend 9 hole |
$16.00 |
|
|
| Senior Rates |
|
| Mon Thurs 18 hole |
$20.00 |
| Friday 18 hole |
$20.00 |
| Senior Tourney |
$20.00 |
|
|
| Junior Rates |
|
| Mon Thurs |
$10.00 |
| Friday |
$15.00 |
| Weekend |
$15.00 |
| Mon Thurs 9 hole |
$8.00 |
| Friday 9 hole |
$10.00 |
| Weekend 9 hole |
$10.00 |
|
|
| Twilight Rates |
|
| Mon Thurs |
$16.00 |
| Friday |
$19.00 |
| Weekend |
$19.00 |
|
|
| Super Twilight |
|
| Mon Thurs |
$12.00 |
| Friday |
$14.00 |
| Weekend |
$14.00 |
|
. |
| Shotgun |
|
| Mon Thurs |
$38.00 |
| Friday |
$38.00 |
How to Get There:
View Larger Map
Cherry Island Golf Course is conveniently located 20 minutes from downtown Sacramento, California with easy access off I- 80 and Highway 99
From Highway 99 - take the Elverta Road exit east for approximately seven miles to 2360 Elverta Road.
From Interstate 80 - take Watt Avenue North turn left on Elverta Road and proceed one mile to 2360 Elverta Road.
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