CASTLE OAKS GOLF CLUB (1994)

GOLD COUNTRY REGION

Public - 18 hole -cost: $19 - $56

1000 Castle Oaks Drive, lone, CA 95640

Tel: (209) 274-0167

 

Designed by Bradford Benz. This popular layout winds among oak-studded hills and features tight fairways. Water is the primary hazard. The course forces you to hit a variety of shots. Beware of the 18th hole - it has ruined many promising rounds. Carts are mandatory in the morning. From Sacramento (about 45 miles southeast to the course): Take Highway 99 south. Take the exit for Highway 104 toward Jackson (east). About 30 minutes later, turn right on Castle Oaks Drive, right before the town of lone. Castle Oaks has a high enjoyment-to-price ratio. In other words, we like it.

CASTLEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB (1926)

BAY AREA REGION

Members Only - 36 hole

707 Country Club Circle, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Tel: (925) 485-2250   

Designed by William P. Bell (Hill Course), Larry Curtola (Valley Course). The Valley Course, unlike its sister course, is a flat, straightforward layout. This is a good test of golf crammed into a minimum amount of space. The Hill Course is the older of the two and plays along a relatively steep hillside around homes. It boasts several interesting, tough holes. The yardage listed is for Valley Course. From Walnut Creek (about 20 miles south to the course): Take I-680 south and exit at Castlewood Drive/Sunol Boulevard. Go right and stay to the right at the fork. The club is at the top.