RAMS HILL GOLF CLUB (1983)

 

DESERT REGION

Semi-Private: 18 hole - cost: $40 - $95

1881 Rams Hills Road, Borrego Springs, GA 92004

Tel: (760) 767-5124  

 

Designed by Ted Robinson. Being in the fairways is not that difficult here. But staying out of the traps is a must. This area receives constant wind that blows sand continually out of the traps, causing them to be on the hard side. If you can avoid the traps and hit the large greens, you will be rewarded. They are mildly sloping, roll true, and usually kept in good shape. Carts are included and mandatory in the mornings. From San Diego (about 90 miles northeast to the course): Take I-8 east to Highway 67 go north to Highway 78 east. Past Ramona, take S-3 north to Borrego Springs.

 

RANCH GOLF CLUB, THE (2004)

 

BAY AREA REGION

Public: 18 hole - cost: $50 - $100

4601 Hill Top View lane, San Jose, ca 95138

Tel: (408) 270-0557  

 

Designed by Casey O'Callaghan, Wade Cable. The Ranch Golf Club is not long by any means, but the forced carries and the exacting nature of any errant shot are extreme. This is not a beginner course. It is target golf, with challenging, multi-tiered greens. The dramatic elevation changes, rolling hills, oak-filled canyons, lakes and creeks make club selection difficult. Carts are included in the price of green fees. From within San Jose: Take Highway 101 to Yerba Buena exit and head east on Yerba Buena to Silver Creek Valley Road. Turn right on Silver Creek Valley Road to Hassler Parkway. Follow signs to clubhouse. All in all, this is a very fun course for the experienced player, who can play without worrying about the final tally, but just enjoy the challenge. The designers obviously were working with land that was not suitable for building houses, but they incorporated decent-sized landing areas in all of the places that they wanted you to hit the ball. You had just better hit it in those places.