Golf all winter in California on the state’s diverse courses
As most of Canada’s golf courses close for the winter season, California’s 723 greens-fee golf courses stay open year round, thanks to the Golden State’s glorious weather. California’s diverse array of courses offer varied challenges to improve your game, too. In just three consecutive days, golfers can play a rugged desert course, enjoy a groomed oceanside round and take a swing in lofty mountains. Tee times are available at varying prices to suit any budget.
A sampling of diverse California golf courses, include:
1. Furnace Creek Golf Course, Death Valley
Play the world’s lowest golf course at Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort. At 214 feet below sea level, the Furnace Creek Golf Course in Death Valley was recently recognized by Golf Digest magazine as one of “America’s 50 Toughest Courses.” The 18-hole, par 70 course combines the elevation of the course, slightly greater gravity and barometric pressure forces that add to the player’s challenge. http://www.furnacecreekresort.com
2. Chardonnay Golf Club, Napa Valley
This iconic course amongst the vines, this golf club received four stars from Golf Digest as “Best Places to Play,” providing three nines: The Lakes, Meadows and Vineyards, with all three courses using the natural terrain, working vineyards and creeks to provide golfers with both beauty and beast. All three 9-hole courses meander through 150 acres of Chardonnay and Merlot vineyards and feature numerous lakes, creek crossings, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. http://www.chardonnaygolfclub.com
3. Avila Beach Golf Resort, Central Coast
The Avila Beach Golf Resort on the Central Coast of California, three miles off Highway 101 between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach, boasts a par 71, 6500-yard championship course with the back nine holes traversing a tidal lagoon for scenic but challenging play. http://www.avilabeachresort.com
4. Catalina Island Golf Course
Originally built by the Banning Brothers in 1892, this scenic, 2,100-yard course has nine challenging holes and two sets of tees for 18-hole play. The long, narrow course meanders through a canyon setting toward the ocean. The small greens and deep bunkers are enough to challenge any golfer. http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/acti_golf.php
5. Sevillano Links, Cascade Region
Sevillano Links at Rolling Hills Casino is a John Daly Signature, 18-hole championship golf course set into the rolling hills the area is known for. This is one of the few true links style courses in the Western United States, and was named a “Best New Golf Course” by Golfweek. Accenting it is an all natural turf driving range and a first rate short game practice facility. http://www.sevillanolinks.com/golfing/course.htm
For more information about California and for a free California Visitor’s Guide as well as California Road Trips 2009 guide, visit: www.VisitCalifornia.com