August 14th, 2008 — CA, Madera, golf courses, private course, restaurant
Riverbend Golf Club is located in Madera, CA
Phone: 559-432-3020
Website: http://www.riverbendgolf.com
Course History:
This is a private course that offers daily fee play and is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Each year, the following events are hosted here: NCGA California State Amateur Qualifying Events, California Players Tour, Golf Channel Amatuer Tour, the Annual Outlaw Cup Championship (formerly Coombs Cup) and is the Home of the Save Mart Shootout. It is easy to see why this is such a popular destination. This is truly one of the nicest courses on the West Coast.
What You Need to Know:
You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above. Since this is a private course, traditional golf attire is necessary. No sleeveless shirts are allowed and no denim. The course does not state whether they prefer soft or metal spikes, but we recommend soft spikes just in case.
This course offers a very unique system called the ProShot Golf System. This gizmo is well worth the time it takes to get to this course. You’ll be able to use this to get exact information on the distance of your shots as well as customized tips to help you improve your game. The system is mounted on to your golf cart and can be used to determine how many yards you are from the hole, how to handle upcoming hazards and functions very much like a high tech caddy.
The onsite café offers breakfast and lunch and features a great mix of real ranch cooking. They also provide catering services and are well loved by the entire community.
Playing Hints:
Don’t let the virtual caddy fool you into think this is an easy course. It’s actually quite difficult in spots but always fun to play. You’ll need that system for many of these holes since they can be pretty tough. The first three holes may lull you into a sense of complacency, but the fourth hole will shake you up. The green is almost completely surrounded by a lake and you’ll really need to have an accurate shot to get it. We recommend a short second shot from the tee to get into a better position to land on the green.
The seventh hole features a dogleg with a lake tucked into the curve and around the green. You’ll want to stay to the right on this hole to have a clear shot to the green and to avoid the water. The 18th hole is a behemoth that can either save your score or ruin it. Work on an accurate tee shot to avoid the rough and try to stick to the middle of the fairway for the best chance at making par or a birdie.
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Fees:
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Standard Rates
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Twilight
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9-Hole*
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Monday - Thursday
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$45.00
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$35.00
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$25.00
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Friday
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$55.00
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$40.00
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$30.00
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Saturday
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$75.00
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$50.00
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$40.00
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Sundays
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$65.00
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$45.00
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$35.00
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| 9 hole rates starts at 3:30 pmAll fees include golf cart & global positioning satellite service.?You may request tee times up to 7 days in advance.??Twilight starts at 2:00 pm ??Range balls are available in three sizes:?Small bucket - $4.00?Medium bucket - $6.00?Large bucket - $8.00 |
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August 4th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks
Having the right pair of golf shoes impacts much more than your comfort level. If you’re wearing the wrong shoes or if they do not fit properly, this can effect your swing and as such, your entire game. Most of us don’t pay attention to our feet in golf, but they are incredibly important. If your method of shoe shopping to this point has been to find the coolest designs, this may be keeping you from perfecting your game. Let’s look at some tips to help you find the perfect pair of golf shoes.
First, let’s look at materials and overall weight of the shoe. There are thousands of choices on the market, but you’ll need to find the right match for you. If you have problems with your hips, knees or sciatica, a heavy shoe is a big mistake. Look for lightweight shoes, ideally with soft spikes. This will cut down on the stress that your legs are feeling and help open up your swing.
The material should be breathable, especially if you live in a hot climate. Look for a mesh shoe if you have problems with hot feet, but in most cases, real leather will be your best option. No matter which type of material you select, you must have the shoes properly waterproofed. While some are already done for you, you will need to double check this. There is nothing worse than walking around a course with wet feet.
One important point that is often overlooked is the impact that golf course chemical practices can have on your feet. If you are allergic to dies, or pesticides and herbicides you will need to find a shoe that is completely sealed. Your feet can absorb these materials, especially if they get wet and you may get sick. While some courses use safe practices when it comes to treating their fairways and greens, you cannot rely on this 100%. Take these precautions and you’ll be a lot happier and healthier.
Now, let’s move onto the actual mechanics of a shoe. You’ll want to make sure that it is well balanced, and addresses any existing condition you may have. For example, if you under pronate, which means that your feet tend to slope in towards one another, you may have issues with your swing. Likewise, over pronating can affect your stance and swing as well. Find out if you have undiagnosed foot problems and get the shoes that will correct that for you.
Your golf shoes need to be functional first and foremost, and although they can be expensive, getting the right pair will impact your game. If you have consistently found that you cannot improve your score, the problem may be right under you. Visit a shoe store that specializes in fitting golf shoes and try out a couple of different pairs until you find the right match. It’s well worth the time and the effort, as well as the money, considering how it will effect your game.
Photo Credits: 1
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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:
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Weekday Green Fees
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Walk
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Ride
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| Open to 11am |
$30
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$45
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| 11am to 2pm |
$25
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$40
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| 2pm - 5pm |
$15
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$29
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| 5pm - close |
$10
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$20
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|
Weekend/Holiday Green Fees
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Walk
|
Ride
|
| Open to 11am |
$45
|
$60
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| 11am to 2pm |
$35
|
$50
|
| 2pm - 5pm |
$20
|
$34
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| 5pm - close |
$15
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$25
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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 30th, 2008 — CA, Nipomo, golf courses, restaurant
Phone Number: (805) 343-1214
Website: http://www.blacklake.com/
Course History:
This course is actually three nine hole courses in one, so you’ll have the rate opportunity of being able to change up your game. This is one of the few 27 hole courses in the area and it’s well worth the drive. Most players prefer to start with their “Lakes and Canyons” layout and then move to the more difficult configurations after they get the hang of the course.
What You Need to Know:
Tee times can be registered online or by calling the number listed above. This is a busy course so we recommend reserving your time a few days in advance to make sure you get the slot you want. Numerous specials are posted on their website throughout the month, and you can save quite a bit on your green fees by taking advantage of them.
The bar and grill is open for lunch and also provides catering services. This is a great place to relax after a round of golf and the food is spectacular. The pro shop is well stocked and carries just about anything you could ever need. It’s a great place for gift shopping for the golfers on your list.
Numerous tournaments are held here throughout the year and since this is a championship course, play can be a little difficult at times. However, most players find that it is just challenging enough without being terribly intimidating. The course does stipulate that no ice chests are allowed on the course and any alcoholic beverages on the course should be purchased through the bar and grill.
They do not specify a dress code, but traditional golf attire is the norm for both men and women. We also recommend soft spikes. You can get the full list of course rules from the pro shop.
Playing Hints:
Although there are numerous water hazards and bunkers to deal with, most of the holes are pretty straightforward. The Oaks course has the straightest fairways but they are a bit long. The Canyon course is a little more complicated and more compact. It features some great water hazards and the play here is challenging. You’ll need to have a really good short game for many of these holes.
The Lakes course is challenging and although the holes are a bit short, you’ll have plenty of chances to practice your chip shots and putting. The greens here are a bit fast according to some players, so you’ll need to get some practice in ahead of time.
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Green Fees:
WEEKDAY GREEN FEES
January-December
18 Regular $56
Senior (62 & over) $48
Twilight* $40
9-Holes (Before 8am & after 3pm) $20
WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS
January-December
18 Regular $70
Senior (62 & over) $58
Twilight* $50
9-Holes (Before 8am & after 3pm) $25
* Call for twilight times & restrictions.
CARTS
18 Holes $17 per player
9 Holes $14 per player
Pull Cart 18 $6
Pull Cart 9 $3
Spectator Fee $12
MISCELLANEOUS
Club Rent 18 $30
Club Rent 9 $20
*All rentals include a sleeve of Titleist NXT Golf Balls
Demo Club Rental $40
Brand Names: Call
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June 26th, 2008 — CA, George H Kelley, John Harbottle III, Stevinson, golf courses
Phone: (877) 752-9276
Website: http://www.stevinsonranch.com/information/golfrates.html
Course History:
This truly incredible course went under construction in 1995 and was opened to great fanfare one year later. It immediately hosted several championships and was soon named one of the best courses in California. Once you’ve played here, it’s easy to see why since it is truly an incomparable course.
Designed by John Harbottle III and George H. Kelley, the course takes advantage of the natural wetlands and is home to many species that are preserved here. When it comes to accolades, only two courses are rated higher, and they are both at Pebble Beach. Considering what it costs to play here, you can truly have an incredible round of golf at a very cheap rate.
What You Need to Know:
You can register your tee time using their online system or by calling the number listed above. Since this is such a popular course, it is best to register a few weeks in advance so you can lock in your time slot. The amenities don’t stop on the course - the pro shop will absolutely blow you away and the grill is heavenly. You can get a sample taste of what they have to offer by taking a peek at their online store. It’s a good idea to check their site frequently for specials.
Although they don’t specifically state that there is a dress code, it’s best to err on the side of caution and wear traditional attire. We also recommend soft spikes for this facility. This is a bit of a long course, so it is also a good idea to take advantage of a golf cart during your round.
Playing Hints:
This can be a tough course for some players, but it is well worth the time and money you’ll be spending here. We recommend taking a few trips around to really get a feel for the course and at these prices, it’s easy to afford to do just that.
Right off the bat you’ll be dealing with a huge bunker at the first green. You’ll want to go to the right to avoid it. The second hole features a terrific water hazard and the third hole is reminiscent of a Scottish links course. You’ll be dealing with undulating fairways and greens here.
Hole 16 is called the Hawk Perch and features some pretty big water hazards. We recommend staying as close to the center of the fairway as possible and going to the left of the green to avoid the bunkers. If you go too far right on the fairway, you’ll end up in the marshes of the pond and it’s nearly impossible to get out of there.
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Course Fees:
Resort/Public (Golf, Cart, & Unlimited Practice Balls Included)
M-F / Weekends
Opening $70.00 / $50.00
Noon - Twilight $90.00 / $70.00
Twilight
$35.00 / $45.00
Players Club Cardmembers
(Golf & Warm-up Balls Day of Play)
$31.00 / $41.00
Regular Cart fee is $15.00
Player’s Club Cart fee - prior to 2:00 - $12.00
Prefered Members Cart fee - prior to 1:00 - $12.00
Twilight hours begin:
Resort/Public
3:00 PM
Players Club
2:00 PM
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June 11th, 2008 — Antioch, CA, Lessons Available, golf courses
Roddy Ranch Golf Course is Located in: Antioch, CA
Phone: 925.978.4653
Website: http://www.roddyranch.com
Course History:
This course is part of the historic 2000 acre Roddy Ranch in Antioch, CA. This is a relatively new course that opened to tremendous accolades. It’s already been named one of the best value courses in the bay area and with good reason. If you’re looking for a challenging game of golf that won’t break the bank, look no further. This course is a little off the beaten path, so we included some directions for you below.
What You Need to Know:
Don’t let the prices fool you, this is a very nice course. Everything is top notch and its on the same level as many private clubs when it comes to amenities. You can register your tee time online or by phone. Their website also has a feature to let you pick your time and a special discount, so we recommend visiting before you book.
Lessons are offered every day of the week from the PGA pros on staff. These are also priced very reasonably and there is a special tee that is devoted entirely to practice. Numerous tournaments are held at the course every year and this is a great way to get a feel for the course before you actually head out.
Although the course does not specify a special dress code, we recommend traditional golf attire and soft spikes.
Playing Hints:
The holes are pretty straightforward at first glance, but look a little closer and you’ll see the combination of heavily sloped greens, nasty rough, and sandtraps make for some challenging play. By far, the two hardest holes are the sixteenth hole with its blind green (approach from the right to avoid the bunkers) and the thirteenth hole that also features a blind green surrounded by bunkers. You’ll be playing into the wind on this hole for an even bigger challenge.
The last two holes will give you a chance to salvage your score, especially the par 5 on 18. Just watch out for the remaining bunkers and you should do just fine.
Course Fees:
Standard Weekday $45.00
Weekday Twilight $35.00
Weekday Super Twilight $25.00
Standard Weekend $70.00
Weekend Mid-day $55.00
Weekend Twilight $45.00
Weekend Super Twilight $30.00
*Junior Rates Weekday (15 and under) $15.00
*Junior Rates Weekend (15 and under) $45.00
*Senior Rates Weekday (50 and older) $35.00
*Senior Rates Weekend (50 and older) $50.00
How to Get There:
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From the west:
Take Highway 4 towards the city of Antioch, exit at Lone Tree Way, turn right. Proceed to Deer Valley Road, turn right. Travel approximately 3 miles and you will see the golf course appearing above and to your right as you pass Empire Mine Road. The next right is Tour Way, well marked as the entrance to The Golf Club at Roddy Ranch.
From the east:
Take Balfour road west from Brentwood to it’s intersection with Deer Valley Road. (Roddy Ranch is straight ahead of you.) Turn right onto Deer Valley, and immediately left into Tour Way to enter the Golf Club.
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May 22nd, 2008 — CA, Camino, golf courses, restaurant
Apple Mountain Golf Course is located in: Camino, CA
Phone: 530-647-7400
Website: http://www.applemountaingolfresort.com
Course History:
Although this is a resort golf course it is open to the public. This is definitely a majestic course that all players in the area should try at least once. It offers a challenging round of golf in a setting that is unmatched throughout the area. In fact, you may enjoy it so much you may even consider becoming a member of the club, where you can save extra money on greens fees and get more benefits.
What You Need to Know:
Since this is a semi private club it is best to wear a collared shirt and slacks while you’re playing here. We also recommend soft spikes. Since the course is quite challenging, you’ll also want to take advantage of their rental carts. You’ll be thankful you did about halfway through.
The practice facilities here are worth the trip alone and the pro shop is a sight to behold with all the latest gear and apparel. When you’re done with your round stop in the restaurant for a great meal and some relaxing conversation. This is truly a resort environment and a great place to get away from it all.
Playing Hints:
When the first hole is called the gold seeker, you know you’re in it for the long haul. There is a water hazard right to the left of the green so make sure your approach shot is as accurate as possible. The third hole is a tough dog leg. You’re going to want to keep to the middle of the fairway if possible. Go too far to the right and it will be impossible to get around the bend with any accuracy.
The seventh hole is lined with majestic trees that immediately lose their mystique once you get stuck behind them. Again, try to stick as close to the center of the fairway as you can. The twelfth hole features numerous slopes and can be difficult to master. You’ll want to play a little to the right to make the most out of this one.
The challenge on the fifteenth hole is avoiding the trees and rough. The fairway is very narrow and curved and it will take some time to get this one down pat. Last but not least, the eighteenth hole is a bit of monster that will take some effort to best. Watch out for the slopes that can really eat up your score. Your best bet is to really let this one fly off the tee.
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Fees:
Spring Rates - Tee Times Starting 8:00 AM
Carts are Mandatory, and All Rates Include Cart Fees
Mon-Thurs Friday Sat, Sun,& Holidays
Regular 18 Hole rates $44.00 $54.00 $64.00
Apple Mountain Gold Members $20.00 $20.00 $25.00*
Gold & Platinum Member Guests $37.00 $39.00 $54.00
Seniors (55 and older); Law Enforcement,
Firefighters, & Active Duty Military $37.00 N/A N/A
Twilight (after 1:00 PM) $37.00 $39.00 $42.00
Juniors (17 years and under) $20.00 $25.00 $25.00
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