WELK RESORT (1964)

 

SAN DIEGO REGION

Resort: 36 hole - cost: $27 - $42

8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido, CA 92026

Tel: (760) 749-3225  

 

Designed by David Rainville (Fountain), Jim Brown (Oaks). There are two courses: the Oaks is a par-3 course and the Fountains is an executive course. The Fountains Course is mountainous with good-sized greens and water that comes into play on three holes. If you miss the fairways, think twice about going after your ball - rattlesnakes have been known to lurk in the brush. The Oaks Course is level and well maintained, with lots trees guarding the fairways. You will have to contend with a creek on three holes. The yardage listed is for the Fountains Course. The Fountains Course has played host to the Junior World Golf Championship from 2000 to 2002. From San Diego (about 30 miles north to the course): Take I-15 north, exit Mount Meadow Road and turn right. Turn left on Champagne Boulevard, to the resort. From north of the resort: Take I-15 south, exit onto Gopher Canyon Road, and turn left. At the stoplight, turn right on Champagne Boulevard to the resort.

 

WENTE VINEYARDS, THE COURSE AT (1998)

 

BAY AREA REGION

Public - 18 hole - cost: $60 - $105

5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550

Tel: (925) 456-2475  

 

Designed by Greg Norman. Well-framed greens and some wonderful holes and views highlight Greg Norman's first California project, which to date is the class of East Bay golf. Before you head out, get a feel for the greens; newcomers tend to over-read the break. Off the tee remember, keep it straight, there is a lot of out-of-bounds. Green fees include a cart, range balls, yardage guide, and a handy repair tool to keep the course in tip-top shape. From Dublin (about 12 miles east to the course): Take I-580 east. Exit on Portola Avenue in Livermore. Turn right on North L Street. This will change from North L Street to South L Street, then into Arroyo Road. The course is on the left. Beautiful setting, well maintained, great staff. The elevation changes make club selection difficult at best (unfortunately, it also makes this course un-walkable). Add the wind and this can be one of the toughest courses that you will play. The final three holes are definitely championship caliber from the back tees.