HORSE THIEF COUNTRY CLUB (1972)

CENTRAL VALLEY REGION

Resort - 18 hole -cost: $22 - $38

28950 Horse Thief Drive, Tehachapi, CA 93561

Tel: (661) 823-8571

Designed by Bob Baldock. This is not the course for those who can't hit where they aim. Horse Thief features rolling terrain, out-of-bounds on half the holes, 300-year-old oaks and granite rock piles. The good news is that at 4,000 feet above sea level, you'll get a few extra yards as you watch your ball sail out of play. From Bakersfield (about 56 miles east to the course): Drive east on Highway 58 for about 40 miles and take Highway 202 exit. Follow the signs for 16 miles to the Stallion Springs resort.

HUNTER RANCH GOLF COURSE (1994)

CENTRAL COAST REGION

Public - 18 hole -cost: $50 - $60

4041 Highway 46 East Paso Robles, CA 93446

Tel: (805) 237-7444  

Designed by Ken Hunter, Mike McGinnis. Hunter Ranch will punish the impatient golfer. On the front nine of this rolling course, players can hit a driver off most holes, but on the back nine, a driver is not always your best choice. Many fairways and greens are guarded by oak trees and sand traps. The greens are undulating and fast. They also have a three-hole practice course. From San Luis Obispo (about 35 miles north to the course): Drive north on US 101 to Highway 46 east. Take Highway 46 for over three miles. The course is on the right. Hunter Ranch is a gem for both women and men. The back nine is extreme and ladies would be advised to lay up on the water holes. If there is a downside to Hunter Ranch, it is that hikes from green to tee make this course almost impossible to walk.