ROBINSON RANCH (2000)

 

LOS ANGELES REGION

Public - 36 hole - cost: $59 - $117

27734 Sand Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91387

Tel: (661) 252-7666  

 

Designed by Ted Robinson Sr, Ted Robinson Jr. Robinson Ranch is nestled at the edge of the Angeles National Forest. The Mountain Course is not long, but is undulating and demands accuracy off the tee. The short hitter who can hit it straight will do well here. Well-placed bunkers and oak trees are everywhere. From the 11th tee, you get a bird's-eye view of the Valley Course. The Valley Course is almost 400 yards longer and classic in design, with lots of sage, chaparral, and trees. From the back tees, this rolling layout is demanding. The last third of this course has been dubbed "Death Row." The yardage is for the Valley Course. From downtown Los Angeles (about 33 miles northwest to the course): Take the I-5 north to Highway 14. Take Highway 14 to Sand Canyon Road and head south. Turn left on Robinson Ranch Road to the course. The Valley is more pleas­ing than the Mountain Course. The Valley ends with five holes that will severely beat you down. Not as memorable as Lost Canyons and not as pleasing to the eye as Ocean Trails, it's in the same class. Robinson Ranch also has one of the better websites that we have seen.

 

RODDY RANCH, THE CLUB AT (2000)

 

BAY AREA REGION

Public: 18 hole - cost: $35 - $75

One Tour Way, Antioch, CA 94531

Tel: (925) 978-4653 

 

Designed by J. Michael Poellot. This is a links-style layout with rolling and treeless fairways. The challenge of the course comes from the wind, usually out of the west, and the large, quick greens that are well guarded by bunkers. With few trees, distances can be hard to judge. Beware of some of the pin placements - hitting directly at the flag could be a major mistake. From Walnut Creek (about 22 miles northeast to the course): Go north on I-680. Take Highway 242 east to Highway 4 and drive east. Exit at Lone Tree Way. Go three to four miles and turn right on Deer Valley Road. The club is on the right. The perfect blend of service, reasonable price, and an outstanding layout, Roddy Ranch is a definite must-play.