HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE COUNTRY CLUB (1970)

NORTH COAST REGION

Public - 18 hole -cost: $30 - $50

19210 Hartman Road, Middletown, CA 95461

Tel: (707) 987-3035

Designed by William F. Bell. In Hollywood, they would describe Hidden Valley as Meadow Course meets Mountain Course. The front nine is open and flat, while the back nine is narrow and steep. On the 15th hole, you will find yourself 200 feet above the fairway. If you aim for the corner of the pool and hit a fade, you will be within 150 yards of the green. From Napa (about 40 miles north to the course): Take Highway 29 north, five miles past Middletown. The entrance to the course is on the right. What Hidden Valley lacks in conditioning, it makes up in character.

HIDDENBROOKE GOLF CLUB (1995)

NORTH COAST REGION

Public - 18 hole -cost: $40 - $95

1095 Hiddenbrooke Parkway, Vallejo, CA 94591

Tel: (707) 558-1140

Designed by Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay. Sandwiched in a scenic, secluded valley, this is a formidable layout. Hiddenbrooke features 125 bold bunkers, 12 lateral water hazards, rolling hills and large, challenging greens. Carts are included in the green fees but are not mandatory. Translation: You may not need a cart, but you're going to pay for one. Home to the LPGA Sam sung World Championship 2000-2002. From San Francisco (about 30 miles northeast to the course): Take I-80 east, exit at American Canyon Road in Vallejo. At the stop sign, turn right onto Hiddenbrooke Parkway. Hiddenbrooke is a well-conditioned course that will force you to hit a variety of shots. This makes the course interesting as well as challenging for the low handicapper. We only have one issue with this Palmer design. Why are you sometimes penalized for hitting the ball in the fairway?