October 13th, 2008 — CA, Carter Moorish, Copperopolis, Dress code, golf courses
Saddle Creek Golf Course is located in: Copperopolis, CA
Phone: 800.611.7722
Website: http://www.saddlecreek.com
Course History:
This is a fairly new course that is part of a resort and residential area. It first opened in 1996 and was designed by Carter Moorish. This is a beautiful course that made excellent use of the surrounding countryside and it quickly became a very popular spot with locals.
The resort offers several stay and play packages and people come from all over the world to experience this course. The level of play is just challenging enough without being too intimidating for the novice player. The course has been voted the 8th best in California by Golf Week Magazine and has also won numerous other accolades.
What You Need to Know:
This is a traditional course, so it is best to wear a traditional golf shirt and slacks. Denim is not permitted on the course. You can register your tee time by calling the number above. Since this is a resort course, it can be very busy during the high travel season, so it is best to book ahead in order to reserve your spot.
We found the amenities to be top notch and the grill was absolutely terrific. It's easy to relax in the sumptuous club house and the staff was very friendly. Overall, this was a very enjoyable trip and we highly recommend it to anyone. The fees are actually quite low given the quality of the course and the natural beauty of the surrounding area makes for a truly elegant time, even at budget prices.
Playing Hints:
Water hazards are the number one issue with this course. You'll be dealing with them on nearly every hole and they range from small little ponds to enormous lakes. You'll need to steer clear of these and work on your accuracy to ensure that your drives don't end up in the drink.
Our favorite hole was the 11th, where you'll be driving across the water. It's a short par three, but you will need to work to get a par. The green is well protected with sand traps and it is no easy task to get your ball to land exactly where you want it. We also enjoyed the 18th hole. Even though there are plenty of traps situated on the fairway, it was just the right size to allow you enough room to make up for any past holes that drove your score down. You should be able to birdie this hole without difficulty.
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Fees:
November 1 2007 through March 31, 2008:
Green Fees
General Public
Monday - Friday $59*
Saturday - Sunday & Holidays $79*
Twilight, beginning 2 p.m. daily
Monday - Friday $40*
Saturday - Sunday & Holidays $60*
April 1 2008 through October 31, 2008:
Green Fees
General Public
Monday - Friday $69*
Saturday - Sunday & Holidays $99*
Twilight, beginning 2 p.m. daily
Monday - Friday $45*
Saturday - Sunday & Holidays $60*
*Carts and range balls included with green fees. Rates subject to change.
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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
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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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June 9th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Robert Muir Graves, Sonora, golf courses
Phone: (209) 532-1000
Website: http://www.mountainspringsgolf.com
Course History:
The renowned course designer Robert Muir Graves put together this championship level public course. Tucked into gold country and near the Sierra Nevadas, this incredible scenic course is every relaxing to play. The course first opened in 1994 and become an instant hit. Due to its popularity, we do recommend reserving your tee time well in advance. You can get a sneak peak of the course thanks to their live webcam.
What You Need to Know:
There is a dress code here for men, who must wear collared shirts. We also recommend proper slacks. The course does not specify any restrictions for women, but proper golf attire is the safest bet. You can register your tee time up to two weeks in advance by calling the pro-shop. While you cannot bring your own ice chest on the course, you can get one from the restaurant.
Please be advised that all players must have their own set of clubs. If you don't have yours, you can rent a set. We've included their rates for this option below. The pro shop is incredibly well stocked and lessons are available at very good rates. The restaurant is a great place to unwind and overall, this is a very nice course.
Playing Hints:
This is a championship level course, but it is not terribly daunting for a novice player. Pros will find it just challenging enough and it will take a few passes to get it down.
The first hole is a dogleg left and you'll want to keep to the right if you want to get a good score on this one. Don't go too far right though, the water hazard on this hole runs the entire length of the fairway. The third hole is incredibly challenging and will require a bit of skill to master. It's another dogleg, and you're going to want to keep to the right to avoid the bunkers at the curve.
There's no letting up on this course. The fourth hole is surrounded by two water hazards and bisected by a creek. We recommend a short shot off the tee, followed by an iron to get over the creek. From there, you'll have a straight shot. The eleventh hole is another severe dogleg. Go a little left to get to the center of the fairway so you'll have a clear shot to the green. The fourteenth hole is a real killer with a small dogleg left, then a dogleg right, followed by a green surrounded by water hazards. Take a short shot to layup your second one, and then use a three or five wood to go a little to the right to avoid the lake. From there, you can iron into the green.
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Course Fees:
Monday - Thursday
18 Holes: $27
Twilight: $16
Senior: $17
Junior: $13
Friday - Sunday & Holidays
18 Holes: $40
Twilight; $22
Junior: $13
Carts:
Monday - Friday
18 Holes: $30
9 Holes: $20
Club Rentals:
18 Holes: $15
9 Holes: $8
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June 5th, 2008 — CA, Manteca, golf courses
Manteca Park Golf Course is located in Manteca, CA
Phone: 209.825.2312
Website: http://www.ci.manteca.ca.us/golf
Course History:
When the course first opened in 1966, it was a simple nine hole executive course. However, the second nine were added soon after and it became an incredibly popular course. The founding fathers of Manteca built this course with their citizens in mind and the attention to detail shows. It is definitely a high class facility, even though it is a public course. The championship level of play is challenging enough to keep pros interested without overcoming the novice player.
What You Need to Know:
Tee times can be reserved by calling the pro-shop. This is a public course, but we still recommend wearing appropriate golfing attire. In addition to the course, you'll also find a full service park, making it a fun getaway for the whole family. Tennis courts are also available to the public on site. The pro-shop is stocked with all of the latest gear and the snack bar is well stocked. This is definitely a family friendly course.
Numerous tournaments are hosted here all year round and it is a very popular destination. We recommend reserving your tee time well in advance to make sure you get the slot you want. Please note that members of the military get a special rate on all green fees. Overall, given the low price, great atmosphere and challenging play, this is one of the nicest courses in the area.
Playing Hints:
The first hole is a bit daunting at first glance, but if you've got a strong drive you can easily do this one in just three shots. Watch out for the green though, it's very fast. The fourth hole is a bit tricky. You'll be pointing to the right, but you're going to want to shoot to the left. If you have a tendency to slice, be aware of the nearby water hazard.
The dogleg on the twelfth hole is a bit challenging for some. Aim to the right for a clear shot to the tee. You don't want to hit this one too long or you'll end up in the field. If you do, the course asks that you take an extra shot and that you do not go into the field to get your ball since it is private property. You'll meet another dogleg on the last hole. For this one, try to keep as close to the center of the fairway by aiming a little left. From there, you'll have a clear shot to the green.
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Course Fees:
DAILY FEES
Current Fee
WEEKDAYS
9-Hole Weekday
$15.00
18-Hole Weekday/Resident
$18.00
18-Hole Weekday/Non-Res.
$21.00
Junior and Military Weekday
$10.00
Senior/Disabled Special-T/Th After 12:00 Noon
$10.00
Twilight-Weekday
$14.00
Promotional Fee (max with cart) After 11:00 AM
$21.00
WEEKENDS/HOLIDAYS
9-Hole Weekend
$16.00
18-Hole Weekend/ Resident
$21.00
18-Hole Weekend/Non-Res.
$28.00
Junior and Military Weekend
$12.00
Twilight-Weekend
$16.00
MONTHLY PASSES (weekdays only)
Resident Adult
$75.00
Non-Resident Adult
$95.00
Senior/Disabled Resident
$57.00
Senior/Disabled-Non-Resident
$80.00
Junior (Resident or Non-Resident)
$37.00
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