LAKE SAN MARCOS COUNTRY CLUB

SAN DIEGO REGION

Resort/Private - 36 hole -cost: $45 - $55

1750 San Pablo Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069

Tel: (760) 744-1310    

Designed by David Rainville. This is a level, parkland-style course with plenty of trees that runs through a housing community. The lake does not come into play, but there are ponds that affect three holes. Conquer the large greens, and you can score well here. There is also a public, 18-hole, 2,700-yard executive course at Lake San Marcos. Lake San Marcos Country Club is open to guests of the quails Inn Resort. The phone number for the resort is 800-447-6556. From San Diego (about 30 miles north to the course): Take I-5 north, exit at Palomar Airport Road, and head east. Turn right on Rancho Santa Fe Road and then left at the first light, which is Lake San Marcos Drive. There are signs from there.

LAKE SHASTINA GOLF RESORT (1973)

SHASTA CASCADE REGION

Resort - 27 hole -cost: $20 - $50

5925 Country Club Drive, Weed, CA 96094

Tel: (530) 938-3205   

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. There are two courses, the Championship Course and the nine-hole Scottish Links Course. The Championship Course has many doglegs, blind shots, and trees to keep you focused. The course is fairly level, but does have some elevation changes on the back nine. The nine-hole Scottish Links Course is more wide open, with great views of Mount Shasta. Watch out - if you miss the fairways, you will find yourself in thick, native grasses or deep bunkers. The yardage listed is for the Championship Course. Play-and-stay packages are available. From Redding (about 70 miles northeast to the course): Take I-5 north to Highway 97 and drive east about seven miles. Turn left to Lake Shastina. Follow the signs for the golf resort. I Don't expect too much and you will be pleasantly surprised. A friendly staff, two fun layouts, and a rustic setting are what you will find at Lake Shastina.