November 13th, 2008 — CA, Robert Trent Jones, Weed, golf courses
Lake Shastina Golf Course is located in Weed, CA
Phone: (530)938-3201
Website: http://www.lakeshastinagolf.com/
Course History:
This is an incredibly historic golf course that had the distinction of being the last course that Robert Trent Jones Senior and Junior built together. When you have two course designers of that caliber working on the same course, you know it's going to be a winner. Since Lake Shastina opened in 1973, locals and travelers have been enjoying the 27 holes to the utmost. This is a challenging course but one that is not terribly intimidating for novices. You will need to bring your A game, but chances are, you'll have a lot of fun while you're here.
What You Need to Know:
You can reserve your tee time by calling the number listed above. At this time they do not offer online tee time registrations. This course is known as the Magnificent Monster, and we highly recommend taking advantage of the available golf carts. Even if you're in great shape, it really helps to have that extra advantage when you are playing on a course like this.
The Pro Shop is incredibly well stocked and includes everything you could ever need to play and enjoy golf. They have some great gifts for golfers and we found that the selection was simply incredible, as were the prices. The club house is second to none and trust us, you'll really appreciate it after you're done with your round. The food is very good, and the service was incredibly friendly.
With a course this challenging, it is a good thing they offer practice facilities. They are very well maintained and serve as a great warm up for the rest of the course. If you have never played here before we highly recommend starting here before you head out on the links.
Playing Hints:
The main focus is usually on the 18 hole course, but we do hope that more people will discover the Scottish style 9 hole course here. It is just as fun and if you're not quite up to a whole 18 holes, it offers a nice level of challenging play that you can get through quickly.
The terrain is the biggest challenge here, and you'll have plenty of chances to test your skills. We found that the cart really helped, but there will be times when you really can't see the green. We recommend playing as straight as possible and really working on your accuracy before you get out there. It will help, especially when you need to avoid the monster bunkers on the course.
View Larger Map
Fees:
|
Lake Shastina Golf Resort Rates
|
|
Winter
|
Summer
|
|
|
October 1- April 30
|
May 1-Septbember 30
|
|
| Championsip Course |
|
|
|
|
18 Holes
|
$34.00
|
$53.00
|
|
|
9 Holes
|
$22.00
|
$27.00
|
|
|
Twilight Golf
|
$24.00
|
$29.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Scottish Course |
|
|
|
|
18 Holes
|
$28.00
|
$38.00
|
|
|
9 Holes
|
$17.00
|
$19.00
|
|
|
Twilight Golf
|
$20.00
|
$21.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Carts - price per person |
|
|
|
|
18 Holes
|
$16.00
|
$16.00
|
|
|
9 Holes
|
$10.00
|
$10.00
|
|
Related Articles
Related Stores
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.
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 10th, 2008 — Bert Stamps, CA, Lessons Available, Sonora, golf courses
Phoenix Lake Golf Course is located in Sonora, CAPhone: 209-532-0111
Website: http://www.phoenixlakegolf.com
Course History:
This is a great little nine hole course that opened in 1968. It was designed by Bert Stamps and became an instant local favorite. The incredibly scenic course is perfect for a little getaway and the play is challenging enough for everyone to enjoy.
What You Need to Know:
This course has a great atmosphere. We really recommend attending the numerous tournaments that are held here since you cannot beat the pit barbeque or the fun. The fees are incredibly reasonable and we do recommend booking your tee time in advance since this is a popular course. Lessons are available and the membership packages make it easy to enjoy this course all year round. It is a little tucked away off the beaten path, so we've included directions to the course below.
Playing Hints:
This may be a little course, but don't let it fool you. It's actually quite tough in spots. Please note that if you are playing 18 holes that the white tees are for the front nine, and the black are for the back nine. The first hole is a gentle dogleg to the left, and you'll want to keep to the right so you can get a clear shot to the green. This is a pretty long par five given the size of the course, but you can birdie it if you avoid going out of bounds.
The fifth hole is a bit challenging. You'll want to avoid overhitting on your approach to the green. There is a water hazard behind it and it's all too easy to end up taking a swim. The ninth hole is the most forgiving and just about any player can birdie this one to salvage their score. Just watch out for the sloping green, it's a doozy.
Course Fees:
Green Fees - Monday Thru Thursday (Excluding Holidays)
9 Hole Fees 18 Hole Fees
Regular $15.00 $20.00
Seniors $11.00 $15.00
Juniors $11.00 $15.00
Green Fees - Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
9 Hole Fees 18 Hole Fees
All $17.00 $22.00
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES
(Unlimited Play)
Single: $900.00
Couple: $1,200.00
Family: $1,400.00
POWER CART
9 Holes ( $7.00 / Rider ) $14.00
18 Holes ( $11.00 / Rider ) $22.00
CLUBS & PULL CARTS
Club Rentals $8.00
Pull Carts $3.00
DRIVING RANGE BALLS
Small (40 Balls) $3.00
Large (70 Balls) $6.00
52 PLAY MEMBERSHIP FEE
$750.00
How to Get There:
View Larger Map
Take the Hess Rd. exit off Highway 108. If traveling EAST on Highway 108: Turn left at the bottom of the off-ramp. If traveling WEST on Highway 108: Turn right at the bottom of the off-ramp.
Turn right at the next stop light, follow Phoenix Lake Rd. 2 miles to Paseo De Los Portales (watch for the Phoenix Lake Golf Course signs). Turn left on Paseo De Los Portales, our clubhouse is approximately 1/2 mile on the left. Parking is available on the right directly across from the clubhouse.
Related Articles
Related Stores
