NORTHSTAR AT TAHOE GOLF COURSE (1975)

 

HIGH SIERRA REGION

Resort - 18 hole - cost: $60 - $105

1680 Basque Drive, Truckee, GA 96161

Tel: (530) 562-2490

 

Designed by Robert Muir Graves. Northstar is two courses in one. The front nine is extreme mountain golf with narrow tree-lined fairways that devour golf balls and greens that seem to get smaller with each hole. The back nine is a friendly meadow course, with free-flowing fairways and beautiful mountain views. George Archer's 67 is the course record. From within Truckee: Off 1-80, take Highway 267 south. Turn right on Northstar Drive, into Northstar. Follow the signs to the course. When you play here remember to save your Pro-v1 s for the back nine. Why? Because chances are if you use them on the front nine, you won't see any of them again.

 

NORTHWOOD GOLF CLUB (1928)

 

NORTH COAST REGION

Public: 9 hole - cost: $12 - $22

19400 Highway 116, Monte Rio, GA 95462

Tel: (707) 865-1116 

 

Designed by Alister Mackenzie. Redwoods frame nearly every hole on this historic, Alister Mackenzie layout. Besides narrow fairways, you will encounter small greens, many of which have false fronts. Don't judge this course by what you see on the scorecard. Northwood does not give up low scores without some great shot-making. From Santa Rosa (about 20 miles west to the course): Off US 101, at the north end of Santa Rosa, take the River Road exit. Head west on River Road to Highway 116 west, in Guerneville. The course is a couple of miles west of town, on Highway 116/River Road. It's not as easy as it looks. Did you know redwood trees make little sound when your ball hits them? If you love old-style courses and spectacular redwood trees, this is a must-play.