HERITAGE PALMS GOLF CLUB (1996)

DESERT REGION

Semi-Private - 18 hole -cost: $65 - $95

44291 Heritage Palms Drive South, Indio, CA 92201

Tel: (760) 772-7334

Designed by Arthur Hills. Heritage Palms has subtle sloping fairways and greens. If you are interested in scoring well, you will have to get past the par 3s, which are aesthetically pleasing and for­midable. Are there any courses left in the desert where carts are not included and mandatory? From Los Angeles (about 130 miles east to the course): Take I-10 east, exit at Jefferson Street and head south. Turn left on Fred Waring Drive and then right on Heritage Palms Drive. The course is solid but nothing fancy. However, Heritage Palms has a reputation for immaculate conditioning and views, and it does not disappoint.

HESPERIA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (1955)

INLAND EMPIRE REGION

Semi-Private - 18 hole -cost: $15 - $25

17970 Bangor Avenue, Hesperia, CA 92345

Tel: (760) 244-9301

Designed by William F. Bell. From the back tees this is a tough course; the desert lines the right side of the fairways and trees line the left. The greens are small and well protected by traps. To take your mind off your score, you will encounter an abundance of wildlife, including coyotes and 700 different types of birds. From 1957 to 1963, this course played host to a PGA Tour event. From San Bernardino (about 34 miles north to the course): Take I-15 north, into Hesperia. Take Main Street and turn right. Make another right on I Avenue. Turn left on Bangor Avenue, to the club.