Lockeford Springs Golf Course, Lodi, CA

July 23rd, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Jim Summers, Lodi, PGA Rules, Sandy Tatum, golf courses, restaurant 

Lockeford Springs Golf Course, Lodi, CA Lockford Springs Golf Course is located in: Lodi, CA

Phone: 209-772-1081

Website: http://www.lockefordsprings.com

Course History:

This course was designed by Jim Summers and Sandy Tatum and quickly became a favorite of golfers from the entire bay area. The course is well suited to players of all levels and is challenging enough to give a pro a great round of golf.

What You Need to Know:

This is definitely a full service golf course and the practice facilities are unmatched. The grill is also top notch as well as the pro shop. You can really make a great afternoon of it here and have a lot of fun while you're at it. The course is home to numerous events and tournaments throughout the year and it is easy to see why.

You can register your tee time by calling the number above or you can use their online registration system. We recommend checking their website often as they usually have specials or giveaways every month. It is a good idea to register your tee time around two weeks in advance since this is a popular course.

We recommend wearing traditional golf attire such as a collared shirt and slacks when golfing here. They do observe PGA rules so you'll want to be on your best behavior at this course. We also recommend soft spikes so it's a good idea to change out your metal ones before you arrive.

Playing Hints:

The main issue with this course for many players are the hidden water hazards. It's difficult to know where they are until you are right on top of them so you will want to play with caution at least the first time around. This is a championship links course so expect to deal with sloping greens, changes in elevation in the fairways and numerous hazards along the way.

The only holes that do not have a water hazard are the seventh, ninth, third and seventeenth holes. That doesn't mean they are easy however. Most have narrow fairways, so you're going to want to avoid the rough at all costs. With most holes, your best bet is to really hit it off the tee as straight as possible. The one exception would be the fifth hole where you are going to want to hit it to the left to avoid the rough. The eighteenth hole also has a severe dog leg filled with rough, so it's best to go as left as you can on this hole as well.

Fees:

Weekday Green Fees

Walk

Ride
Open to 11am

$30

$45
11am to 2pm

$25

$40
2pm - 5pm

$15

$29
5pm - close

$10

$20

Weekend/Holiday Green Fees

Walk

Ride
Open to 11am

$45

$60
11am to 2pm

$35

$50
2pm - 5pm

$20

$34
5pm - close

$15

$25

How to get there:


View Larger Map
From Sacramento

Hwy 99 South to Hwy 12 East.

8 miles east on 12 to Hwy 88.

Turn right on 88.

1/2 mile south on the left.

From Stockton

Hwy 99 North to Kettleman Lane.

8 miles east on Kettleman to Hwy 88.

Turn left on 88.

1/2 mile on the right.

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Valley Oaks Golf Course, Visalia, CA

July 16th, 2008 — CA, Visalia, golf courses 

Valley Oaks Golf Course, Visalia, CA

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.

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