August 13th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks
Out of all of the mistakes you can make out on the course, a slice is probably the most common. This refers to a ball that goes to the right after you hit it, usually right into a nice stand of trees or a nearby water hazard. A slice is devastating to your game, and fixing it can be a little complicated. Here are some great tips to help you get over your slicing problem and get your score back on track.
One of the first things that many golfers try to eliminate their slice is to angle their body to the left. This is a natural compensation, and logically, you would think that it would work. However, this is a huge mistake and can actually result in slicing worse than before. Your stance may need a little work, but aiming the wrong way is not going to be very helpful.
To correct this, stand in front of your golf ball, without your club. This is an exercise that will help you get aligned properly. We’ll be adding the club in a second, but first, you need to focus on your feet and your hips. Your feet should be facing perfectly forward and should be slightly apart. As a result, your hips should also be facing the same direction.
If you notice that you’re leaning a little bit, or that your hips are not perfectly in line with your feet, bring them into line. Now, put your arms into position for your shot. If your hips move, correct them. Pretend that you are swinging your club back and again, mentally check the position of your hips. Correct them if necessary.
Repeat this until your hips are no longer pulled in the wrong direction. Once you’ve got it down, add the club back into the equation and start again. Get the feel of the right body position down until it comes absolutely naturally. This is a good exercise that you can do at home, in your backyard or even in your living room. The key is finding that “sweet spot” when your posture comes together and everything just feels right.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at some common swing issues that can exacerbate a slice. The most common problem occurs when you actually hit the ball. Instead of following through, you may pull up. This force sends the ball careening in the wrong direction.
To fix this, practice your downswing and don’t stop when you get to your golf ball. Keep the club traveling in the exact same direction for a few more inches. You’ll be using that force to literally guide the ball in the proper direction. Work on this until you have your club going perfectly straight in the right direction.
With a little practice and using these tips, you can cure even the nastiest slice and make it a lot easier to get a better score during your next round of golf.
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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 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 10th, 2008 — Bert Stamps, CA, Lessons Available, Sonora, golf courses
Phoenix Lake Golf Course is located in Sonora, CAPhone: 209-532-0111
Website: http://www.phoenixlakegolf.com
Course History:
This is a great little nine hole course that opened in 1968. It was designed by Bert Stamps and became an instant local favorite. The incredibly scenic course is perfect for a little getaway and the play is challenging enough for everyone to enjoy.
What You Need to Know:
This course has a great atmosphere. We really recommend attending the numerous tournaments that are held here since you cannot beat the pit barbeque or the fun. The fees are incredibly reasonable and we do recommend booking your tee time in advance since this is a popular course. Lessons are available and the membership packages make it easy to enjoy this course all year round. It is a little tucked away off the beaten path, so we’ve included directions to the course below.
Playing Hints:
This may be a little course, but don’t let it fool you. It’s actually quite tough in spots. Please note that if you are playing 18 holes that the white tees are for the front nine, and the black are for the back nine. The first hole is a gentle dogleg to the left, and you’ll want to keep to the right so you can get a clear shot to the green. This is a pretty long par five given the size of the course, but you can birdie it if you avoid going out of bounds.
The fifth hole is a bit challenging. You’ll want to avoid overhitting on your approach to the green. There is a water hazard behind it and it’s all too easy to end up taking a swim. The ninth hole is the most forgiving and just about any player can birdie this one to salvage their score. Just watch out for the sloping green, it’s a doozy.
Course Fees:
Green Fees - Monday Thru Thursday (Excluding Holidays)
9 Hole Fees 18 Hole Fees
Regular $15.00 $20.00
Seniors $11.00 $15.00
Juniors $11.00 $15.00
Green Fees - Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
9 Hole Fees 18 Hole Fees
All $17.00 $22.00
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES
(Unlimited Play)
Single: $900.00
Couple: $1,200.00
Family: $1,400.00
POWER CART
9 Holes ( $7.00 / Rider ) $14.00
18 Holes ( $11.00 / Rider ) $22.00
CLUBS & PULL CARTS
Club Rentals $8.00
Pull Carts $3.00
DRIVING RANGE BALLS
Small (40 Balls) $3.00
Large (70 Balls) $6.00
52 PLAY MEMBERSHIP FEE
$750.00
How to Get There:
View Larger Map
Take the Hess Rd. exit off Highway 108. If traveling EAST on Highway 108: Turn left at the bottom of the off-ramp. If traveling WEST on Highway 108: Turn right at the bottom of the off-ramp.
Turn right at the next stop light, follow Phoenix Lake Rd. 2 miles to Paseo De Los Portales (watch for the Phoenix Lake Golf Course signs). Turn left on Paseo De Los Portales, our clubhouse is approximately 1/2 mile on the left. Parking is available on the right directly across from the clubhouse.
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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.
View Larger Map
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 5th, 2008 — CA, Manteca, golf courses
Manteca Park Golf Course is located in Manteca, CA
Phone: 209.825.2312
Website: http://www.ci.manteca.ca.us/golf
Course History:
When the course first opened in 1966, it was a simple nine hole executive course. However, the second nine were added soon after and it became an incredibly popular course. The founding fathers of Manteca built this course with their citizens in mind and the attention to detail shows. It is definitely a high class facility, even though it is a public course. The championship level of play is challenging enough to keep pros interested without overcoming the novice player.
What You Need to Know:
Tee times can be reserved by calling the pro-shop. This is a public course, but we still recommend wearing appropriate golfing attire. In addition to the course, you’ll also find a full service park, making it a fun getaway for the whole family. Tennis courts are also available to the public on site. The pro-shop is stocked with all of the latest gear and the snack bar is well stocked. This is definitely a family friendly course.
Numerous tournaments are hosted here all year round and it is a very popular destination. We recommend reserving your tee time well in advance to make sure you get the slot you want. Please note that members of the military get a special rate on all green fees. Overall, given the low price, great atmosphere and challenging play, this is one of the nicest courses in the area.
Playing Hints:
The first hole is a bit daunting at first glance, but if you’ve got a strong drive you can easily do this one in just three shots. Watch out for the green though, it’s very fast. The fourth hole is a bit tricky. You’ll be pointing to the right, but you’re going to want to shoot to the left. If you have a tendency to slice, be aware of the nearby water hazard.
The dogleg on the twelfth hole is a bit challenging for some. Aim to the right for a clear shot to the tee. You don’t want to hit this one too long or you’ll end up in the field. If you do, the course asks that you take an extra shot and that you do not go into the field to get your ball since it is private property. You’ll meet another dogleg on the last hole. For this one, try to keep as close to the center of the fairway by aiming a little left. From there, you’ll have a clear shot to the green.
View Larger Map
Course Fees:
DAILY FEES
Current Fee
WEEKDAYS
9-Hole Weekday
$15.00
18-Hole Weekday/Resident
$18.00
18-Hole Weekday/Non-Res.
$21.00
Junior and Military Weekday
$10.00
Senior/Disabled Special-T/Th After 12:00 Noon
$10.00
Twilight-Weekday
$14.00
Promotional Fee (max with cart) After 11:00 AM
$21.00
WEEKENDS/HOLIDAYS
9-Hole Weekend
$16.00
18-Hole Weekend/ Resident
$21.00
18-Hole Weekend/Non-Res.
$28.00
Junior and Military Weekend
$12.00
Twilight-Weekend
$16.00
MONTHLY PASSES (weekdays only)
Resident Adult
$75.00
Non-Resident Adult
$95.00
Senior/Disabled Resident
$57.00
Senior/Disabled-Non-Resident
$80.00
Junior (Resident or Non-Resident)
$37.00
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June 2nd, 2008 — CA, Vallejo, golf courses
Phone: (707) 643-8476
Website: http://www.bluerockspringsgolf.com
Course History:
Blue Rock Springs is actually two courses in one and you can play both for an incredibly reasonable rate. This is a very popular course and we recommend booking your tee time well in advance.
What You Need to Know:
The course has an online tee time registration system where you can get a discount off their already low prices. You can also call the pro shop if you prefer to reserve your time this way. The course offers a very nice pro shop and is a great place to spend the afternoon.
Playing Hints:
West Course - This is a very straightforward course that is a little under 6,000 yards in length. Although there are not a lot of water hazards, the tree lined fairways do present a bit of a challenge for most players. There are a few bunkers but nothing that most golfers can’t surmount with ease and a little accuracy.
The first two holes are deceptively easy and it gets a little tougher from there. There is a water hazard near the fourth green, so make sure your approach is cautious here. You’ll also want to look sharp on the eighth hole, it’s a real killer. The long par five is birdie-able, but only with some practice. The fourteenth hole is bisected by a creek, so you’ll want to go a little short with your drive and then iron over for the best results.
East Course - This course has a very interesting layout and they have made excellent use of the space they had to work with. This is a little over 6,000 yards but feels a bit shorter due to the layout. Most of the holes are very straightforward and there are a not a lot of hazards to trip you up. We recommend that novice players start on this course first.
The only hole that may present quite of a challenge is the seventeenth with its severe dog leg to the left. You’re going to want to stay right off the tee to avoid the bunkers at the curve. From there, you should have a straight shot to the green. The eighth hole is also a little challenging with a pond right behind the green, so don’t overdo your approach here.
Course Fees:
Public, 36 holes
Green Fees: $19?$35
Cart Fee: $16 per rider
Tom Wade, Mgr./PGA Class A Pro; Brian Morris Certified GCSAA, Supt.
Northeast Bay Zone. Club 53-401
Lessons:
Individual Sessions
½ hour for $35
Five ½ hour sessions for $150
Link Up to Golf and Play Golf America clinics
Five 1 hour sessions for $99 (Clinics require a minimum for four )
Semi-private and Corporate Clinics
Rates depend on group size
How to Get There:
View Larger Map
The best way to get to the Golf Course from Highway 80 is to exit at Columbus Parkway south and proceed for about 2.5 miles. The golf course entrance will be on your right.
Coming from Highway 37 take the Columbus Parkway exit, then follow the above directions.
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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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