FALL RIVER VALLEY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (1978)

SHASTA CASCADE REGION

Daily Fee - 18 hole -cost: $21 - $31

42889 Highway 299E, Fall River Mills, CA 96028

Tel: (530) 336-5555

Designed by Clark Glasson. Nature is the dominant feature on this long, beautiful course that has no hidden agenda. If you keep the ball in the wide, rolling fairways, you will be rewarded with an easy shot into the greens. If you miss them, the native grasses and hazards will punish your score. The greens are large, and the course is dotted with oaks. Three lakes come into play on five holes. Play-and-stay packages are available with nearby hotels. From Redding (about 75 miles northeast to the course): Off I-5, take Highway 299 east to Fall River Mills. The course is on the right, just before the town of Fall River Mills. What can you say about a fantastic layout at an excellent price out in the middle of nowhere? We say if you get a chance, play it before word gets out. Fall River was voted by our staff the best overall course in Northern California.

FALLBROOK GOLF CLUB (1962)

SAN DIEGO REGION

Public - 18 hole -cost: 18 - $38

2757 Gird Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Tel: (760) 728-8334

Designed by Harry Rainville. Set in the Gird Valley, this is a scenic and playable rural course. The fairways are lined by mature live oaks, sycamores, and a variety of other trees. Trees make some of the holes extremely narrow and will catch any shot that is slightly off course. The greens are traditionally crowned, with subtle breaks. Traps and creeks will come into play for those who miss to the left or the right. The course is walkable. Cart fees are not included in the price. From San Diego (about 50 miles north to the course): Take I-15 north to Highway 76 west. Go about two miles and turn right on Gird Road. Go another two miles to the club. The front nine is like reeling in a minnow; the back nine is like reeling in a shark.