DIABLO GRANDE GOLF CLUB (1996)

CENTRAL VALLEY REGION

Resort/Private - 36 hole -cost: $60 - $100

10001 Oak Rat Road, Patterson, CA 95363

Tel: (209) 892-4653

Designed by Jack Nicklaus & Gene Sarazen, Dennis Griffiths (Ranch Course). The Legends Course features generous landing areas and becomes more of an approach-shot course. It is very playable for the average golfer, but a challenge to break par for the scratch player. The Ranch Course is tighter and the more difficult of the two courses. A good tee-to-green game is required to score well. You will encounter several difficult holes from the tips. The yardage listed is for the Ranch Course. The Legends Course is private. Eventually a total of six courses, a resort, winery, equestrian center, and residential community are planned for Diablo Graflde. From Stockton (about 40 miles south to the course): Take I-5 south. Exit on the Diablo Grande Parkway/Sperry Ave. Drive about seven miles west and follows the signs to the course. Two excellent and scenic courses definitely make this secluded setting worth the trip.

DIABLO HILLS GOLF COURSE (1975)

BAY AREA REGION

'Public - 9 hole -cost: $15 - $20

1551 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Tel: (925) 939-7372

Designed by Robert Muir Graves. This walkable short course is not too fancy, but may be just the ticket for affordability and the novice golfer. The course winds through hills and condos. From within Walnut Creek: Off I-680, exit on Ygnacio Valley Road and head east. Go about two miles and turn left on Marchbanks Drive.