DARKHORSE GOLF CLUB (2003)

GOLD COUNTRY REGION

Public: 18 hole -cost: $29 - $49

13450 Combie Road, Auburn, CA 95602-8917

Tel: (530) 269-7900

Designed by Keith Foster. DarkHorse is a beautifully routed layout that meanders through the rolling terrain, oaks, and pines of the Sierra foothills. It is a good test that boasts an excellent set of par 3s, attractive bunkering, and is complemented by a first-rate staff. DarkHorse is out of the gate with an impressive start. It has been named in Golf Magazine's Top 10 You Can Play, Golf Digest's America's Best New Courses, and Golfweek Magazine has chosen DarkHorse Golf Club as an America's Best State-by-State Public Access golf course. From Sacramento: (about one hour to the course): Take I-80 east towards Reno, then exit on Highway 49 in Auburn and head north towards Grass Valley. Travel ten miles to Combie Road and make a right turn. Make a right at the first signal (still Combie Road) and travel two and one-half miles to the course. Keith Foster has fashioned a splendid course that vaults to the best of Northern California's inland public-access courses, along with Saddle Creek and Wente's.

DATE PALM COUNTRY CLUB (1971)

DESERT REGION

Semi-Private: 18 hole -cost: $35 - $39

36-200 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234

Tel: (760) 328-1315

 

Designed by Ted Robinson. Narrow tree-lined fairways and small greens, many of which are guarded by water, make up the challenge on this executive course. Green fees include carts. From downtown Los Angeles (about 115 miles east to the course): Take I-10 east, exit on Date Palm Drive, and head south about three miles. The entrance is on the left.