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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June 30th, 2008 — CA, Nipomo, golf courses, restaurant
Phone Number: (805) 343-1214
Website: http://www.blacklake.com/
Course History:
This course is actually three nine hole courses in one, so you'll have the rate opportunity of being able to change up your game. This is one of the few 27 hole courses in the area and it's well worth the drive. Most players prefer to start with their "Lakes and Canyons" layout and then move to the more difficult configurations after they get the hang of the course.
What You Need to Know:
Tee times can be registered online or by calling the number listed above. This is a busy course so we recommend reserving your time a few days in advance to make sure you get the slot you want. Numerous specials are posted on their website throughout the month, and you can save quite a bit on your green fees by taking advantage of them.
The bar and grill is open for lunch and also provides catering services. This is a great place to relax after a round of golf and the food is spectacular. The pro shop is well stocked and carries just about anything you could ever need. It's a great place for gift shopping for the golfers on your list.
Numerous tournaments are held here throughout the year and since this is a championship course, play can be a little difficult at times. However, most players find that it is just challenging enough without being terribly intimidating. The course does stipulate that no ice chests are allowed on the course and any alcoholic beverages on the course should be purchased through the bar and grill.
They do not specify a dress code, but traditional golf attire is the norm for both men and women. We also recommend soft spikes. You can get the full list of course rules from the pro shop.
Playing Hints:
Although there are numerous water hazards and bunkers to deal with, most of the holes are pretty straightforward. The Oaks course has the straightest fairways but they are a bit long. The Canyon course is a little more complicated and more compact. It features some great water hazards and the play here is challenging. You'll need to have a really good short game for many of these holes.
The Lakes course is challenging and although the holes are a bit short, you'll have plenty of chances to practice your chip shots and putting. The greens here are a bit fast according to some players, so you'll need to get some practice in ahead of time.
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Green Fees:
WEEKDAY GREEN FEES
January-December
18 Regular $56
Senior (62 & over) $48
Twilight* $40
9-Holes (Before 8am & after 3pm) $20
WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS
January-December
18 Regular $70
Senior (62 & over) $58
Twilight* $50
9-Holes (Before 8am & after 3pm) $25
* Call for twilight times & restrictions.
CARTS
18 Holes $17 per player
9 Holes $14 per player
Pull Cart 18 $6
Pull Cart 9 $3
Spectator Fee $12
MISCELLANEOUS
Club Rent 18 $30
Club Rent 9 $20
*All rentals include a sleeve of Titleist NXT Golf Balls
Demo Club Rental $40
Brand Names: Call
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