BUENA VISTA GOLF COURSE (1953)

CENTRAL VALLEY REGION

Municipal - 18 hole: cost $20 - $29

10256 Golf Course Road, Taft, CA 93268

Tel: (661) 398-9720

Designed by George Mifflin. A prevailing wind from the north makes club selection tricky on this open course. It has wide fairways and large greens. A few palm trees and some out-of-bounds do come into play. From Valencia (about 89 miles northwest to the course): Take I-5 north to Highway 119 west. Drive west on Highway 119 for several miles and turn left onto Golf Course Road. If Bill Russell plays here, then something good must be going on. It's one of the few val­ley courses that are not flat, and has some of the best greens you will ever putt. Stop if you are on your way up or down 1-5.

BUENAVENTURA GOLF COURSE (1932)

CENTRAL COAST REGION

Muncipal - 18 hole: cost $14 - $29

5882 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, CA 93003

Tel: (805) 677-6772

Designed by William P. Bell. This popular course has six lakes, tree-lined fairways, and small greens. At 6,400 yards, the key to scoring well is leaving your ego in the clubhouse and using your driver sparingly. From downtown Los Angeles (about 65 miles northwest to the course): Take US 101 north and exit at Victoria. Go southwest to Olivas Park Drive. Turn left to the entrance on the right.