PENINSULA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, THE (19n)

 

BAY AREA REGION

Members only - 18 hole

701 Madera Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403

Tel: (650) 638-2239

 

Designed by Donald Ross. Noted as one of the few courses west of the Mississippi that famed architect Donald Ross built, this mature hillside layout is dominated by large pines and eucalyptus and distant views of Mount Diablo across the bay to the east. Reciprocal play with other members-only clubs is allowed. From San Francisco (about 20 miles south to the course): Take US 101 south to Highway 92 west. Take the Alameda de las Pulgas exit and drive south. Turn right on Madera Drive.

 

PENMAR GOLF COURSE

 

LOS ANGELES REGION

Municipal - 9 hole - cost: $7 - $15

1233 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA 90291

Tel: (310) 396-6228

 

Designed by unknown. This is a short, easy-to-walk, nine-hole layout. Penmar is a favorite for beginners, seniors, and locals. From west Los Angeles (about four miles southwest to the course): Take the San Diego Freeway (I-405) south, exit on Venice Boulevard, and head west. Turn right on Lincoln and then right on Rose Avenue. Enjoy tasty waves in the morning, a breakfast burrito on the Venice Beach boardwalk, and nine holes before lunch with the eccentric denizens of Venice. Do it a couple times and you'll see why longtime locals never travel east of the 405. Good for beginners.