Hidden gems in California

[Brett_Lyons]

Just wanted to see what kind of hidden gems you guys know about in California. I live in Southern California and am always road tripping to Northern California.

 

Anyone know of any cool little nine holes or muni's that have some history behind them or just have a cool vibe to them???

 

To get an idea of what I'm talking about, check out this little 9-hole course called Ben Brown's in Laguna Beach, CA.

https://www.theranchlb.com/gallery/golf

[wevin]

How about Aetna Springs Golf Course in Pope Valley.

[Brett_Lyons]

How about Aetna Springs Golf Course in Pope Valley.

 

Aetna Springs is on our list for sure!! It's supposedly one of the oldest courses in Western US. We will most likely be making that a destination course Spring/Summer 2018.

 

Thanks for the input!

[scratchswinger]

Sea Ranch

Rams Hill

Bodega Bay

Bigfoot Golf and Country Club

Baywood Country Club (Private)

Beau Pre

Little River

Del Norte

 

Lots of them up north - Rams Hill is So Cal.

[Brett_Lyons]

Sea Ranch

Rams Hill

Bodega Bay

Bigfoot Golf and Country Club

Baywood Country Club (Private)

Beau Pre

Little River

Del Norte

 

Lots of them up north - Rams Hill is So Cal.

 

Wow! Thank you. I'll have to look into those!

 

Funny... My brother and I were actually talking about doing a little day trip down to Rams Hill today. We decided to wait till we had a couple days so we could camp in Anza Borrego one night while we're down there.

 

I'll let you know if we end up going to any of the courses you listed up in Northern California. Going to do a little road trip up there next year.

[Chanceman]

The one not to miss is Northwood.

Hidden down in the redwoods.

Designed by Doc Mackenzie.

Only 9 holes but it's a true hidden gem - because you have to take a back road way off 101.

And only about 40 miles north of the GG.

Great little restaurant too and very friendly staff.

[Brett_Lyons]

The one not to miss is Northwood.

Hidden down in the redwoods.

Designed by Doc Mackenzie.

Only 9 holes but it's a true hidden gem - because you have to take a back road way off 101.

And only about 40 miles north of the GG.

Great little restaurant too and very friendly staff.

 

Northwood Golf Club looks insane! I had never heard of it until you mentioned it. There is so much history behind it so its a perfect course to do a write-up on (cool) .

 

Thank you for input. I'll be sure to post about it when we make a trip up there in 2018!

[mark174ace]

The one not to miss is Northwood.

Hidden down in the redwoods.

Designed by Doc Mackenzie.

Only 9 holes but it's a true hidden gem - because you have to take a back road way off 101.

And only about 40 miles north of the GG.

Great little restaurant too and very friendly staff.

 

You should definitely play Northwood once if you get the chance. The one you will definitely want to miss is Bodega Bay. Garbage golf course that reminds me more of a full length putt putt. It would actually make more sense if they had a windmill and a clowns nose somewhere on the course. I have played a total of 44 courses in California and Bodega Bay is easily ranked #44.

[BirdieRoll]

Talk about great timing! My wife and I will be vacationing in the area in February and I was just checking about golf options. I learn about Northwood and then google that with Golfwrx and of course, there's a discussion about Northwood TODAY!

 

Sounds too good to pass up so I'll be getting in at least one round.

 

Thanks all!

[aloha b.]

You could also play Sharp Park in Pacifica which is another MacKenzie design.

[sr129]

Several years ago I played a cool 9 hole in McCloud Ca. Its near lake Shasta and has some great views of Mt. Shasta and the surrounding mountains.

It was built and opened in 1923 by the McCloud River Lumber company for the executives and their guests. The lumber company has long since closed but the course is now member owned.

Its not a course I would make a special trip for but if you are in the area its worth a stop.

[scratchswinger]

Another course that I used to like was Redwood Empire in Fortuna.... I believe it is private. Some great courses in Nor Cal, always incredible views.

[rangersgoalie]

incline village Mountain course is a fun short/executive type course

It ws years ago, but had a blast playing it

[dardenpdx]

The one not to miss is Northwood.

Hidden down in the redwoods.

Designed by Doc Mackenzie.

Only 9 holes but it's a true hidden gem - because you have to take a back road way off 101.

And only about 40 miles north of the GG.

Great little restaurant too and very friendly staff.

 

This one is next on my list after playing Aetna Springs a few times last year.

[Brett_Lyons]

The one not to miss is Northwood.

Hidden down in the redwoods.

Designed by Doc Mackenzie.

Only 9 holes but it's a true hidden gem - because you have to take a back road way off 101.

And only about 40 miles north of the GG.

Great little restaurant too and very friendly staff.

 

You should definitely play Northwood once if you get the chance. The one you will definitely want to miss is Bodega Bay. Garbage golf course that reminds me more of a full length putt putt. It would actually make more sense if they had a windmill and a clowns nose somewhere on the course. I have played a total of 44 courses in California and Bodega Bay is easily ranked #44.

 

Thank you for the warning about Bodega Bay! :nono: I'll be sure to never play there. But Northwood on the other hand... Northwood is already being planned after hearing all the good feedback on it. I will be sure to post about our experience after our trip up there.

[Brett_Lyons]

You could also play Sharp Park in Pacifica which is another MacKenzie design.

 

Just looked up Sharp Park. Awesome looking course with a ton of history! just what we are looking for.

 

Thank you!

[Brett_Lyons]

Several years ago I played a cool 9 hole in McCloud Ca. Its near lake Shasta and has some great views of Mt. Shasta and the surrounding mountains.

It was built and opened in 1923 by the McCloud River Lumber company for the executives and their guests. The lumber company has long since closed but the course is now member owned.

Its not a course I would make a special trip for but if you are in the area its worth a stop.

 

Did some research on McCloud Golf Club. It has some cool history behind it and looks like a fun nine-hole with epic scenery for photographs!

 

Thank you!

[wtoomey]

Sharp was my first round of 18. Ended up making it my “home course” for a while, but haven’t played it in years.

 

You can see the old course design and what once was on some of the holes...#10 comes to mind.

 

Once this rain pushes out, maybe I’ll head over the hill to the coast.

[pappaf2]

How about Aetna Springs Golf Course in Pope Valley.

 

There are shutting down the course for good on Sunday January 14th.

[bwantland]

How about Aetna Springs Golf Course in Pope Valley.

 

There are shutting down the course for good on Sunday January 14th.

 

Do you have a source for this? I called the course just now but didn't get an answer and it appears tee times disappear after January 14th, so I very much believe you.

 

If they really are closing in 3 days, I feel like I need to make it up there immediately.

[pappaf2]

How about Aetna Springs Golf Course in Pope Valley.

 

There are shutting down the course for good on Sunday January 14th.

 

Do you have a source for this? I called the course just now but didn't get an answer and it appears tee times disappear after January 14th, so I very much believe you.

 

If they really are closing in 3 days, I feel like I need to make it up there immediately.

 

I called the clubhouse and asked them today, they confirmed Sunday is the last day. I might try to go up on Saturday.

[bwantland]

I'm planning to head up Sunday and tee off around noon or just after. Can't wait to see it, albeit under unfortunate circumstances.