Driving North From San Francisco

[Phreddy]

While it may turn out to be a reach, let's assume for the moment that COVID is not a factor in golf and travel by September of 2020. I have a trip booked to Bandon mid September of 2020 and a son living in San Francisco. I am giving some thought to flying into SFO, hanging out with him in the city for a couple days and then driving north to Bend Oregon. I would have my car shipped out to SF and drive it across the western states on my home to the midwest. The idea would be to play some golf along the way after doing the Bandon gig. I have played some bucket list golf south of San Francisco (Peeble, Pasatiempo) but have no ideas for north of the city. Thoughts?

 

Thanks! Phred

[carrera]

Hmmm, there isn't much good golf along the way. There is a John Daly designed course right off i5 at a Casino, but aside from Meadow Club in Marin (a bit off your path) I can't think of any place that would be worth targeting on the drive from SFO to North Bend.

Stop for a meal at the Hi-Lo Cafe in Weed, though.

[Phreddy]

Thanks for the heads up on the opportunities, or lack thereof, on the drive north. I may rethink the plan and simply stay in the Bay Area for golf and then enjoy the ride up the coast.

Having recently retired schedule flexibility is my biggest asset. I will play Pumpkin Ridge in Oregon after Bandon then head home through Idaho, Montana, down to Nebraska and across Iowa during he third & fourth week of September.

 

Phred

[mci711]

A few years ago I biked from Seattle to SF and golfed along the way. After a 48 hour stop at Bandon there wasn't much else along the way. Bodega Bay and Northwood Golf Club are the only 2 courses that come to mind, but they are basically right outside of SF and aren't bucket list courses.

The drive is amazing though. If you've never had the chance to drive up the 1/101 the views alone are worth it. Envious of this trip, hope to follow along here when you do it.

[Eric267]

If you haven't been to Tahoe before you could add it to your trip on either side of Bandon. Not really any “major bucket list courses” here, but quite a few really good ones. September the weather is usually perfect.

If you come here on your way it’s about 3-3.5 hours up 80 from the city but then puts you about the same distance to Bandon as from SF. Alternatively if you came after Bandon you take the 5->89/44->395 spend a couple days here then jump on 80 in Reno and your off back East

If your not really on a budget I would spend at least 3 days here and play Golf – Edgewood Tahoe ResortSite of the American century celebrity tournament. Amazing views right on Lake Tahoe. Beautiful new hotel on property or stay in Stateline casinos on the cheap

GolfHosting Pga barracuda tournament this year. Right outside of the historic town of Truckee. You can do a day of 36 between old greenwood and grays crossing

Grizzly Ranch Golf Club | Portola Golf Courses | Portola, CA Public GolfAn hour north of truckee in the lost Sierra. Really cool secluded mountain course in a beautiful serene setting. It’s in the middle of nowhere. Pretty much one of those courses that everyone who plays can’t wait to get back to.

 

Quite a few private courses in the area also if you are connected. Martis camp, Clear Creek, and Montreux are the top dogs

 

 

[ryu123]

if you have access to private clubs, as Carrera said the Meadow Club near Fairfax is a fine course. Also Mayacama near Santa Rosa is fun, although you may be required to take a caddie. (from SFO to Bandon, not sure why one would drive to Bend?)

[James the Hogan Fan]

Along the CA-1 to 101 route, there are remarkably few golf courses of any renown along the coast. Bodega Bay, Sea Ranch, Little River Inn, Shelter Cove, until you get to Eureka. And even then the Eureka courses are not that great... I haven't played any of them, but I have also never been told anything about them or that I should play them.

You could do Napa or a number of courses in the north bay that, although not bucket list, are still quite good.

[carrera]

I think he meant North Bend, not Bend.

[Sutherland]

Hi Phreddy,

 

Humboldt Bay is just about halfway between SF and Bandon along the 101.  Their are 4 courses there: Redwood Empire in Fortuna, Eureka Municipal, Baywood Country club in Arcata, and Beau Pre in Mckinleyville.  Baywood and Redwood Empire are private and Beau Pre and Eureka are public.  I wouldn't say any of those courses are 'must plays' but I think it would be a good idea to stop over for the night and play one of them if you're going that way.  

[Chanceman]

Phreddy, definitely dont miss Northwood, the MacKenzie 9 holer in the redwoods. It's a real gem. With a superb little diner across the carpark. Some vineyards around there too. Ch