July 29th, 2008 — CA, Lake Tahoe, golf courses, restaurant
Coyote Moon Golf Course is located near Lake Tahoe, CA (This is one of my favorite courses… Played it when they first opened before they had their license to sell beer… Beer was free! Water you had to pay for.)
Phone: 530-587-0886

Website: http://www.golftahoe.com/coyote-moon
Course History:
Coyote Moon is a fairly new golf course but it has been incredibly well received and quickly shot to fame. Although it is one of the most difficult courses to master in this area, it is also one of the most enjoyable to play. Professionals will find it challenging, but even novices will be able to enjoy a round without feeling too intimidated. The scenery alone makes this well worth the trip and overall, this is one of the nicest courses in the area.
What You Need to Know:
This course is very eco-friendly and has numerous features that make it a very “green” course. There may be some areas that are parked off from the public and the management asks that visitors observe these rules. That’s a small price to pay considering the overall beauty of the course.
Although no dress code is specified, we highly recommend traditional golf attire since this is a more conservative course. The facilities are definitely top notch and the grill is a definite must-stop-by. They are open every day for breakfast and lunch, and the bar is open until 7pm.
Playing Hints:
The terrain makes for a very challenging round of golf and the management states that you’ll need to use just about every club and every technique at your disposal to beat this course. It’s definitely one of the toughest courses to play and you’ll find that distance combined with accuracy will make your game a lot easier and will keep your scores higher.
The sixth hole is particularly challenging and you’ll be facing a water hazard right from the tee. Keep to the left a little bit and keep in mind that your shot will be pulled towards the water. On the fourteenth hole you may feel as though you’re playing hopscotch, not golf, as you try to avoid the rough. Try to make your tee shot as long as possible and head straight. This should put you in a great position to make it to the green in about another shot with the right club and the right amount of power.
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Fees:
Regular Rate May 23 - October 19 (18 Holes): $160
Twilight Rate $100
Twilight Times
Opening through June 12th: 3:00pm
June 13th through September 7th: 4:00pm
September 8th through October 19th: 3:00pm
All rates include use of warm up station and shared golf car.
Booking Policy
For 8 Players or Less:
Regular Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance.
Twilight Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance.
Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance.
How to Get There:
Reno
Take I-80 West to exit number 184, Donner Pass Road. Turn right onto Donner Pass Road. Turn left at Northwoods Blvd. Course is 1/2 mile up the hill.
San Francisco/Sacramento
Take I-80 East to exit number 184, Donner Pass Road. Turn left and cross over the interstate. Turn left at Northwoods Blvd. Course is 1/2 mile up the hill.
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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:
|
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:
View Larger Map
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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July 1st, 2008 — CA, Chowchilla, Lessons Available, golf courses, restaurant

Phone Number: 866-475-2525
Website: http://www.pheasantrungolfclub.com
Course History:
This is a beautiful course that is very well liked among the locals as well as travelers. It is considered to be one of the most well maintained courses in California and their unique blend of fairway grasses stay green nearly all year round. The course management really keeps everything running quite well here and the fairways are always well trimmed and sculpted. The greens are a bit fast here, but that just adds to the challenge.
What You Need to Know:
This course offers a unique feature with a special GPS unit that can assist you with yardage and more while you play. It’s a reasonably cheap addon and we highly recommend taking advantage of it. Tee times are available to be booked online or by phone. They run frequent drawings to win a free round of golf and specials are updated monthly on their site. We recommend checking back with them often to save off their already low cost green fees.
Lessons are available from the onsite pros and they offer several levels of instruction. The course is located near a special RV park and also sits near some prime real estate that has been integrated with the course. If you’re an avid golfer, this is a great place to set up a home.
The Putter’s Bistro and Pub is worth the trip alone and has become very popular even among those who do not golf. They frequently cater special events in the area and it is easy to see why. The food here is simply fantastic. The pro shop is very well stocked and has all the latest merchandise and brands.
The practice facility is top notch and features a driving range, putting green as well as an area to work on your chip shots. These facilities are also very well maintained and very popular. The course does offer special memberships if you are a frequent visitor and we recommend taking advantage of the savings.
Playing Hints:
This is a great course that is challenging enough for pros while being a good fit for novice players. The holes are pretty straightforward and the water hazards are challenging without being intimidating. You’ll need to work on your long drives to get the best score here, but don’t forget your green skills either. You’re definitely going to need them if you want to stay under par.
Green Fees:
18-Hole Green Fees Weekdays Weekends/Holidays
Regular $32 $49
Seniors $22 $37
Juniors (17 & under) $19 $25
Mid-Day Rate $22 $37
Twilight (4 hrs before sunset) $12 $27
Golf Cart (per person charge) $13 $13
Players Club Members $28 includes cart $40 includes cart
Cart Fees are $13 per player, single rider rate is $18.
$5 per player for optional GPS yardage system. Rates subject to change.
Directions
View Larger Map
Pheasant Run Golf club is located at the intersection of Highways 99 and
Roberson Blvd, centrally located from anywhere in the Valley and only 75 miles from Yosemite National Park.
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June 23rd, 2008 — CA, Chandler Egan, Pacific Grove, golf courses

Pacific Grove Golf Course is located in Pacific Grove, CA
Phone: 831.648.5775
Website: http://www.ci.pg.ca.us/golf/default.htm
Course History:
This is a beautiful municipal course that has been voted one of the best municipal courses in the nation. The value is absolutely unbeatable and the old English links style of play is very popular. It was designed by Chandler Egan in 1932 and quickly became one of the most popular courses in the area. The original course management wanted it to be suitable for players of all skill levels and they certainly achieved that. Novices won’t be intimidated but pros can still enjoy a nice round of golf here.
What You Need to Know:
You can register your tee time by calling ahead at the number listed above or by visiting their website to book online. We recommend stopping by their site to take advantage of their specials. The pro shop here is top notch and overall, from the money, the facilities here are actually quite surprising. You wouldn’t expect this level of service from a municipal course, but they truly exceed all expectations.
Playing Hints:
Most of the holes on the course are very straightforward but you will be dealing with more natural conditions such as some really tough roughs since this is an English style course. However, that only adds to its charm and it is a refreshing break if you are used to playing on more modern courses.
The third hole has a pretty severe dog leg, so you’ll want to aim a little left from the tee to make sure you get a clear shot of the green. The eighth hole can also be tricky in this regard. Once again, hang a little to the left to best this hole.
The sixteenth hole is a long haul but offers a chance to catch up on your score before heading to the final holes that are a lot shorter but a little tougher.
View Larger Map
Course Fees:
| Green Fees (effective July 1, 2007) |
Resident
|
Non-Resident
|
| 9 Hole Mon - Thurs |
$12
|
$20
|
| 18 Hole Monday-Thursday |
$20
|
$40
|
| 9 Hole Fri - Sun & Holidays (Reservations after 2:30pm) |
$18
|
$25
|
| 18 Hole Fri - Sun & Holidays |
$25
|
$45
|
| 18 Hole Twilight RateAfter 2pm Standard TimeAfter 4pm Daylight Savings |
$15
|
$20
|
| 18 Hole Junior Rate - 17 and under Mon - ThursAfter 2pm Fri - Sun & Holidays |
$10
|
$20
|
| Annual Cards (Valid from July 1 to June 30) |
|
|
Resident
|
Non-Resident
|
| Single Player |
$710
|
$875
|
| Single Senior (65 or older) |
$635
|
$775
|
| Non-Resident (No Club Affiliation) |
|
$2,000
|
| Junior Annual (17 & Under)Mon - ThursAfter 2pm Fri - Sun & Holidays |
$200
|
n/a
|
| Junior Summer 3-Month Card(17 & Under)Available June-August only Mon - Thurs
After 2pm Fri - Sun |
$75
|
n/a
|
| Rentals
|
|
|
Resident
|
Non-Resident
|
| Electric Cart - 9 Hole |
$20
$10 rider
|
$20
$10 rider
|
| Electric Cart - 18 Hole |
$34
$17 rider
|
$34
$17 rider
|
| Set of Golf Clubs - 9 Hole |
$25
|
$25
|
| Set of Golf Clubs - 18 Hole |
$40
|
$40
|
| Pull Cart - 9 Hole |
$4
|
$4
|
| Pull Cart - 18 Hole |
$8
|
$8
|
| Annual Club Storage(Fiscal Year July 1 - June 30) |
$125
|
$125
|
| (4) Bag Attachment |
$5
|
$5
|
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June 18th, 2008 — CA, Clubhouse menu, Dress code, Patterson, golf courses
Diablo Grande Ranch Course is located in: Patterson, CA
Phone: 209-892-4653

Website: http://www.diablogrande.com/golf/ranch.html
Course History:
This is a stunning course located in the midst of a winery and resort. There are two main courses here but for this review we’re going to discuss their Ranch Course. This was designed to be a course that players of all skill levels could appreciate and it has certainly lived up to its expectations. Since it’s opening, this course has become an area favorite and is well worth the trip there. It is a bit secluded, so we included some driving directions for you below.
What You Need to Know:
This is a very popular course so we recommend booking your tee time in advance by calling the number listed above. We recommend traditional golf attire, with no denim or cutoffs. There are a few rules governing carts, and the management may require that you keep your cart on the path in specific kinds of weather. They’ll let you know if there are any restrictions for that particular day before you head out to play.
The clubhouse and pro shop are both very top notch and are extremely popular with the locals. Even if you don’t go to play you can still enjoy an incredible meal here and get some great gifts for your friends that do golf. For the money though, this is well worth the trip.
Playing Hints:
This course is home to a famous hole known as “The Mustang” It is 650 yards of sheer effort that will really test your skills. You’ll need to make this one in 5, so definitely work on your drive before you arrive. By the time you’re at the green, you’ll have a magnificent view of Mike’s Peak, and the surrounding area.
This is a course that is well balanced but we definitely do recommend a cart since the elevation can change rapidly. The bunkers and water hazards will give you plenty of ways to test your mettle and your skills.
Course Fees:
Golf Rates
All rates include:
Range Balls, Golf Cart
Member guest rate is 25% off regular rate.
Members can only bring the same guest to play 6 times within a 12 month period.
Current Season Fees
As of February 1st
Ranch Legends Both Courses
Mon - Thurs $55 $55 $100
Fri -Sun $65 Members Only n/a
Golf Lesson Rates
Lessons Taught by Head Golf Professional
MEMBERS
30 minutes $55
60 minutes $90
GUESTS
30 minutes $65
60 minutes $110
GROUP RATES
2 students for 1 hr $ 55 each
3 students for 1 hr $ 50 each
4 students + 1 hr $ 45 each
Series of 6 Lesson Rates
MEMBERS
6 - 30 minute $275
6 - 60 minute $450
GUESTS
6 - 30 minute $325
6 - 60 minute $550
How to Get There:
View Larger Map
Diablo Grande is located in the Diablo Foothills, six miles west of I-5, an area that combines scenic natural beauty and perfect golf weather. Sunny days, balmy nights and shirt-sleeve winters are part of the Diablo Grande Lifestyle. I-5 provides easy access to Modesto 20 miles, and the metropolitan areas of Stockton, Livermore and Pleasanton are all a 45- mile radius.
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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:
View Larger Map
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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June 3rd, 2008 — Burlingame, CA, Dress code, William Herbert Fowler, golf courses, restaurant

Crystal Springs Golf Course is located in Burlingame, CA
Phone: (650) 342-4188
Website: http://www.playcrystalsprings.com
Course History:
This is a very historic course that was designed by William Herbert Fowler, a British course architect of great renown. It was first opened in 1924 and became an instant favorite. It has certainly withstood the test of time and is heavily played to this day. The course is known for its incredible amount of wildlife, numbering more than 61 species of birds, numerous deer and even a bobcat or two.
What You Need to Know:
You can book your tee time online or by calling the pro shop. This is a very nice facility and we recommend wearing a collared shirt and slacks. This is a soft spike facility, so please change out any metal spikes before you arrive. The pro shop here is top notch and is completely stocked with just about everything you could ever want. The Pub and Grill is beyond fantastic and overall, this is definitely one of the nicest courses in the area.
Playing Hints:
This is considered to be a true championship course so you will need to bring your best game. It’s a little longer than 6600 yards and we highly recommend taking the cart option. The sixth hole is famous, or infamous, take your pick. It’s a common site for weddings, due to the several hundred foot drop off between the tee and the green. You’ll want to hit a very long drive off the tee if you want to do well on this hole.
The dogleg on the tenth hole is quite a challenge, but if you can hit it long, you’ll do just fine. The fifteenth hole is deceptively easy, but if you give this one too much power, you’ll end up surrounded by trees. Give this one a soft shot off the tee and then iron in for greater accuracy.
The eighteenth hole is your chance to even up your score. It’s a long par five, but with a good drive you can easily get a birdie. Just watch out for the sloping green that can really ruin your score.
View Larger Map
Course Fees:
Weekdays (Monday to Thursday)
18 Holes $44
Twilight After 2:00 PM $36
Super Twilight After 4:00 PM
$26
Senior ( Age 60 +) Mon-Wed After 11:00 AM $30
Junior (Under 18) After 2:00 PM Walking only $15
Junior Super Twilight (under 18) After 4:00 PM Walking Only $10
9 Hole Early Bird (first hour 1/2 of the day) Cart included $28
Cart Fee ($15 per person) $30
Weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays)
Before 2:00 PM $66
Twilight After 2:00 PM $43
Super Twilight After 4:00 PM $36
Junior (Under 18) After 2:00 PM Walking only $25
Junior Super Twilight (under 18) After 4:00 PM Walking Only $15
9 Hole Early Bird (first hour 1/2 of the day) Cart included $39
Cart Fee ($15 per person) $30
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