BIRNAM WOOD GOLF CLUB (1967)

CENTRAL COAST REGION

Members only - 18 hole

2031 Packing House Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Tel: (805) 969-0919

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. There are only two or three holes where the smart player uses a driver on this course, which is riddled with out-of-bounds and hazards. Birnam Wood is made even more challenging because barrancas guard the front of many greens. Players must hit the ball over the hazard but keep it below the hole for any chance of scoring well. Reciprocal play with other members-only clubs is allowed. From within Santa Barbara: Off US 101, exit at Sheffield Drive. Follow Sheffield Drive until it dead-ends. Turn left on East Valley Road and drive to the top of the hill. At the top, there is a stone gatehouse and the club entrance.

BISHOP COUNTRY CLUB (1970)

HIGH SIERRA REGION

Semi-Private - 18 hole - cost: $25 - $38

South Highway 395, Bishop, CA 93514

Tel: (760) 873-5828

 

Designed by unknown. Bishop is a challenging course with an abundance of water (15 holes), trees, and rough. The two nines were built about 30 years apart. The front nine is longer with small greens, while the back nine is shorter with large greens. From within Bishop: Go south on US 395. The club is on the right, about a mile and a half out of Bishop.