Courses, Travel & Tee Times

From sycamores to chardonnay Wente Vineyards golf course in Livermore provides plenty of thrills

The Course at Wente Vineyards, a sprawling multi-dimensional layout 45 miles southeast of San Francisco, plays more than 7,100 yards from the back tees and has an eye-popping slope rating of 145. That's why first-timers -- even single-digit handicappers -- might want to take on this Greg Norman design from the blue tees, Ted Johnson writes.

It s always sunny at Carmel Valley Ranch Great weather equals great golf

It is a testament to the distinct micro climates of northern California that a course such as Carmel Valley Ranch sits so close to Pebble Beach and yet can be so different. Unlike chilly Pebble, at Carmel Valley, blue sky and bright sun are the norm. Also the norm for this Pete Dye course: Distinct features that can test higher handicappers. It's a course whose natural setting on the back nine brings one very close to nature.

Designed before the Model T, Presidio Golf Course in San Francisco is still a fun ride

Presidio Golf Course is listed at only 6,400 yards from the back tees, but it plays at least 500 yards longer, says Rob Dugan, head professional at Presidio. The course, which opened in 1895, offers stunning views that give it the feeling of being in a wooded oasis, Ted Johnson writes.

Poppy Ridge Golf Course in Livermore maintains a Jones tradition of excellence in NoCal

The opening of Poppy Ridge Golf Course in 1996 completed the Jones family's golf triumvirate in northern California. Poppy Ridge, designed by Rees Jones, has a "heathland" feel compared to the Augusta-like look of Poppy Hills (Robert Trent Jones, Jr.) and Spyglass Hill (Robert Trent Jones, Sr.).

Charms and challenges make Pleasanton s Callippe Preserve a stand out public golf experience

For a municipal golf course that handles 60,000 rounds a year, Callippe Preserve stands out for its maintenance. The fairways are firm and fast, the rough noticeable but not punishing. The greens maintain their speed throughout the day without getting too lumpy. The course is easy to walk, though the elevation changes on the back nine can suck the energy out of your legs. On a clear day the view from the 12th tee can extend all the way to the back channel of the San Francisco Bay.

Old Course at Half Moon Bay Golf Links provides plenty of challenge and a stunning finish

The 18th hole at the Old Course at Half Moon Bay Golf Links is so stunning it rivals Pebble Beach. Yes, the 18th is that good -- statuesquely situated atop the bluffs next to the Pacific. Aside from the final hole, the Old Course plays like a traditional country club and that's what it was meant to be. The fairways are wide to facilitate resort play, but the bunkering of the greens do a good job of protecting par.