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.
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Fees:
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Standard Rates
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Twilight
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9-Hole*
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Monday - Thursday
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$45.00
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$35.00
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$25.00
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Friday
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$55.00
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$40.00
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$30.00
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Saturday
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$75.00
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$50.00
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$40.00
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Sundays
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$65.00
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$45.00
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$35.00
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| 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 |
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July 21st, 2008 — Ahwahnee, CA, golf courses, restaurant
Phone Number: (559) 642-1343
Website: http://www.sierrameadows.com
Course History:
Sierra Meadows has long been considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in California and with good reason. The fairways are lined with enormous oaks and the overall feel is very tranquil. The course recently underwent a multimillion dollar makeover and the fairways and greens were all rebuilt. This course has a reputation of being suitable for novice players while still being challenging enough for professionals.
What You Need to Know:
You can book your tee time online or by calling the number above. They frequently run specials on their site so we recommend checking there before you book your time to take advantage of them. However, this is a very economical course even without discounts.
The pro shop is stocked incredibly well and features gifts and merchandise for all golfers. The on-site restaurant is one of the best in the area and is open for lunch every day. It is frequently booked for private events and they are known for their delicious soups and sandwiches.
Although the course does not specifically state that there is a dress code, we recommend traditional golf attire. It is also best to change out any metal spikes for soft ones, since most of the courses in this area do have a soft spike rule. Lessons are available from the resident pro and are reasonably priced.
Playing Hints:
This is a terrific course that offers enough of a challenge without being terribly intimidating. The first hole gets you started off right with a severe dogleg. We recommend keeping to the right. Watch out for their signature oak tree in the middle of the fairway at the curve.
The fifth hole is known as their signature hole and it is a challenging par three. You’ll be playing across the water so try to hit a long tee shot to make the green in one. However, be careful of the bunkers that surround the green.
The tenth hole will take a while to master. It has a slight dogleg, but danger is present on all sides. Go too far to the right and you’ll end up out of bounds. Too far to the left and you’ll end up in the creek. We recommend playing this one conservatively until you get the hang of it.
The sixteenth hole also features a hazard that runs the entire left side of the fairway. You’ll need to drive a little bit right of center to avoid it. Keep in mind that there are some severe bunkers around the green. It’s the perfect spot to work on your chip shots.
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Green Fees:
All green fees include a cart fee, except “Walking Golfer” prices.
Weekday Green Fees Monday - Thursday
18 Holes 9 Holes
Regular $34.00 $20.00
Senior $29.00 $18.00
Junior $15.00 $15.00
Cart $15.00 $10.00
Twilight w/cart $30.00 $30.00
(Call for start times)
Weekend Green Fees Friday - Sunday
18 Holes 9 Holes
Regular $39.00 $22.00
Senior $34.00 $20.00
Junior $15.00 $7.50
Cart $15.00 $8.00
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June 25th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Santa Barbara, William Bell, golf courses
Sandpiper Golf Course is located in Santa Barbara, CA
Phone: (805) 968-1541
Website: http://www.sandpipergolf.com
Course History:
This beautiful course was designed by William Bell and first opened to the public in 1972. It quickly became one of the most popular courses in Santa Barbara and has been a top rated course for many years. Most recently, Golf Digest named it one of the top twenty five golf courses in the United States.
The course stretches out over 7000 yards and has a rating of 74.5. This is a championship level course that has hosted many PGA and LPGA players but novices should not find it terribly intimidating.
What You Need to Know:
Tee times can be registered online or by calling the number listed above. Please note that this is a soft spike facility. All metal spikes must be changed out before arriving on the course. There is a dress code at this course as well and the management asks that all players and spectators abide by it. For men, a collared shirt with sleeves must be worn. Slacks are preferred, but shorts are allowed as long as they are at least knee length and no shorter.
For women, collared shirts are a must, but the rules are a little more relaxed when it comes to sleeves. Tank tops are not allowed, but a sleeveless shirt may be worn so long as the shoulders are covered. Golf shorts and skirts are allowed, but must not be shorter than mid thigh. Denim is prohibited for both sexes.
Reservations are available but must be made up to 60 days in advance. Please be advised that the course does have a 48 hour cancellation policy. If you fail to cancel within that time period, you will lose your fee.
If it fits your schedule be sure to take advantage of the very reasonable weekday twilight and super twilight rates.
Playing Hints:
The beautiful course is alongside the ocean, but you won’t have to worry too much about water hazards. The main trip up here are the numerous bunkers which can be found on every single hole. Most holes are straightforward, but quite long. The seventh hole is perhaps the toughest on the course. It features a sharp dogleg to the left and there is a nice big bunker in the middle of the fairway. It’s best to keep to the center on this one and go a little short off the tee. From there, you’ll have a clear view of the bunker and the curve.
The eighteenth hole features the one and only water hazard. You’ll be shooting across a large lake to make it to the green, so give it a good one off the tee. Just make sure to avoid the bunkers around the green. With practice, you can easily birdie this hole to save your score.
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Course Fees:
Mon - Thur / Fri - Sun, Holidays
Daily Fee
$129 / $149
Junior
$95 / $95
Twilight
$69 / $84
Replay
$69 / $84
Titleist Rental Clubs
$60 / $60
Cart Fee
$16 / $16
Spectator Fee
$20 / $20
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June 3rd, 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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