MERCED GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (1926)

 

CENTRAL VALLEY REGION

Members only: 18 hole

6333 North Golf Road, Merced, CA 95340

Tel: (209) 722-3357

 

Designed by William Locke, Robert Muir Graves (renovation). Originally built in the 1920s but recently redesigned, the course still carries much of its original flavor. Merced is a peaceful layout with narrow fairways, water on six holes, and small greens. Drive well and you have a chance to score well. Reciprocal play with other members-only clubs is allowed. From Fresno (about 55 miles north to the course): Take Highway 99 north, exit at R Street, and turn right. Go right on Yosemite Avenue and then left on G Street. Take a right on Bellevue and then a left on Golf Road.

 

MESA VERDE COUNTRY CLUB (1959)

 

ORANGE COUNTY REGION

Members only - 18 hole

3000 Club House Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Tel: (714) 549-0522

 

Designed by William F. Bell. Relatively narrow fairways give the power hitter little advantage on this engaging and underrated layout that has hosted both the Senior Tour and the LPGA. It finishes with a strong par 3 that has out-of-bounds to the left and water to the right. The hole often drowns a promising round. From Irvine (about six miles northwest to the course): Take the San Diego Freeway (I-405) north, exit at Harbor Boulevard, and head south. Turn right on Baker, right on Mesa Verde, and finally again right on Club House Road.