November 10th, 2008 — CA, Lompoc, Robert Muir Graves, driving range, golf courses
La Purisima Golf Course is located in: Lompoc, CA
Phone: (805) 735-8395
Website: http://www.lapurisimagolf.com
Course History:
This is an amazing course designed by the famous Robert Muir Graves. Stretched out over more than 300 acres, this is a challenging course that pros will love, but novices shouldn't feel too overwhelmed. The course is located about 30 miles from Santa Barbara and since it opened in 1986, it has been incredibly popular with both the locals and travelers. The local hotels offer many different stay and play packages, and given the fact that the course is so well appointed, the fees are actually very reasonable.
What You Need to Know:
You can book your tee time by calling the number listed above, or by visiting their website. If you will be staying in the area, we highly recommend checking out their discount page for special rates at local hotels as well as reduced prices on your green fees. Since this is an upscale course, traditional golf attire is recommended, and denim is of course, strictly prohibited.
Only one course in California has been ranked higher than La Purisima by the readers of Golf Digest and that is Pebble Beach. That speaks volumes for the quality of this course, not only with the level of play, but also the practice facilities, the pro shop and the bar and grill. This is a very relaxing place to go, and the course offers just the right amount of challenging play for pros and novices alike.
Playing Hints:
You'll be dealing with a variety of hazards, including lakes and bunkers, and the design of this course is pretty challenging. Each hole features slopes that will test your skills and there are some terrific dog legs that will definitely give your game a workout. We recommend spending a little time in the practice facility before you head out on the links.
The key to this course is accuracy and knowing when to really power your tee shot and when to hold back a little. This is not a course that can be mastered after one round, but it sure is fun trying to get there. Overall, our best recommendation is simply to go with the flow on your first round, and make sure you stay long enough to play at least two. This will give you the best experience that the course has to offer, and you'll be able to get that practice round out of the way right off the bat.
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Fees:
Monday - Thursday
Morning 18 Holes $65
Afternoon (After 12 PM) $50
Twilight (Times Vary) $40
Friday - Sunday & Holidays
Morning 18 Holes $91
Afternoon (After 12 PM) $72
Twilight (Times Vary) $50
Cart Fees Per Rider
18 Hole Cart $19
Twilight Cart $15
Member Cart $14
Member Cart Twilight $14
Preferred Rates
Players Club Weekend $42
Players Club Weekend Twilight $35
Players Club Weekday (M-F) $29
Players Club Weekday Twilight (M-F) $24
Practice Center Rates
Small Bucket (30 balls) $4
Medium Bucket (60 balls) $6
Large Bucket (90 balls) $8
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October 30th, 2008 — Beaumont, CA, Dress code, golf courses
Oak Valley Golf Course is located in: Beaumont, CA
Phone: (951) 769-7200
Website: http://www.oakvalleygolf.com/pages.asp?pid=33
Course History:
This gorgeous golf course is home to several PGA events every year and it is easy to see why. It literally looks as though it was painted into the surroundings and you simply cannot find a more beautiful course in this area. If you're planning a trip to the Beaumont area, this is a course that you simply must play.
With just the right mix of terrain, this course is very challenging but always fun to play. It's easy to see why it achieved instant fame with locals and players from around the world.
What You Need to Know:
This is a very traditional course and they do have a dress code. Collared shirts are required, and appropriate pants or shorts are allowed. They do not allow denim in any form on the course and we do recommend soft spikes for this facility. You can register your tee time online or by calling the number listed above. They do carry soft spikes at the pro shop if you do not have them already.
Speaking of the pro shop, it is simply fantastic. We've seen a lot in our days, but this was one of the best stocked shops in the area. Very friendly service as well and a great place to buy gifts for the golfers on your list. The clubhouse was incomparable and worth the trip just for the food.
Playing Tips:
Since this is a challenging course, you'll need to bring your best game. There are not a lot of water hazards, only two, so you won't have to worry about that. However, the elevation changes are a whole other matter. Our favorite hole was the seventh hole. It looks easy, but it's anything but. You'll have a straight shot to the green from the tee, but in the middle, you'll be dealing with a lot of undulation. Try for a really strong tee shot and just keep aiming straight ahead.
Fees:
MONDAY - FRIDAY
Prime Twilight 9-Hole
$65 $45 $25
Senior Replay
$50 $25
SATURDAY, SUNDAY & HOLIDAYS
Prime Twilight 9-Hole
$85 $60 $30
Replay
$30
Prime : Includes free bucket of range balls
9-Hole : 3 hours before sunset
Senior : Ages 55 and over(Monday - 'riday)
Junior : Ages 17 and younger, based on space available must be accompanied by an adult. Juniors may not operate the golf car.
DIRECTIONS TO OAK VALLEY
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From Palm Springs: Take I-10 West to Oak Valley Parkway, exit north to Golf Club Drive (1/10 mile), left to clubhouse.
From LA / Orange County: Take I-10 East to Oak Valley Parkway, exit north to Golf Club Drive (1/10 mile), left to clubhouse.
From San Diego / Temecula: Take 215 North to 60 East to I-10 West (exit Beaumont 79 to get back onto the I-10 westbound), to Oak Valley Parkway, exit north to Golf Club Drive (1/10 mile), left to clubhouse.
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October 15th, 2008 — CA, Lessons Available, McKinleyville, driving range, golf courses, public course
Beau Pre Golf Course is located in McKinleyville, CA
Phone: (707)839-2342
Website: http://www.beaupregc.com/
Course History:
This is a gorgeous course that is located outside of the historic city of McKinleyville, the site of the world's largest totem pole. This is one of the nicest courses on the West Coast and offers a championship level of play that is still suitable for novices. The course is tucked a bit off the beaten path, so we've included directions below.
What You Need to Know:
You can register your tee time by calling the number above, but the course does also offer an online tee time request form. They will contact you to let you know if your time is available. Since this is a popular course, we do recommend calling ahead.
This is a very fun course to play and the facilities are very nice. The pro shop was well stocked and we appreciated the quiet atmosphere in the club house. There are memberships available to save on the already low green fees, but the public is welcome at any time. They do not specify a dress code, but it is best to wear classic golf gear to err on the side of caution.
Playing Hints:
You'll be dealing with multiple water hazards on this course, particularly on the back nine. Most are creeks and bisect the fairways right before the green. We recommend taking a shorter tee shot on these holes to give you a better chance of avoiding the water. There are only a few bunkers and with accuracy, they should not be a problem for most players.
The holes are all very straightforward and fun to play. You won't have to worry so much about drifting a little left or right, and there are only two major doglegs to worry about - 5 and 7. For both, keep to the right from the tee and you'll be fine.
Fees:
Rates - Weekdays
Weekdays (Monday - Friday) $28
After 2pm $19
High School $10
9 Holes Only $19
Super Twi-Lite 6pm $10
Rates - Weekends
Weekends (Saturday - Sunday) $38
After 2pm $22
High School $12
9 Holes Only $22
Super Twi-Lite 6pm $10
Non - Residents
College Semester Ticket $199
Non-Resident Individual Monthly $159
Non-Resident Family Monthly $199
Non-Resident Monthly Cart $159
Rentals
Power Carts per 9 holes $16
Power Carts per 18 holes (Minimum age for Cart use is 18 years) $26
Clubs $5 / $15 /$25
Pull Carts $5
Range Balls
Large Basket (60) $5.50
Small Basket (30) $3.50
Lessons - Head Professional - Rex Denham
Private One Lesson $50
Series of 7 Lessons $200
Lessons - Assistant Professional - Brent Stone
Private One Lesson $35
Series of 7 Lessons $140
Junior Lessons
Junior Lessons $20
Series of 5 Junior Lessons (one free) $80
Group Lessons Series of 6 -Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday $75
How to Get There:
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From Rte 101, take the Airport exit to McKinleyville. Go past the
Airport, at the stop sign, go right, and make your immediate left
turn onto Norton Road. Beau Pre Golf Club is on your right.
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July 31st, 2008 — CA, Lake Tahoe, george fazio, golf courses, restaurant
The Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is located in Lake Tahoe, CA
Phone: 888.881.8659
Website: http://www.edgewood-tahoe.com/
Course History:
This is a stunning course that first opened its doors in 1968, and has since gone on to receive numerous accolades and an ardent fan base. It was designed by George Fazio and contains a great mix of hazards and terrain that make it a challenging but fun course to play. The USGA holds several events here and the course also frequently hosts celebrity golfing events. The public is usually not allowed on the course to play, and we've noted below which dates are unavailable.
What You Need to Know:
You can book your tee time online or by phone and this is one of the few courses that will let you book six months in advance. Please note that singles cannot reserve a tee time but may play on standby notice. If you don't call to cancel your tee time, the course will charge you for the full amount, so make sure that if you can't make it that you do cancel with plenty of notice to avoid this.
This is a very nice course and we highly recommend wearing traditional golf attire. Their pro shop is literally one of the nicest throughout the area and you'll find plenty of gifts or things for yourself. The Golf Bar and Deck is incredible and well worth the trip out. The food is just about perfect. Overall, this is a course that has everything required for a memorable and fun golf outing.
Playing Hints:
As we mentioned above, this is a challenging course, but novices shouldn't feel too intimidated. The water hazards will require a bit of effort to surmount, but the key is definitely distance and accuracy. It's a good idea to perfect the long tee shot before going to this course to increase your chances of staying under par.
The terrain is certainly not level and there may be times that one wrong shot will put you where it's just about impossible to see the green. This is a challenging area for many players and requires a good iron game as well as being able to hit a long drive. The greens are fast and unpredictable, but this just makes it more fun. Chances are, you'll want to keep coming back to try to master this course.
Fees:
Cart and Range Weekday Weekend Weekday Weekend
April - May 6
Call for Rates and Availability
May 7 - May 22 $140 $160 $100 $120
May 23 - June 15 $180 $200 $130 $150
June 16 - July 7 $200 $220 $140 $160
July 8 - July 13 Closed Celebrity Golf
July 14 - August 24 $220 $235 $160 $180
August 25 - Sept 21 $200 $220 $140 $160
Sept 22 - October 4 $170 $190 $120 $140
October 5 to Close $140 $160 $100 $120
How to Get There:
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From Reno
395 South to 50 West
Right at Lake Parkway
From Sacramento/San Francisco
50 East to Stateline Casino area
Left after Casinos at Lake Parkway
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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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