BOULDER CREEK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (1961)

BAY AREA REGION

Resort: 18 hole - cost: $17 - $40

16901 Big Basin Highway, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

Tel: (831) 338-2121

Designed by Jack Fleming. This wavy course is carved out of a forest of redwoods. The course is short, but narrow fairways and numerous par 3s that leave little room for error make this course a challenge. The front nine features five par 3s, while the back has three par 5s and four par 3s. With condos, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a conference center, Boulder Creek is popular place for an affordable corporate outing or retreat. From San Jose (about 40 miles southwest to the course): Take Highway 17 south, exit at Bear Creek Road, and turn right. This dead-ends in about nine miles at Highway 9. Turn left on Highway 9. Turn right on Big Basin Way. Boulder Creek is about three miles down, on the left. Jack Fleming, an understudy to Alister Mackenzie, designed Boulder Creek. He was a good student.

BOULDER RIDGE, THE GOLF CLUB AT (2001)

BAY AREA REGION

Members Only - 18 hole

1000 Old Quarry Road, San Jose, CA 95120

Tel: (408) 323-9900

Designed by Bradford Benz. This private golf-only club enjoys beautiful views from its elevated site. Aptly named, there is hardly a level lie on a site that is virtually littered with huge boulders. It is an engaging layout, playable, and exquisitely manicured with bent grass. Boulder Ridge sits on a old quarry that helped build Stanford University. From downtown San Jose (about six miles to the course): Take Highway 87 South and exit on Santa Teresa Boulevard. Continue straight and turn right on Coleman Road. Turn left on Winfield Boulevard and follow to the end. Old Quarry Road begins. The pro shop is less than a mile away. From a golf course standpoint, Boulder Ridge jumps to the top of the class in San Jose golf as it is both spectacular and entertaining.