PACIFIC GROVE GOLF COURSE (1932)

 

CENTRAL COAST REGION

Municipal - 18 hole - cost: $20 - $38

77 Asilomar Boulevard, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Tel: (831) 648-5777

 

Designed by Jack Neville, Chandler Egan. Often referred to as a poor man's Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove has magnificent ocean views and a ton of personality. The front nine is tree lined and requires accuracy; the back nine is more revealing and plays like a links-style course. From Monterey (about four miles northwest to the course): From Highway 1 take the Pebble Beach/Pacific Grove/Highway 68 west exit. Turn right onto Highway 68. In Pacific Grove, take the Highway 68/Sunset Avenue exit. Turn right on Asilomar Avenue. For those of you who have been punished both in spirit and wallet by many of the high-end Monterey courses, take refuge here; this is a fun course. Expect play to be on the slow side.

 

PAINTED DESERT GOLF COURSE (1985)

 

DESERT REGION

Public - 18 hole - cost: $59 - $109

5555 Painted Mirage Road, Las Vegas, NV 89129

Tel: (702 ) 645-2880  

 

Designed by Jay Morrish. This is a target course with extensive mounding, grass bunkers, and sloping greens that can be difficult to read for the golfer with little course knowledge. Carts are included in the green fees. From the Las Vegas Airport (about 20 miles northwest to the course): Take I-15 north to US 95 north. Exit on Ann Road and go left. Take the first left (Painted Mirage) after crossing the highway, into the complex. The challenge wasn't so much in the course as it was in avoiding the homes and condos along the fairways. If you are interested in a new facade for your home, just check out the cool look of stucco peppered with dimples created by errant shots.