RANCHO SOLANO GOLF COURSE (1990)

 

NORTH COAST REGION

Municipal -18 hole - cost: $19 - $45

3250 Rancho Solano Parkway, Fairfield, CA 94533

Tel: (707) 429-4653 

 

Designed by Gary Roger Baird. This course is the measuring stick for all courses that claim to have large greens. While most golfers complain about three putts, at Rancho Solano they complain about four putts and more. The rest of the course is dominated by rolling hills, five lakes, plenty of native oaks, and many bunkers. From Vallejo (about 20 miles east to the course): Take I-80 east, exit at Waterman Boulevard, and head west for a couple of miles. Go right on Rancho Solano Parkway to the course. If you want to get a feel for putting Rancho Solano's greens, go down to your nearest Home Depot, bring a glass and set it on its side, then try two putting into the cup from one end of the store to the other. A fun course and good bang for your buck.

 

RANCHO VISTA GOLF COURSE (2002)

 

DESERT REGION

Public - 18 hole - cost: $20 - $47

3905 Club Rancho Drive, Palmdale, CA 93351

Tel: (661) 272-9903 

 

Designed by Ted Robinson. This residential development features water; there are ten lakes in all. With plenty of wind and immature trees, an accurate punch shot comes in handy. From with­in Palmdale: Off Highway 14, take the Avenue P/Rancho Vista exit. Head west on Rancho Vista Boulevard. Turn right on Town Center Drive and then left on Bolz Ranch Road. Turn right on Club Rancho Drive. A nice addition to golf-starved area, but can be crowded. Play it once and judge for yourself. Typical Ted Robinson water-features.