LITTLE RIVER INN GOLF CLUB (1957)

 

NORTH COAST REGION

Resort - 9 hole - cost: $20 - $25

7901 North Highway 1, Little River, GA 95456

Tel: (707) 937-5667

 

Designed by Ole Hervilla. This is a charming, hilly course with tight fairways lined by firs and red-woods. There are excellent ocean views from three of the holes. For a coastal course, you will notice little wind. The course actually has 11 greens that can be used to create an 18-hole layout. In order to score well, hit it straight and keep the ball short and below the hole. Wildlife is everywhere. Don't be surprised if you see some wild turkeys roaming the course. From Santa Rosa (about 95 miles northwest to the course): Head north on US 101 to Cloverdale. Take Highway 128 west to cut over to Highway 1. Drive north on Highway 1 toward Mendocino. Another option is to just head north on Highway 1 from anywhere in Marin or Sonoma Counties for a beautiful, but long, drive. This course is off the beaten path but a great place to sneak in some golf on your romantic getaway. With a reasonable price, you can't do much better.

 

LOCKE FORD SPRINGS GOLF COURSE (1995)

 

CENTRAL VALLEY REGION

Public - 18 hole - cost: $13 - $35

16360 North Highway 88, Lodi, GA 95240

Tel: (209) 333-6275 

 

Designed by Sandy Tatum, Jim Summers. This is a level course with some mounding, trees, and wetlands. Generous fairways allow you to hit the Big Dog, but stray off the fairway and you'll find yourself in the thick rough, usually with a tree staring you in the face. First-time players, beware of some hidden hazards on the course. It can be confusing on a few holes to find the correct green. From Stockton (about ten miles north to the course): Off I-5 take Eight Mile Road east to Highway 88. Turn left and head to Lockeford. The course is on the right, a few miles before Lockeford. Critics will point out that this flat course has some goofy holes that detract from the solid ones. With excellent conditioning and a solid value, play it and decide for yourself.