Humboldt Greens Teeing off around the county
By Paul DeMark Photos by Pamela Long
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f you crave a round of golf while in Humboldt County, you’re covered north, south, east and west, with options geographically and economically. Seven courses dot the area ranging from Willow Creek in far eastern Humboldt to Shelter Cove right on the Pacific Ocean in Southern Humboldt. Five are public courses: two nine-holers and three 18-hole tracks. Two are 18-hole private country clubs. Here’s a quick rundown to get you in the swing and your clubs out of the trunk. Fore!
Thirteenth green at Redwood Empire.
WILLOW CREEK
MCKINLEYVILLE
Willow Creek Golf and Country Club
Beau Pre Golf Club
Designed and opened in 1960, this course provides an enjoyable, quick round of nine or 18. Located just a mile or two north of town, Willow Creek Golf and Country Club is public and affordable at $25 to $35. It’s a short course at 2,530 yards and par 35. Some of the greens are amazingly small and hard to hit, but it’s flat and easy to walk. Nestled in a mountain valley, the scenery is beautiful and the golfers friendly. For tee times, call the golf shop at (530) 629-2977. 333 Bigfoot Avenue, Willow Creek.
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In French, the name means the “beautiful prairie,” and many pretty holes wind up and down through pine, spruce and redwood forests on this 18-hole, public facility. Several of the highest elevation holes have views of the Pacific Ocean, which is only a mile away. Designed by golf pro and club owner Don Harling, it opened in 1967. It’s relatively short at about 5,880 yards from the men’s blue tees, 5,400 yards from the white and just over 5,000 yards from the women’s tees. However, this par-71 course will challenge your skills with its trees, water hazards, dog legs and sloped terrain. Green fees for 18 holes range from $31 during primetime on weekdays to $37 on the weekends. Savvy, cost-conscious golfers can enjoy a $20 “twilight” rate after 1 p.m. and $12 “super twilight” after 3 p.m. For tee times, call (707) 839-3412. 1777 Norton Road, McKinleyville.
INSIDERS KNOW: While Eureka Muni has wandering deer that often interrupt your fairway shots, Beau Pre has a certain rooster that rules the roost at the 10th tee. He may appear friendly, but should be approached with caution. Humboldt Insider