BLUE SKIES COUNTRY CLUB (1957)

DESERT REGION

Public - 18 hole - cost: $15 - $18

55-100 Martinez Trail, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

Tel: (760) 365-0111

Designed by J.W. Hale. Although trees are prominent throughout the course, you will find Blue Skies to be a friendly driving course with little rough. There are some strategically placed bunkers and two lakes that come into play on only two holes. From San Bernardino (about 72 miles north­east to the course): Take I-10 east to Highway 62 toward Twenty nine Palms. Go about 18 miles and turn left on Camino del Cielo. Turn right on Martinez Trail, to the club.

BLYTHE GOLF COURSE (1968)

DESERT REGION

Muicpal - 18 hole - cost: $13 - $25

4708 Wells Road, Blythe, GA 92225

Tel: (760) 922-7272

Designed by William F. Bell. Located on a mesa overlooking the Palo Verde Valley, this wide-open course features rolling hills on the front nine, while the back nine is relatively flat. The greens are small and level. If hitting fairways isn't part of your game, you're in luck, there is little trouble outside the short grass. From within Blythe: Off I-10, take the Lovekin exit and go north. Turn left on Hobson Way and right on Defrain. The course is on top of the hill. Unexpected elevation changes make this possibly the best out-of-the-way course in Southern California. Avoid from May through September (too hot), but indulge during the winter; it ha; Palm Springs-like weather.