July 23rd, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Jim Summers, Lodi, PGA Rules, Sandy Tatum, golf courses, restaurant
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:
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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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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 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 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 4th, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Sam Whiting, Sonoma, golf courses
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Golf Course is located in Sonoma, CA
Phone: 877-289-7354
Website: http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma/Recreation/Golf/
Course History:
This is an incredibly idyllic course located in the middle of a resort. Even if you’re not planning on staying, you should give this course a try. It was first designed by Sam Whiting in 1928 as part of the then Mission Inn. Throughout the course of history, ownership has changed hands, but the course has remained. In 2001 the course was privatized after being rejoined to the resort on the same location. The 7100 yard course was recently chosen as the season ending course for the PGA Champions Tour Season.
What You Need to Know:
There are some specific rules of play that you will need to know before visiting the course. Management states, “The Sonoma Golf Club adheres to a strict dress code. Collared golf shirts and slacks or golf shorts are required for men. Golf dresses, skirts, slacks or golf shorts and blouses or golf shirts are required for women. Tank tops, other athletic wear and denim are not permitted. Cellular phones are not allowed on the practice facility, in the golf shop, clubhouse or anywhere on the golf course.”
In order to play you must make a reservation by calling the number listed above. Without this, you will not be able to go out on the course. The pro shop here is absolutely astounding and the lessons are incredibly popular. Kris Moe teaches throughout the year here and we’ve included their most recent rates for his special golf schools.
Playing Hints:
This is a championship course and it can be difficult at times. However, even novices can enjoy their round with a little patience. It’s going to take a few times to get this one figured out, so go with the flow and remember to have fun.
The long par 5 off the second hole will get you started off right. With the right tee shot, you should be able to birdie this one. It’s a good thing too since the holes just get tougher. Watch out for the 11th hole it can be a bit tricky, and it’s hard to make this par 3. You’ll get another challenging par 5 on the sixteenth hole but you can use the last two to salvage your score after a tough round.
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Course Fees:
$215.00 USD Range balls and cart are included with all greens fees.
Golf Clubs (Titleist Irons and Taylor Made Woods): $75 USD
Tee times are available every ten minutes beginning at 7:30 a.m. until dusk. Reserve now to guarantee your tee off!
Kris Moe Golf School Rates
$325 USD full day (January 01 to April 30, 2007 and November 17 to December 31, 2007), 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
$495 USD full day (May 1 to November 16, 2007), 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
$175 USD, one hour private lesson with Kris Moe, $150 USD with the rest of staff
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