EMPIRE LAKES GOLF COURSE (1996)

INLAND EMPIRE REGION

Public: 18 hole -cost: $40 - $90

11015 Sixth Street Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Tel: (909) 481-6663

Designed by Arnold Palmer. Arnold Palmer has created a relatively flat course that is interestingly mounded and bunkered. A strong accurate driver will make your round much more manageable. Carts are included with green fees. From downtown Los Angeles (about 45 miles east to the course): Take I-10 east, exit at Haven, and turn left to head north. Turn right on Sixth Street and the course is on the right. Another worthy choice if you happen to be in the Inland Empire. With an abundant amount of competition in the region, it may be a little pricey on weekends.

EMPIRE RANCH GOLF CLUB (2002)

GOLD COUNTRY REGION

Public: 18 hole -cost: $25 - $60

1620 E. Natoma St, Folsom, CA 95630

Tel: (916) 817-8100

Designed by Brad Bell. Empire Ranch is an open course with a fairly level front nine and a back nine that runs back into the hills. Native grasses, out-of-bounds, and challenging par 3s can spoil a good round. For the player who hits it long and wrong, houses will come into play. The low handi­capper can score well by playing conservatively. From Sacramento: Take Highway 50 east toward South Lake Tahoe/Folsom. Exit at East Bidwell and head west one-quarter mile to Broadstone. Turn right on Broadstone up the hill just past the crest. Make a left on Golf Links Road. Take Golf Links Road to Natoma and turn left to the course.