BARONA CREEK GOLF CLUB (2000)

SAN DIEGO REGION

Resort: 18 hole - cost: $50 - $100

1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside, CA 92040

Tel: (619) 387-7018

Designed by Gary Roger Baird, Todd Eckenrode. Mildly rolling meadow terrain makes for a splendid links-like experience. There are a minimum of trees, some water, and an abundance of attractive bunkering. The fairways are quite wide, and though the greens are relatively large and easy to hit if you can avoid the bunkers, they are a challenge to putt. This course is located on the southwest corner of the Barona Indian Reservation. The course is part of a resort and casino. From San Diego (about 25 miles north to the course): Take I-8 to Highway 67 north. Turn right on Willow Road and then left on Wildcat Canyon Road. Travel six miles to the course. This is right up there with the very best public-access courses in all of Southern California, and a personal favorite of mine. Architecturally solid and a good value to boot!

BARTLEY CAVANAUGH GOLF COURSE (1994)

GOLD COUNTRY REGION

Municipal - 18 hole - cost: $21 - $30

8301 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95832

Tel: (916) 665-2020

Designed by Perry Dye. This course is speed-bump city, as numerous berms separate the holes from each other. Nevertheless, bring your hard hat as the holes are dangerously close to one another. From within Sacramento: Off I-5, exit at Pocket Road and head east. Make a right on Freeport Boulevard and drive two miles to the course. Muni golf in its purest form - cheap and fun.