SONOMA GOLF CLUB (1926)

 

NORTH COAST REGION

Private Resort - 18 hole - cost: $80 - $130

17700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, GA 95476

Tel: (707) 996-0300  

 

Designed by Sam Whiting Willie Watson, Robert Muir Graves (remodel). This course is a very subtle traditional golf layout. The fairways seem wide enough, but they are easy to miss. The bunkers aren't very large, but are always in the right place. The greens seem straightforward, but they are deceptively undulating and quick. Even the elevation changes are subtle. The only thing that is not subtle is your score at the end of the day if you try to be too aggressive. Play is open to members, guests, and guests of the Sonoma Mission Inn. The course is home to the Tour Championship for the PGA Champions Tour (Senior Tour). From San Francisco (about 45 miles north to the course): Drive north on US 101. Take Highway 37 east to Highway 121 north. Stay north on Highway 121 until Highway 116 west. Stay straight and the road turns into Highway 116 west. Follow Highway 116 west for a couple of miles. Take the right on Arnold Drive to the course, which is five miles down, on the left. Sonoma Mission Inn should not be missed. The course is classic in design and will make you think at every turn. The course will reward good shots and punish bad ones. Every club in your bag will have remnants of grass on them.

 

SOULE PARK GOLF COURSE (1962)

 

CENTRAL COAST REGION

Municipal - 18 hole - cost: $15 - $39

1033 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, GA 93023

Tel: (805) 646-5633  

 

Designed by William P. Bell, Bob & Robert Baldock. This is a pretty course nestled in the Ojai Valley. For the lower handicapper, there is little in the way of challenge, although a creek does come into play on four holes. For the rest of us, this friendly course has sloping terrain, wide tree-lined fairways, and good-sized greens. From Ventura (about 15 miles north to the course): Off US 101, take Highway 33 east to Ojai. Turn right on East Ojai Avenue, and drive to the course. The poor man's Ojai Valley Inn. Medium length and playable with a mixture of tough and easy holes, it is usually in good shape and always has great weather. The only drawback is pace of play.