WHITNEY OAKS GOLF CLUB (1997)

 

GOLD COUNTRY REGION

Public - 18 hole - cost: $40 - $69

2305 Clubhouse Drive, Rocklin, CA 95765

Tel: (916) 632-8333  

 

Designed by Johnny Miller, Fred Bliss. This course's reputation as a difficult one is well founded. Ancient oaks, wetlands, granite outcroppings, water, and narrow hitting areas are all part of the challenge here. Carts are included in your green fees. From Sacramento (about 25 miles east to the course): Take I-80 east toward Rocklin to Highway 65 north. Take the first right on Stanford Ranch Road and go three and one-half miles. Turn right on Park Drive. Make a left on Whitney Oaks Drive and then the first right, onto Clubhouse Drive. I had heard for years that Whitney Oaks was impossible. Narrow fairways and tricky greens that leave you with minuscule landing areas are part of its legend. What they forgot to mention was that it was beautiful and well conditioned. You may not want to keep your handicap at Whitney Oaks, but this course is well worth playing.

 

WHITTIER NARROWS GOLF COURSE (1960)

 

LOS ANGELES REGION

Public - 27 hole - cost: $15 - $27

8640 East Rush Street Rosemead, CA 91n0

Tel: (626) 288-1044  

 

Designed by William F. Bell. Whittier Narrows has three nine-hole courses (Mountain, Pine, River) played in 1 a-hole combinations. The names given to each course are not necessarily a description. All three layouts are similar, although the Mountain Course greens tend to be a bit smaller. For the most part the courses are level and surrounded by trees but allow players plenty of room to hit a driver. The greens are elevated on the smaller side and protected by sand. The yardage listed is for the River and Pines nines. From downtown Los Angeles (about 14 miles east to the course): Take Highway 60 east. Exit at San Gabriel Boulevard and make an immediate right on Walnut Grove. Turn right on Rush Street. Alternatively, take I-10 east, exit at Walnut Grove, and turn right. Turn left on Rush Street.