ELKINS RANCH GOLF COURSE (1961)

CENTRAL COAST REGION

Public - 18 hole -cost: $16 - $30

1386 Chambersburg Road, Fillmore, CA 93015

Tel: (805) 524-1221

Designed by William H. Tucker, Jr. Slightly rolling, tree-lined fairways and five lakes can be found at Elkins Ranch. Located in a quiet canyon setting, the course has few parallel fairways. It has elevated tees with greens that tend to break toward the town of Fillmore, due north. From Valencia (about 17 miles west to the course): Take I-5 north to Highway 126 west. Go 19 miles to Fillmore, and make a left at the third traffic light (Highway 23/A Street). Travel one and one-half miles to the golf course on the left. One of the best-smelling courses in the state, owing to the surrounding citrus groves. A goofy front nine (backstops) but a great back nine. A good value, but always crowded.

EMERALD DESERT GOLF & RV RESORT (1986)

DESERT REGION

Public - 9 hole -cost: $12 - $22

76-000 Frank Sinatra Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211

Tel: (760) 345-4770

Designed by unknown. This is a short nine-hole course with one par 4. The challenge of the course is provided by water, which comes into play on six of nine holes. RV resort guest receive a discount on green fees. There is a spa, tennis, and a pool on site. From downtown Los Angeles (about 130 miles east to the course): Take I-10 east, exit on Cook Street, and head south. Turn left on Frank Sinatra Drive. Emerald Desert is on the left.