Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park
Poppy Ridge Golf Course Livermore
Napa
Zagat rated as one of the top 15 courses in the nation for value
This is long, parkland-style course with mature trees and water on 11 holes. The description may be simple, but the course plays tough. A steady putter and proper club selection are the keys to shooting a low score. playnapa.com // 707 255-4333
Napa Valley Country Club
There are three courses at Poppy Ridge that are played in 18-hole combinations. They are the Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Merlot. The 27 holes here have been artfully blended to be similar in challenge and attractiveness. Bold, artistic bunkering is a highlight. Although this course is long, make accuracy off the tee a priority. Join the NCGA for great rates. poppyridgegolf.com // 925 455-2035
A private club with a rich history
Pruneridge Golf Club
Jack Fleming design in the heart of the wine country
Napa
The original nine was built in 1917 and was designed by the members. The front nine features smaller greens and oak tree-lined fairways. The back nine was built in 1990 by Ron Fream and has a more modern feel, with an emphasis on target golf. This is a fun and interesting layout, but be careful if you wager with a member—local knowledge rules. Reciprocal play with other members-only clubs is allowed. napavalleycc.com // 707 252-1111
Santa Clara
Pasatiempo Golf Club
San Jose
Santa Cruz
Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses You Can Play 2010 (#11)
This is an Alister Mackenzie masterpiece and annually is included among America’s best. Though relatively short, it features some of the best green sites in American golf, making it a beautiful, classic challenge. Alister Mackenzie retired to Pasatiempo. The 16th hole is one of the toughest par 4s you’ll ever play. pasatiempo.com // 831 459-9155
Peacock Gap Golf Club San Rafael
Hidden and secluded, yet so close to San Francisco
Avoiding lateral water hazards, fourteen of them, and trees will be your biggest challenge. Twelve holes run parallel to a small creek. There is one lake, and San Francisco Bay comes into play on one hole. On some holes, if you miss the fairways far enough, you will land in another; however, the mature trees won’t make your return shot easy. The greens are straightforward with little break. They are under new ownership and have some exciting improvements on the horizon. peacockgapgc.com // 415 453-4940
Silicon Valley’s premier golf training facility
Pruneridge has only two holes that run side by side, and the course is well maintained. The fairways are narrow and most are lined by town homes, so out-of-bounds does come into play. Great for beginners and a nice alternative for the more advanced. pruneridgegolfclub.com // 408 248-4424
Ranch Golf Club, The Dramatic and demanding—150 slope from the tips
The Ranch Golf Club is not long by any means, but the forced carries and the exacting nature of any errant shot are extreme. This is not a beginner course. It is target golf, with challenging, multitiered greens. The dramatic elevation changes, rolling hills, oak-filled canyons, lakes and creeks make club selection difficult. theranchgc.com // 408 270-0557
Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course San Jose
2007 NGCOA Player Development Award
Built on the site of the old Thunderbird Golf Course, Rancho del Pueblo continues the recent renaissance of East San Jose. It is an executive course that incorporates three ponds and multiple sand bunkers. Rancho del Pueblo is a great place for juniors and adults alike to learn the game. ranchodelpueblo.com // 408 347-0990
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