FOREST MEADOWS GOLF COURSE (1972)

GOLD COUNTRY REGION

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

633 Forest Meadows Drive, Murphys, CA 95247

Tel: (209) 728-3439

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Located 3200 feet above sea level, this is a short, tricky course with meadows, hills, lakes, and trees. Break out your driver sparingly and put away your ego - there is little benefit for the long hitter. The golfer who can hit it straight and putt well will excel here. From Sacramento (about 90 miles southeast to the course): Take Highway 99 south to Highway 4 east toward Murphys. The course is almost four miles above Murphys, right on Highway 4. It is in a gated community. You can find more expensive and slightly better-conditioned courses in the vicinity, but Forest Meadows is a fun, scenic, and challenging golf course. It is also one that the whole family can enjoy and the parents can afford.

FORT WASHINGTON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (1923)

CENTRAL VALLEY REGION

Members only: 18 hole

10272 North Millbrook Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720

Tel: (559) 434-9120

Designed by Willie Watson. Though not the toughest course, this walkable course meanders along rolling terrain. Fort Washington was host to the Ben Hogan Tour in the early 1990s. From within Fresno: Take Highway 41 north and exit on Friant Road (still head north). Take another right on Fort Washington Road, which leads to the club.