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 24th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Robert Trent Jones, Santa Barbara, driving range, golf courses
Phone: 877-RSM-1804
Website: http://www.rsm1804.com
Course History:
Robert Trent Jones designed this idyllic course and it was later renovated by its current owner, Ty Warner. This is an award winning course that has many distinctions and has been honored by Golf Inc. Magazine. It is easy to see what all the hubbub is about - this is one course that is absolutely magnificent. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a whole different world while you’re here.
What You Need to Know:
Please note that this is a soft spike facility. The course management asks that all players change out their spikes before arriving. In addition, there is a dress code that all players must observe. For the men, collared shirts and slacks are best, but shorts may be worn as long as they are no shorter than mid thigh. For the women, collared shirts are a must, but they can be sleeveless. Shorts and skirt may be worn so long as they are not shorter than mid thigh in length. Denim is strictly prohibited for all players.
The pro shop is terrific and players of all ages will appreciate the club house. Overall, the amenities, coupled with the amazing views make this one of the best courses in the region. This is definitely a course to add to your list of “must play’s.” The practice facility is extremely large and is located in the middle of the course. You’ll have plenty of room to work on your drives and putts (both necessary) before you head out to the course.
Playing Hints:
The holes here are pretty straightforward and you won’t have to deal with too many water hazards or bunkers. The main issue with this course are the hills and the greens. Jones commented that they were some of the best he had ever built, so you’ll definitely want to work on your short game before you arrive.
The key to playing this course successfully is a long drive. You won’t have to worry so much about placement on most of the holes, just try to keep to the center of the fairway. The longer you can drive the better your scores are going to be. However, as mentioned above, don’t forget your short game either. The greens at this course look a sea that has suddenly been frozen in mid wave, and it’s going to take a lot of accuracy to keep your score low.
The rough here is extremely rough and you may feel as though you’re here in the old days when grizzly bears called this their home. You’ll need to really make sure you keep out of there since they can quickly turn a good game into a complete and total nightmare. We do highly recommend renting a cart for this course to make it easier.
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Course Fees:
Begining July 2007 Monday - Thursday Friday - Sunday, Holidays
Daily Fee Rate $95.00 $120.00
Twilight Rate $70.00 $90.00
Re-Play Rate $70.00 $90.00
Spectator Fee $20.00 $20.00
Rental Clubs $50.00 $50.00
Daily Range Fee $20.00 $20.00
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June 12th, 2008 — CA, Casey O'Callaghan, Yountville, golf courses, restaurant
Vinter’s Golf Club is Located in Yountville, CA
Phone: (707) 944-1992
Website: http://www.vintersgolfclub.com
Course History:
This is one of the most popular courses in Napa Valley and with good reason. This is a pleasant nine hole course that is still challenging without sacrificing fun. It became an instant favorite among locals and continues winning accolades to this day.
The course was designed by Casey O’Callaghan and opened in 1998. Since then, it has been redesigned and the play is more exciting than ever. The new design made it appealing for players of all skill levels and the course is known for its incredible greens.
What You Need to Know:
You can book your tee time by calling ahead at the number listed above or by using their online system. Keep an eye on their website since they frequently post specials. Their overall low prices are already hard to beat, and the specials are even better.
The Lakeside Grill offers an incredible lunch with old fashioned favorites like grilled hamburgers. They also have a few more sophisticated items on the menu, but everyone should try the burgers at least once. The pro shop is well stocked and overall, you would think this is a much bigger course than it is.
Playing Hints:
There are a few water hazards on the course, but nothing that should cause too many problems for most players. Unless you have an inordinately bad hook or slice, these should not pose a problem. The bunkers however are a whole other issue. Even though the course is short, you’ll get plenty of chances to work on your short game by trying to avoid these traps.
The first hole has a sharp left to get to the green and can be tricky to play. We recommend going to the right on your drive so that you have a better line to the green. The fourth hole is a short par three that is still challenging thanks to the tricky green here. Eight can be a bit tough due to the rough, so you’ll want to try to get as close to the green as possible with your tee shot. In order to get to the ninth green, you’ll need to stay first towards the middle of the fairway and then go right.
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Course Fees:
9-Hole Green Fees Mon. - Thurs. Fri. - Sun. & Holidays
Non Residence $25.00 $35.00
Napa Valley Resident/Senior $20.00 $30.00
VGSC Members $18.00 $25.00
Early Bird before 7:00 a.m. $12.00 NA
Twilight after 4 p.m. $16.00 $20.00
18-Hole Green Fees Mon. - Thurs. Fri. - Sun. & Holidays
Non Resident $35.00 $45.00
Napa Valley Resident/Senior $30.00 $40.00
VGSC Members $26.00 $35.00
Twilight after 2:00 P $22.00 $25.00
Cart/Club Rental
9-Hole Golf Cart Single Rider - $10.00 Two Riders - $20.00
18-Hole Golf Cart Fee Single Rider - $13.00 Two Riders - $26.00
Pull Cart $5.00 9-Holes $8.00 18-Holes
Golf Club Rental $25.00
Range Balls Tokens Cost Cost per Token
51 1 $5.00 $5.00
204 4 $18.00 $4.50
510 10 $40.00 $4.00
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