MESQUITE GOLF CLUB (1985)

 

DESERT REGION

Public - 18 hole - cost: $45 - $65

2700 East Mesquite Avenue, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Tel: (760) 323-9377

 

Designed by Bert Stamps. Mesquite is unusual in that it has six relatively short par 5s and six relatively long par 3s. There are plenty of water and 65 bunkers. The course is challenging enough for the good golfer and resort friendly for the less skilled. From downtown Los Angeles (about 115 miles east to the course): Take I-10 east, exit at Gene Autry, and head south. Take a right on Vista Chino and then a left on Farrell for about three miles to Mesquite.

 

METROPOLITAN GOLF LINKS (2003)

 

BAY AREA REGION

Municipal - 18 hole - cost: $27 - $60

10505 Doolittle Dr., Oakland, CA 94603

Tel: (510) 562-9153

 

Designed by Johnny Miller, Fred Bliss. Located on the site of the old Galbraith golf course adjacent to Oakland Airport, this conveniently located course features an open, mounded windswept challenge. The course is very playable for all levels yet interesting enough, and the conditioning is good. A good choice to play when it is wet, as this former landfill drains well. From San Francisco (about 19 miles to the course): Take I-80 east toward Oakland. Merge onto I-880 south toward Alameda/Airport/San Jose. Follow to Hegenberger Road exit (Oakland Coliseum). Turn right on Hegenberger and left on Doolittle to the course. Metropolitan Golf Links is easily the most playable of the Johnny Miller collaborations (with Fred Bliss) with many open greens and not overly mounded putting surfaces. This course makes dropping someone off at the airport a pleasure, not a chore.