RANCHO MARIA GOLF CLUB (1965)

 

CENTRAL COAST REGION

Public: 18 hole - cost: $18 - $30

1950 State Highway 1, Santa Maria, CA 93455

Tel: (805) 937-2019  

 

Designed by Bob Baldock. Head for the putting green. There are plenty of trees on Rancho Maria, which is set in the foothills, but it is the small greens that are sometimes lightning fast that will give you fits. There are no parallel fairways, and an afternoon breeze is common. From Santa Barbara (about 70 miles northwest to the course): Take US 101 north toward Santa Maria. Take the Clark Avenue exit west to Highway 1 and turn right for two miles. The course is on the left. An underrated course with subtle elevation change, hole variety and good weather year-round. Inexpensive, but always crowded.

 

RANCHO MIRAGE COUNTRY CLUB (1984)

 

DESERT REGION

Semi-Private - 18 hole - cost: $45 - $80

38-500 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, GA 92270

Tel: (760) 324-4711  

 

Designed by Harold Heers. Big hitters had better keep control of their driver on this rather short course. Accuracy is paramount as water hazards are the dominant feature. Carts are mandatory and included in green fees. From downtown Los Angeles (about 120 miles east to the course): Take I-10 east, exit at Bob Hope Drive/Ramon Road and head south on Bob Hope Drive. A fun, challenging course for the short hitter.