October 23rd, 2008 — CA, Pioneer, golf courses, restaurant
Mace Meadows Golf Course is located in: Pioneer, CA
Phone: (209)295-7020
Website: http://www.macemeadows.com
Course History:
This is a very nice course that surprised us. It's a rare gem tucked away in Pioneer, CA and although the prices would indicate that the course was on the lower end, we were positively shocked by the quality of the course, the helpfulness of the staff and the attention to detail. This is one of the best courses in the area and it is easy to see why it has become such a popular destination.
This is a mountain course in the Sierra foothills, and the views are astounding. With a course rating of 69.4, it's not terribly difficult for novices, and just about right for intermediate players.
What You Need to Know:
Although the atmosphere here is very laid back, we still recommend traditional attire. You can book your tee time in advance by calling the number above, but they do frequently post specials on their site so you may want to check there first. The pro shop is very well stocked and we were pleasantly surprised by the food at the clubhouse grill.
This is a very relaxing course to play on the natural beauty is inspiring. The designer did a fantastic job of keeping all the elements of the terrain and incorporating them into the course. There are a few hazards, but most players should be able to do quite well, provided they are careful on a few holes. The course record is 66 so give it a try and see if you can't beat it.
Playing Hints:
Since this is a mountain course, expect rolling hills and a lot of hard walking if you don't elect to go with a cart. The trees and the tiered greens are the biggest challenges here, and there are a few holes that will test your skills as a golfer. This is a course where you will be using just about every club in your bag, so come prepared.
Our favorite hole was the eleventh. It features a water hazard on both sides of the fairway, so watch your accuracy here. Aim for the center and you may even want to underhit it a little if accuracy is not a strong point for you. Your next shot will be straight uphill, but watch out for the bunker by the green. You can birdie this one, but it won't be easy.
View Larger Map
Fees:
FEE SCHEDULE DURING SEASON (MARCH-NOVEMBER)
18 Hole 9 Hole
Weekday $27.00 $19.00
Seniors (M-F only) $24.00 $17.00
Weekend/Holiday $37.00 $24.00
Weekday Twilight $20.00 $15.00
Weekend Twilight* $25.00 $18.00
Super Twilight*(M-F) $12.00 $10.00
Super Twilight*(S-S) $15.00 $12.00
Cart Fee (per player) $16.00 $12.00
Jr.Weekday(Under 18)after 3 PM $7.00
*Twilight begins at 12 PM from April 1 to September 30
*Super Twilight begin at 2:00 from April 1 to September 30
1:00 from October 1 to March 31
Monthly Fee (Weekdays only) $230.00 Single $330.00 Couple
Hand Carts $5.00
Rental Clubs $10.00
Related Articles
Related Stores
October 20th, 2008 — Brookings, OR, golf courses
Salmon Run Golf Course is located in: Brookings, OR
Phone: 877.423.1234
Website: http://www.salmonruninfo.net/
Course History:
This is a truly beautiful course that has won many accolades since it was first built. Most recently, Mike McAllister of Sports Illustrated included it in his special feature, Oregon: 72 Holes in 72 Hours and highly recommended it. It's easy to see why once you arrive. The natural beauty was not destroyed by the course, and in fact, they managed to integrate the course quite well into the existing landscape.
The green fees are actually quite low given the quality of the course and we found our round to be very enjoyable, with just the right amount of challenging play. If you are planning a trip over the border to Oregon, this is the place to stop.
What You Need to Know:
The course frequently runs specials on their website for even more savings on green fees, so we highly recommend stopping by there before you book your tee time. You can call the number above to book, or they do allow for online booking as well.
The course management does specify that twilight times begin at 3pm, and that no coolers are allowed on the course. Each player must all have their own set of clubs, or they can rent one at the pro shop. There is no specific dress code in place, but we still recommend the usual golf attire.
There are several nice inns and resorts in the area that offer special stay and play packages, making this an ideal course to try if you are vacationing in this area. The staff is very friendly and the grill had some truly terrific food. A very nice place to play golf!
Playing Hints:
This is not a terribly difficult course, but it's not easy either. The course designer managed to find that perfect medium in between the two, making it perfect for both novices and pros alike. The main issue that you will be dealing with on several holes are water hazards, but with care and a good aim, you should be able to avoid most of them without too much trouble.
We loved the Azalea Hole, which is the seventh on the course. Completely enclosed with trees, the narrow fairways offer a great challenge. There is a slight slope to the green, which is elevated from the fairway, so bring your best chip shot to this hole.
We also enjoyed the Alder Row Hole which is the fourteenth on the course. This is a fun hole to play, mainly due to the fact that the fairway has a definite slope down. Your best bet is to stick to the left from the tee, but still manage to avoid the trees. From your tee shot, you should have a better lay up to see the hole and avoid the slope.
View Larger Map
Fees:
Rates Effective as of April 1
9-Holes :: $39*
18-Holes :: $64*
* Prices Include Cart
Senior Special Players 55 and over Tuesdays and Thursdays after 1:00PM $32
Related Articles
Related Stores
September 2nd, 2008 — CA, Manteca, driving range, golf courses, restaurant
French Camp Resort is located in Manteca, CA
Phone: 209-234-3030
Website: http://www.frenchcamp.com/N-Green-Fees.html
Course History:
French Camp RV Resort and Golf Course is a great little place located in Manteca, CA. If you're planning an RV trip or you just want to change up your game a bit, this is a great course to try. It's well suited for most players and novices should have a great chance at a really good store. Pros won't find it terribly challenging, but it does offer a fun game and the area is particularly beautiful. The staff are very helpful and the whole resort has much to offer. It's a great place to take the kids on your next vacation, or a great place just to get away for the weekend.
What You Need to Know:
This is a very laid back course, so you won't have to worry about the dress code so much. The fees are very reasonable and their site offers specials, so we recommend checking that often. You can reserve your tee times by calling the number listed above. One of the best parts about the whole resort was the shuttle service that will take you right from the course to the café - and it's worth the trip. They have a great mix of good old comfort food and once again, the prices are very low.
The pro shop was surprisingly well stocked and had much to offer, and you should definitely stop at the resort gift store for even more great items. Overall, we found that this was truly an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. We would have liked to have stayed longer, and next time we plan to take the dog since they offer special dog runs to keep them busy while you're off having fun. A great little course in a terrific location.
Playing Hints:
This course isn't terribly difficult, but it is a lot of fun to play. Our favorite hole was the sixth hole which looked like it was going to be very easy and turned out to be a bit more of a challenge than we thought it would be. There are a lot of par threes on this course, so we recommend working on your short game and chip shots before you get here. You'll have plenty of chances to test your skills and they do offer a little practice area before you head out on the links.
View Larger Map
Fees:
Green Fees
Monday-Friday Sunrise to 10:00am 18 holes $15.00
10:00am to 2:00pm $12.00
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 18 holes $17.00
RV GUEST, SENIORS & JUNIORS
(weekdays only)
Sunrise to 10:00am 18 holes $12.00
10:00am to 2:00pm 18 holes $10.00
TWILIGHT GOLF (DAILY)
2:00pm to dusk UNLIMITED play $8.00
Call for Twilight times.
(CARTS NOT INCLUDED)
(RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
RENTAL EQUIPMENT
Basic Rental Sets
18 Holes..............................$10.00
POWER CART RENTAL
18 Holes - Per Rider ..............$10.00
RANGE BALLS
Bucket (25 to 30 balls) ..........$ 2.00 per token
Pull cart .............................$13.00
*Special - 3 tokens for .........$ 5.00
Related Articles
Related Stores
August 19th, 2008 — Lessons Available, McKenzie Bridge, OR, golf courses, public course, restaurant
Tokatee Golf Course is located in McKenzie Bridge, OR
Phone: 800-452-6376
Website: http://www.tokatee.com/
Course History:
The name Tokatee means, "Place of Restful Beauty," and there are few places on earth that embody this phrase as closely as this course does. This is a rare course that was inspired and built by the nearby residents and they shaped a course that has gone down in history as a favorite among pros and novices alike.
What You Need to Know:
You can register your tee time using their online system or by calling the number listed above. They do offer frequent specials on their website, and you can even get a free round of golf, so we highly recommend stopping by there first before you call.
This is a family run course and we found it to be very relaxed and laid back. You won't have to worry too much about dress code here, but we still recommend a nice sleeved shirt and shorts. Denim is pretty much frowned on, even at public courses, so it's best to leave that at home.
The Pro Shop is simply terrific and offers a wide selection, as well as a very cute little coffee shop, lessons and a whole lot more. The catering service onsite is terrific and we loved the box lunches you can take out on the course. If you prefer to eat in, they've got a great menu with traditional, good Old American food like hamburgers, hot dogs and everything else you'd expect from a great family place like this.
Playing Hints:
While this is a fun course, don't let it fool you. It can get pretty difficult at times. However, even novices can master it with a little practice and pros find it still challenging enough to offer them a very good game.
The course layout is pretty straightforward, but accuracy is still key to getting par here. Watch out for the numerous bunkers that are filled with White Idaho sand - they are incredibly tricky. The fourteenth hole is one of the biggest challenges on the course. As you approach the green, make sure you don't overhit the ball. There's a big lake just waiting on the other side and it is notorious for pulling your ball right in.
View Larger Map
Fees:
|
Regular Greens Fees
|
|
| 18 Holes |
$42.00
|
| 9 Holes |
$24.00
|
|
Electric Cart Fees
|
|
| 18 Holes |
$30.00
|
| 9 Holes |
$18.00
|
| Trail Fee |
$40.00
|
Special Rates
|
10 Play Card
|
|
| 18 Holes |
$300.00
|
| 9 Holes |
$180.00
|
Valid weekdays, with starting times one week of less advance.
Valid weekends prior to May 13th and after September 16th
Starting times after 4:00 p.m. the day before the day of play
Only one person per card
Not valid for tournaments
Card good for one year from date of purchase
|
Twilight Rates
Sunday-Thursday after 2 PM
|
|
| 18 Holes |
$30.00
|
| 9 Holes |
$18.00
|
|
College Student
Valid September 19th - June 1st (Non Summer)
|
|
| 18 Holes |
$22.00
|
| 9 Holes |
$12.00
|
|
Spring/Fall Rates
February - May 12th
September 17th - November 15th
|
18 Holes
|
9 Holes
|
| Monday - Thursday |
$32.00
|
$18.00
|
| Friday - Sunday |
$36.00
|
$20.00
|
Related Articles
Related Stores
July 2nd, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Groveland, William Bell, golf courses, restaurant
Phone Number: 209-962- 8620
Website: http://www.pinemountainlake.com
Course History:
This gorgeous course was designed by William Bell and has been rated as a top course by Golf Digest. One look and you'll know why it has received so many accolades. The area has more than 300 days of sun every year and the course offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. It's a bit hilly, so we do recommend taking advantage of a cart.
What You Need to Know:
There is a dress code at Pine Mountain. Men are asked to wear collared shirts and appropriate trousers. Denim pants or shorts, swim trunks and sweats are not allowed. For women, tank tops are not allowed, and if a shirt is sleeveless, it must have 4" wide straps. Denim pants and shorts are not allowed, but women may wear tee shirts on the course. In addition, short shorts are prohibited.
Tee times can be booked by calling the number listed above. We recommend reserving your slot a few days in advance since this is a popular course. Special guest rates are available, please check with the pro shop for more information.
Speaking of the pro shop it is very well stocked and the on site restaurant is fantastic. This is a terrific place to spend an afternoon. Lessons are available as well as special clinics throughout the year and the pros here are very helpful.
Playing Hints:
The holes here are very straightforward and the main issue are the trees. They line the fairways and in some cases, sit smack dab in the middle of the fairway. You'll really need to work on having long accurate drives to get under par at this course. The level of play is suitable for pros or novices and although it can take some time to maste the course, it is well worth it.
View Larger Map
Green Fees:
| |
|
9 Hole
|
18 Hole
|
Twilight*
|
| Property Owner |
Mon-Sun
|
$15
|
$25
|
$18
|
| Property Owner Cart (1 person cart fee) |
|
$6
|
$9
|
$9
|
| Guests |
Mon-Sun
|
$32
|
$58
|
$31
|
| (Cart mandatory before twilight) 1 person cart fee |
Cart
|
included
|
included
|
$12
|
| Public |
Mon-Sun
|
$41
|
$68
|
$34
|
| (Cart mandatory before twilight) |
Cart
|
included
|
included
|
$14
|
| Juniors - Property Owner |
|
|
|
$7
|
| This rate begins at twilight for Guest/Public |
|
|
|
$13
|
Carts are mandatory for all golfers on major holiday weekends until twilight. Cart rates are based on 1/2 cart per round or 1 person per round.
| Club Rentals |
|
$11
|
$16
|
$16
|
| Pull Cart Rentals |
|
$3
|
$6
|
$6
|
*Twilight begins at 2pm, 3pm or 4pm depending on the season. Please call the PML Golf Pro Shop at 209/962- 8620 for details.
Golf Membership Annual Individual Rates
| Annual Unlimited Golf |
$1,348 |
| Annual Unlimited Nine Hole Golf |
$749 |
| Annual Unlimited Weekends and Holidays |
$749 |
| Annual Unlimited Cart |
$675 |
| |
|
| Other Golf Fees |
|
| Locker Storage Per Year |
$27 |
| Club Storage Per Year |
$86 |
| Tournament Fees (Cart & Green Fees) Per Player |
$73 |
| per Token (1 token = 25-30 balls) |
$3 |
Related Articles
Related Stores
May 23rd, 2008 — Book Review
John Anselmo is best known as the man that took a young Tiger Woods and helped him achieve the goals that he is still making today. Anselmo is incredibly well respected in the golfing community and has much to offer golfers of any age that want to work on fixing their game. From novices to pros, there is really something for everyone in this book.
As the title suggests, this book aims to be a starter kit for any golfer to take them from their first game all the way towards playing like a pro. After all, it worked for Tiger, so most people believe that it can work for them too. The book fell a little flat in spots and really couldn't live up to the hype surrounding it, but this really isn't Anselmo's fault. He did a great job providing a terrific resource, but no one should go into the book thinking that they're going to turn into Tiger Woods overnight.
Earl Woods interviewed countless trainers before selecting Anselmo as Tiger's teacher and it's easy to see why he made the cut. The man is a gifted instructor that has produced many champions. However, the advice certainly will not be applicable for all players. You've got to go in with the mindset that you'll glean a few tips to add to your arsenal, but this is not a book that is going to change your golf game overnight.
What it does do however is give you that firm foundation that you can use to continue your growth as a golfer. His methodology is certainly very good and rooted in principles that any golfer can appreciate. He mentions in the book, "I feel sorry for golfers who are trying to improve," he writes, his own professional ambitions derailed by an errant range ball to the eye. "...I'm frustrated by this because I have taught one way and one way only my entire life, and my method of teaching is based on knowing what the body can and cannot do, and on what I have learned by watching the game's best players in the world at work."
This really illustrates the whole principle behind the book and gives some terrific insight into Anselmo as a teacher. Any golfer can walk away with some very useful tips that will help their games, but again, this is not a book that is going to turn you into Tiger Woods. If that were the case, Tiger would have a lot more competition on the links.
That said, we still recommend this book, if for nothing else than it is a rare chance to look inside the mind of a legendary instructor. While not all of his advice will resonate with golfers, there are some terrific tips that will. His methods worked for Tiger - and since he is used as a benchmark for most player's today, more than a few will feel that this book deserves a place of honor on their shelves.
Related Articles
Related Stores
