California golf trip

[skee]

Hello fellow Wrxer's

 

I need some advice, I am going on Southern and Northern California trip with the G/F she has given me a few days to play....

 

I'll be starting off in the Newport, then Napa and end off in San Francisco....

 

Can you give me some suggestions of good places to play that are great tracks and inexpensive.

 

The trip will take place the second week of September.

[poppyhillsguy]

Great tracks and inexpensive don't fit those areas. Wish I had more to give you then that, but it's over-priced here in California.

[TKD24]

If you're playing solo and play fast enough, Half Moon Bay in the SF Bay area is $45 with cart starting 5pm.

[Tarheelnation3]

SoCal is not cheap (unfortunately). If you are in Newport Beach, you can try Pelican Hill (again, not cheap), but one of the nicer courses around. Or, you could do Monarch Beach golf club which occasionally has some deals going on for rack rates.

[skee]

Thanks for the advice guys...

@poppyhillsguy: Inexpensive is $200 and below....Golf here in Vancouver is pretty pricey, muni course start around $70 with no cart.....

@TKD: thanks for the info

[skee]

Ive bee looking around and seen a few:

Mile square
Willowwick
Shorecliffs
Navy Golf

Are these any good?

[Tarheelnation3]

[quote name='skee' timestamp='1405368687' post='9699413']
Ive bee looking around and seen a few:

Mile square
Willowwick
Shorecliffs
Navy Golf

Are these any good?
[/quote]

Honestly, not a big fan of any of those tracks. If I had to rank them in order though, it would be:

Shorecliffs (just because of location to others...narrower type track)
Mile square
Willowwick/Navy Golf

[skee]

thanks Tarheel nation.....if you ever come up to Vancouver, let me know! I'll let you know of some good tracks and great places for scotch and Cuban cigars!

[Tarheelnation3]

[quote name='skee' timestamp='1405370256' post='9699609']
thanks Tarheel nation.....if you ever come up to Vancouver, let me know! I'll let you know of some good tracks and great places for scotch and Cuban cigars!
[/quote]

Will do! I typically bring my own Cubans on trips, but much easier when traveling out of the Country to just pick some up for a round at the course.

[ryu123]

Los Angeles area: Rustic Canyon (near Moorpark, northwest of LA) is fun (about $75)

Monterey: Pacific Grove (holes #12 - #17 are good - about $55); Bayonet & Blackhorse are very good (check Golfnow; rack rate $135)

Santa Cruz: Pasatiempo is excellent at about $200 (found Half Moon Bay - Ocean cramped and not great)

[puttnforthe8]

I liked Sandpiper in Santa Barbara; Aviara was quite nice(higher $); Barona and Coronado are options in SD; Might as well play Torrey while you are down there(twilite price).

[GWD]

Not sure of the route that you intend to take to Napa/San Francisco, but if you come down I-5 to I-505 there is an Indian Hotel/Casino that has a top tier and scenic golf course for $80 + $25 (rider fee). It has a resort course/country club atmosphere. Afterwards you can get casino credits totalling about $50 for newbies.

Google "Cache Creek Casino" or "Yocha DeHe golf" for a preview and directions. If you read reviews on the course you'll be impressed. [url="http://www.golfwrx.com/98384/cache-creek-casino-resort-provides-one-stop-for-golfing-gaming/"]http://www.golfwrx.com/98384/cache-creek-casino-resort-provides-one-stop-for-golfing-gaming/[/url]

They do have stay-and-play packages including two rounds of golf. It may not be the best deal if your GF doesn't play. [url="http://www.yocha-de-hegolfclub.com/Stay-and-Play-Packages_32bd5f063.html"]http://www.yocha-de-hegolfclub.com/Stay-and-Play-Packages_32bd5f063.html[/url]

The several on-site restaurants are very good. The surroundings are remote and rural. We live 30 miles away and have never stayed at the hotel so can't comment on that aspect.

[skee]

thanks guys!!!

I have a place to play in Northern Cali....I loved playing Hiddenbrook, for all the Northern Cali guys, how is the course now? Last time I played it was in 2004?....

[slocagolfer]

If you're driving and can play along the way there are some good suggestions:
La Purisima in Lompoc
Cypress Ridge in Arroyo Grande
Monarch Dunes in Nipomo
Morro Bay in Morro Bay (It's not as good a course as the rest on this list, but fun and has great ocean views. I play there quite a bit.)
Hunter Ranch in Paso Robles

All of these are under $60, or there abouts. It's around a four hour drive from Newport (depending on traffic - it is LA!) and about five to Napa.

[GWD]

As you are probably aware, CA is experiencing a multi-year drought. Golf course fairways are starting to look a bit dry as water use is being rationed. Hiddenbrooke is no exception. Mid-September will likely be the driest time of year. On the plus side, fairways will be fast. Greens tend to get plenty of water and attention.

Here is a GolfNow link to research reviews. You may want to check them again come early September.

[url="http://www.golfnow.com/sanfrancisco/tee-times/golf-courses/ca---napasonoma/hiddenbrooke-golf-club/search"]http://www.golfnow.c...olf-club/search[/url]

Edit: While I'm on the GolfNow site, here is the Yocha Dehe information and reviews if you change your mind. Check out the star rating.

[url="http://www.golfnow.com/sacramento/tee-times/golf-courses/ca---sacramento/yocha-dehe-golf-club-at-cache-creek-casino/search"]http://www.golfnow.com/sacramento/tee-times/golf-courses/ca---sacramento/yocha-dehe-golf-club-at-cache-creek-casino/search[/url]

[sr129]

If you can hit Oak quarry or Goose Creek. A bit of a drive inland but well worth the trip.
For all of the current conditions look at greenskeeper.org. Great website!

[FLiPxJB]

[quote name='skee' timestamp='1405368687' post='9699413']
Ive bee looking around and seen a few:

Mile square
Willowwick
Shorecliffs
Navy Golf

Are these any good?
[/quote]

I would actually stay away from most of these courses you listed. Especially Willowick. Navy is good for the price you pay. Mile square is also a good track but $50 to walk.

I would suggest these courses and will range from $70-130. It just depends what time you'll be playing.
Black Gold
Coyote Hills
Oak Creek
Industry Hills
Skylinks

and if you want to go to Inland Empire (might be hot!)...
Goose Creek
Champions
Hidden Valley
Vellano
Glen Ivy
Dos Lagos
Oak Quarry
Sierra Lakes

Hope that helps.

[skee]

[quote name='FLiPxJB' timestamp='1405438876' post='9704765']
[quote name='skee' timestamp='1405368687' post='9699413']
Ive bee looking around and seen a few:

Mile square
Willowwick
Shorecliffs
Navy Golf

Are these any good?
[/quote]

I would actually stay away from most of these courses you listed. Especially Willowick. Navy is good for the price you pay. Mile square is also a good track but $50 to walk.

I would suggest these courses and will range from $70-130. It just depends what time you'll be playing.
Black Gold
Coyote Hills
Oak Creek
Industry Hills
Skylinks

and if you want to go to Inland Empire (might be hot!)...
Goose Creek
Champions
Hidden Valley
Vellano
Glen Ivy
Dos Lagos
Oak Quarry
Sierra Lakes

Hope that helps.
[/quote]

Thanks for the info....just wondering if you were to rate these course from 1-5, how would it go? I like them all....

[FLiPxJB]

I would say, i like them in that order. Although oak creek will be the priciest one out of the five.

[skee]

[quote name='FLiPxJB' timestamp='1405443700' post='9705291']
I would say, i like them in that order. Although oak creek will be the priciest one out of the five.
[/quote]

Ya, I'm looking at black gold and coyote....they look good, price is nice and distance from my hotel is perfect less than a 45 minute drive.....

[obobgolf]

1) Temecula Creek Inn - Creek/Oaks 18. Course is in best condition in IE right now.
2) Goose Creek - always in good shape. Tough to get on.
3) Redhawk (Temecula)
4) Journey at Pechanga (Indian Reservation) Interesting. A bit pricey.

[skee]

all the [quote name='obobgolf' timestamp='1405444555' post='9705391']
1) Temecula Creek Inn - Creek/Oaks 18. Course is in best condition in IE right now.
2) Goose Creek - always in good shape. Tough to get on.
3) Redhawk (Temecula)
4) Journey at Pechanga (Indian Reservation) Interesting. A bit pricey.
[/quote]

those course in Temecula look great specifically Redhawk and Journey but they are too far.....

The GF said I can play saturday morning but I have to be back by for a wedding in the evening

[ronstelten]

[quote name='slocagolfer' timestamp='1405381572' post='9700819']
If you're driving and can play along the way there are some good suggestions:
La Purisima in Lompoc
Cypress Ridge in Arroyo Grande
Monarch Dunes in Nipomo
Morro Bay in Morro Bay (It's not as good a course as the rest on this list, but fun and has great ocean views. I play there quite a bit.)
Hunter Ranch in Paso Robles

All of these are under $60, or there abouts. It's around a four hour drive from Newport (depending on traffic - it is LA!) and about five to Napa.
[/quote]

I'm with socagolfer. Your best bet for reasonable green fees will be outside of the cities you mentioned. La Purisima is a treat and nearly empty during the week. I played may Q School stages on that track.

A couple years ago I played The Links atBodega Harbour. Not far from Santa Rosa.

http://www.bodegaharbourgolf.com/-rates

[puttnforthe8]

Nice lists! Thanks for putting these together....

[skee]

thanks for all your help gents!!!! you know how to make a good Canadian boy feel welcomed to your neck of the woods! If any of you are coming to Vancouver or to BC and need some advice let me know....

[puttnforthe8]

[quote name='skee' timestamp='1405529025' post='9713331']
thanks for all your help gents!!!! you know how to make a good Canadian boy feel welcomed to your neck of the woods! If any of you are coming to Vancouver or to BC and need some advice let me know....
[/quote]

Will be defo taking you up on this.....one of my next trips will be up there. Going to New Zealand and Australia this year, Bandon next and then prob BC(Whistler, etc) next

[skee]

[quote name='puttnforthe8' timestamp='1405536051' post='9714313']
[quote name='skee' timestamp='1405529025' post='9713331']
thanks for all your help gents!!!! you know how to make a good Canadian boy feel welcomed to your neck of the woods! If any of you are coming to Vancouver or to BC and need some advice let me know....
[/quote]

Will be defo taking you up on this.....one of my next trips will be up there. Going to New Zealand and Australia this year, Bandon next and then prob BC(Whistler, etc) next
[/quote]

Whistler is good but a lot of the course are gimmicky.....I would do Whistler golf club and Nicklaus North they played a few skins game there. Chateau Whistler is ok...
Prices in Whistler is expensive as its a tourist town....

If you want a real good course in that area do Big Sky its 20 minutes away from Whistler. A lot of us locals play big sky and its a nice test of golf....

[tesuquegolfer]

I liked Sandpiper in Santa Barbara; Aviara was quite nice(higher $); Barona and Coronado are options in SD; Might as well play Torrey while you are down there(twilite price).

 

I have to agree with Sand Piper north of Santa Barbra in Goleta is awesome. I played a twilight rate a couple of years ago for ~$100 and it was fabulous. I had played there in the late 80s and loved the beautiful views with a few holes that run along the beach. Here is a complimentary picture that they will take of you on the 11th hole then email it to you. The time I played there in the 80s, I didn't pay attention to where they placed the tees and I proceeded to blast a 195 yd 4 iron onto the beach as they had moved the tees up to ~165 yds. I was more conscious of the yardage the last time and knocked it on the green to about 15 feet.

 

I have also played Monarch Golf Links south of Laguna Beach and thought it was okay. If you get a good deal it could be worth playing. I always wanted to play Pelican Hill but at $350 it is way too much for me.

 

[dcsocal]

Where are you staying in orange county? That might dictate what is close and "reasonable". Goose Creek is one of my favorites but a little bit of a drive inland. If you want to drive further south than Tijeras Creek and Talega are also two good tracks.

[skee]

I'm staying in Newport.....at the Hyatt on Jamboree