Over the years I've subscribed to or purchased just about every golf magazine known to mankind and I always laugh at the travel sections. I mean how many Average Joe's (AJ) out there can afford to spend $400 / night for a room and then another $200-$300 for a round of golf? And that's after paying airfare or gas or whatever to get "where you're going!"

Hell yeah those courses are beautiful and yeah I'd like to play 'em but I'm certainly not going to plunk down $1,000 or more for a two-day getaway to Florida or North Carolina or California or New Zealand or Vietnam or Ireland to play a round or two of golf. Nah, that ain't gonna happen. I just can't afford it.

Let's Get Realistic

But what'd be nice to know is where I can go that won't break my bank account and that might not require an overnight stay. I'm talking primarily public courses. AJ's don't typically play private courses so there's no reason to even list them. What I'm looking for are courses with amenities, beauty, layout, pace of play, ease to get to (let's say one or two day trips), etc. for a reasonable rate. Say $100 or less per round.

Now I know members of the Northern California Golf Association (which I am) can play Poppy Hills (one of the Monterey Peninsula's golf gems) and Poppy Ridge fairly cheaply. But an 18-hole rate for a non-NCGA member is considerably higher than $100 which removes Poppy Hills / Poppy Ridge from inclusion in this list.

I only want courses that AJ's can play without permanent injury to one's bank account.

The central valley of California has some quality municipal or public golf courses. Riverside Golf Course in Fresno is the site of the annual Fresno City Amateur Golf Championship. That alone should be a testament to the quality and challenge Riverside presents to the Average Joe as well as the accomplished scratch or low handicapper.

Riverside Golf Course was designed by "Billy" Bell and built in 1939 as a WPA project. This parkland-style course along the San Joaquin River, features expansive tree-lined fairways stretching over gently rolling terrain, a new lake bringing water into play on four holes and very small greens.

The course plays fairly long and with it's new watering system and talented crew, the fairways have never looked better. The rough is kept high and thick for the City Amateur but cut back for regular play.

There are holes that deceive:

Number 3 begs for a long drive but too long a drive will put you into trouble because of a huge tree blocking an approach. Go left however, and you're out of bounds. Just hit it straight and depending on the length you may find yourself with an odd downhill/side lie.

Number 4 looks nice and level but it's actually uphill and can play as much as 2o yards longer. The new lake is to the right of the approach and green. Any ball hit slightly right of the green will either end up in a bunker or roll to the water.

Number 7 has a similar layout to 4 but without the water. What it does have is a large fairway bunker that swallows balls and thick rough on the left.

If you're playing late in the day, Hole 9 will present a problem because of the sun staring directly at you as it sets.

The 10th Hole at Riverside is the first of what I feel are the best four holes in the central valley. A straight shot from the high up tee box will allow an easy shot to an undulating green. Remember all balls break to the water… yeah, right! The par 3, 11th hole features an uphill tee shot to a fast sloping green protected by bunkers. Number 12 takes your drive back down the hill with an approach that goes back up to a saddle-back and FAST green. Take a 3-wood or hybrid off the tee for a better approach. After you climb all the way back up the hill (the walk can be fairly tiring!) to the tee box on the 13th hole, take a breather! For now if you don't hit your drive straight or slightly right, you're gonna have to go back all the way down the hill to play your second shot - because drives that go left tend to roll all the way down to the 12th fairway.

Hole 15 presents a sloping green protected by front, left and right bunkers. A hybrid or long iron off the tee is the best club here.

As the sun sets, the sun again hampers golfers on hole 16 as it plays into the sun.

A mandatory drive of 150 yards over water is a must on hole 17. That doesn't sound like much, but water has a way of making even the better Joes lose their length.

The closing hole features a dogleg right with strategically placed bunkers and tree lines. Drives of between 200-250 yards may find one of the bunkers if you fade the ball.

Make your tee time up to 7 days in advance of your play date. Let them know the course comes highly recommended by AverageJoeGolf.net.

Distances: From California's Central Coast about 2:30 hours. San Francisco Bay Area about 2-3 hours. Southern California maybe 4-5 hours.

Range: Excellent except when mats are being used. Lighted. First class practice green.

Pro Shop: Full pro shop and restaurant. Riding carts ($12 per rider) and pull carts. Clubs for rent ($11).

Five (or less) Word Description: Challenging, rewarding, enjoyable, walkable, slow play on weekends.

URL: www.playriverside.com

Rating (1-5 stars): 5 stars – I've been playing it for 30 years! The new lake, well-maintained fairways/greens and cart paths have vaulted it up the list of quality local courses.


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Since I'm an AJ who understand the magnetic draw that the Monterey Peninsula has on golfers, I'm going to rate Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Course as a premium course. It's got a new pro-shop/clubhouse, a view of the Pacific Ocean that can be breathtaking (the views are very similar to Pebble Beach's - and it's no wonder since Pebble is only a couple miles south) and a historic working lighthouse (Pt. Pinos Lightstation).

The Front Nine

The course features a front nine played within a forest and residential area. Not a lot of character or thought provoking holes here, but there are some challenges - a couple holes feature semi-blind tee shots or approaches depending on length. There is also a need to hit the ball straight because of fairly narrow fairways and fairway-hugging houses. And always in the back one's mind is that the back nine - the ocean side - is looming... And that's where the fun is!

The Back Nine

The tenth hole tee box is at the back door of the lighthouse. If you're prone to jitters on the first hole tee then be brave and calm here. Visitors to the lighthouse often stop and watch players teeing off - usually into the wind - on the short uphill par three. Don't go right - you'll end up in Coast Guard property (the lighthouse) or beach sand or ice plant (more about the evil ice plant later!). Hit it left and you'll end up bouncing down a road toward a cemetery. Too long a drive will put you amongst twisted and gnarly Monterey Pine Trees and unkempt rough. Oh c'mon... just put it on the green and putt for birdie... par... bogey... whatever! Then proceed to the 11th tee box and some of the most beautiful, challenging, rewarding, frustrating and FUN final 8 holes you'll ever play.

For an "ocean course" water doesn't really come into play until the 16th and 17th holes and even then it's a fresh water reclaiming pond. But the ocean does affect one's focus. How can one not steal glances at the breaking surf, barking seals and occasional whale spouting before shanking their next shot into... the sand hills and ice plant! (Editor's Note: When this review was first written, ice plant was a an all to common nuisance for wayward shots at Pacific Grove. A couple years ago Pacific Grove GC determined that ice plant is not an indigenous plant to the area. They are nearly complete in their irradication of the stuff... which just means that the white sand is now more prevalent on the back nine and the beauty that ice plant in bloom provided is just a memory.)

Shots from anywhere off the fairways are lethal to us AJ's and spell doom. Try and keep your introduction to Monterey sand at a minimum. Fluffy, white and a bitch to get out of, each fairway on the back nine is surrounded by the stuff (along with the usual bunkers). Just remember to swing steeply, hit about an inch behind the ball and let the sand carry your ball out. Be strong in your commitment.

Don't mind the deer, ducks and seagulls that seem to take great pleasure in grouping near your ideal landing area. They've become so used to golfers that they won't move even if you're hitting as close as ten feet from them. It's very interesting and somewhat intimidating to have to make a shot with a couple does and their fawns only twenty feet in front of you. Yeah... you KNOW that stagg is around somewhere... and he's watching!

Overall, Pacific Grove Muni is not particularly difficult or long. While it lacks character on the front nine, the back nine makes up for it in bunches. And it's the back nine that you'll remember for a long time. Hey, you're playing only a few miles from where Tiger roared to a 15 stroke win at the US Open in 2000 at Pebble Beach. You're looking at basically the same ocean views that Hogan said he never looked at. And you're doing it for a fraction of the cost!

Make your tee time up to two weeks in advance of your play date. Let them know you're from out of town and that the course comes highly recommended by AverageJoeGolf.net.

Distances: From California's Central Valley about 2:30 hours. San Francisco Bay Area about 1:30 hours. Southern California maybe 5-6 hours.

Range: Very small, but drivers are permitted. You hit uphill toward the lighthouse. Adequate practice green.

Pro Shop: Full pro shop and restaurant. Riding carts and pull carts. Clubs for rent.

Five (or less) Word Description: Quaint, memorable, enjoyable, ocean views.

URL: www.pggolflinks.com

Rating (1-5 stars): 4 stars - I'd give it five if the front nine had more character.


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The newest golf course in California's central valley opened in July 2008 to rave reviews. Designed by Arizona-based John Fought, the par 72 upscale muni is a heathland style course similar to those found in England. Owned by the city of Dinuba, the course incorporates natural grasses and strategically placed bunkers to approximate the contour of the valley floor before farmers turned dessert into an agricultural oasis. The course as specifically designed to use reclaimed water from the city and uses state-of-the-art irrigation to maintain the native grasses and shrubs and playing areas.

For beauty, the course is close to the Sierra Nevada foothills, peach orchards and other farmland. An "arts-and-crafts" style clubhouse complete with an outdoor fireplace, large covered patio and well stocked pro shop complement a full service restaurant. The 360 degree practice range features one of the largest driving ranges west of the Rockies.

Ridge Creek's hole 15 is one of the longest par 5 holes in California measuring out at a massive 653 yards and is titled appropriately, "Trajedy."

The course features over 125 bunkers. And they're all strategically placed to guard fairways, approaches, greens, wayward shots, etc. Personally, I think I've been in every damn one of them! At least twice! Some of the bunkers are nearly impossible to get out of due to the overhanging grass, depth of the bunker and fluffy white sand.

There are blind shots due to sloping terrain and partially hidden greens. And look out for those hidden bunkers!

I think the most important feature is the complete lack of trees. Fairways are so designated by waste areas with bushes, ground cover, Buffalo grass, etc. Keep your eye on the ball on wayward shots because there aren't any trees to knock it down!

Stay in the fairways and out of the bunkers and the course is very manageable and playable. The course is very well maintained with few burned grass areas due to the summer sun.

It plays long and on hot valley summer days (110* days are standard in July and August) be sure to bring lots of water. The sun can be brutal so headwear and sunscreen are musts.

Distances: From California's Central Coast about 2:30 hours. San Francisco Bay Area about 2-3 hours. Southern California maybe 4-5 hours.

Range: First class! Practice green closely approximates the contour and speed of most of the greens.

Pro Shop: Full pro shop and restaurant. Friendly employees.

Five (or less) Word Description: Challenging, championship-caliber, enjoyable, hot in summer, adequate pace.

URL: www.golfridgecreek.com

Rating (1-5 stars): 4.5 stars - the only drawback is the heat of the summer sun.


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Pheasant Run GC in Chowchilla, CA is a nice course that meanders through and around several residential areas. Some of the homes are a marvel to behold - built as they are in a somewhat low-income area - while others need work or finishing. Pheasant Run is considered to be one of the most well maintained courses in California and is played by locals as well as day-trippers from up to 100 miles away.

Fairway grasses stay green nearly all year round. The greens seem to be a bit fast here, especially during the summer months when the sun has a tendency to bake the grasses.

The course features fairways with slightly uneven lies and challenging yet escapable bunkers. Trees protect some of the OB and houses which line the course. Water comes into play on several holes - adding to the too infrequent charming holes and beauty.

The restaurant (Putter's Bistro) offers fantastic food with the beer served ice-cold and top-notch service. The pro shop is fairly well stocked and offers Pheasant Run caps, shirts, towels and more.

The practice facility is top-notch and features a driving range, large putting green as well as an area to work on your chip shots. The first hole tee box is situated away from the practice area so golfers who are unnerved by bystanders watching their initial tee shot need not worry.

Make your tee time one week in advance of your play date. Let them know the course is recommended by AverageJoeGolf.net.

Distances: Located in California's central valley, the course is just off Highway 99 east on Robertson Avenue (Avenue 26), about 40 minutes north of Fresno.

Five (or less) Word Description: Flat, well-maintained, enjoyable, quick play, country-club feeling.

URL: www.pheasantrungolfclub.com

Rating (1-5 stars): 3.5 stars - The course is a little flat and there are a number of unfinished houses in a development that rings the back nine that create an eye-sore. Also some of the waste areas need to be cleaned out a little. Doesn't have a unique quality to it and is somewhat unremarkable... yet definately playable and enjoyable.


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Known as "The Poor Man's Pebble Beach" Morro Bay GC is one central coast golf course all golfers should play. Featuring stunning ocean views from almost every hole, this 18 hole public course has tree lined fairways and uneven terrain but few sand traps (5 or 6).

The course offers naturally challenging playing conditions, as it's located on the side of a mountain. Shot and club selection are at a premium here for an errant shot (and sometimes a good one!) typically finds you in a difficult lie. It's not uncommon for you to have to hit an uphill lie, a downhill lie, and a side lie before hitting the green! The fairways are planted with Kikyu Grass while the greens are Poannua.

The golf course is located in Morro Bay State Park at the base of Black Hill. It overlooks California's central coast city of Morro Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The course is an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

The Morro Bay GC's practice facility includes a driving range, putting green and sand traps surrounding an undulating green. The range is a little disconcerting, as one has to hit uphill while practicing. (FYI - your drive on the first hole is nearly identical to the range as you must hit the ball uphill and try to reach the break.)

The practice green is very similar to the speed and breaks you'll find on the course. Bunkers are nearly non-existent but those that are there feature playable beach sand. With pine trees lining the fairways, needles and cones are not uncommon obstacles in bunkers, fairway shots and on the greens.

The pro shop is well stocked and will meet all your equipment needs.

Sign in is fast - be sure to keep the receipt handy, as you'll need to show it to the starter. I encourage you to ask the starter about pin position and tips. Listen carefully and try and shape your shots as he says.

The course's restaurant serves good quality food in a timely manner - but it's a little pricey. Morro Bay GC offers the use of very nice banquet room to tournaments. It overlooks the course and the Pacific Ocean.

Make your tee time in advance of your play date. Let them know you're from out of town and that the course comes highly recommended by AverageJoeGolf.net.

Distances: Morro Bay is located along scenic Highway 1 on California's Central Coast, approximately 12 miles north of San Luis Obispo, California.

Five (or less) Word Description: Hilly, scenic, enjoyable, ocean views, bargain.

Morro Bay GC offers exceptional golf in a spectacular setting that is very budget friendly.

URL: www.centralcoastgolf.com

Rating (1-5 stars): 4 stars - Walking can be a little difficult because of the terrain. Pace of play can be slow when the course is full.


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I recently played in a golf tournament - an 18-hole two-man scramble - and one of the other team's players asked me where I practiced. I told him that Islewood is always my preference. "You're kidding!? That place is for hackers and homies!" he nearly choked he was laughing so hard.

I was incredulous, "hackers maybe, homies maybe, but at least you're hitting off grass all the time and there are five full size holes you can play (to hone your skill,)" I barked back. That kinda shut him up but the fact that my partner and I proceeded to blow past his twosome's score also added to his rapidly souring mood.

As we shook hands after the match, he apologized for his denigration of Islewood. I told him I wasn't offended, "practicing there is so much better than hitting off mats. It's not a country club but who needs a country club if you just want to getting better?"

And that's it in a nutshell. Islewood Golf Range and Learning Center in Fresno, CA is very "Tin Cup-like." It is certainly not a country club. It doesn't claim to be.

It's located right on the San Joaquin River and offers a full sized, lighted range, five full sized holes ($1 per hole or $10 for all day play), a nine hole pitch and putt course, practice bunker, chipping green and some of the prettiest natural surroundings this area has to show. The club house is really nothing more than a place to pay, have a club fixed or sold on consignment and somewhere to get a can of soft drink or a bottle of water (cheaper than any store!).

It's not unusual to see bobcat, deer, rabbits, geese, cranes, hawks, eagles, coyotes and more. Islewood sits in the middle of a preservation area and has a special use permit to even exist there. It was actually wiped out completely a dozen years ago in a flood but the then current ownership rebuilt and reopened (it's changed ownership since then).

As good as Islewood is, it's not perfect. The balls are not replaced as often as they should be so compression on 80%-90% of them is terrible. But they are good enough typically to get a good idea of how good your shot was or could've been. Besides you don't need plus balls to groove your swing. The grass can be problematic at times during the year as during winter the range gets soggy and doesn't dry. During summer its just the opposite, too dry and not enough water (even though the San Joaquin River is yards away from the range). These problems can be dealt with because every course and range has their idiosyncrasies and it's good to know how to make each shot on every type of surface.

The single most obvious reason that Islewood has any drawback however is the resident teaching "pro." To hear this guy tell it, he's the most unbelievable coach and teacher in Fresno if not California and the world! Apparently he owns the rights to the PGA of Mexico or something (no kidding - it's one of his favorite stories!) and has been nominated to the 100 Top Teachers in the World (That claim is even on his business card - but I'd like to know When? By whom? and Which magazine or organization was he nominated?). He talks incessantly on the range - loudly - sometimes on his cell phone if he's not "teaching." He's always done something before someone else or has done it better and he'll tell anyone within earshot. He played at a local high school and University but wasn't the top golfer at either (one who was, went on to have a pretty good PGA career).

What I can't fathom is why someone with his self-promotion and ego would think anyone with his supposed resume would be teaching golf at a small golf range in Fresno, CA. He's not the coach of any USGA, PGA or LPGA pro.

Anyway, as much as he's a pain in the ass on the range, he is a fairly nice guy though one with a huge ego. Fortunately after a few visits to the range you'll learn to check out where he is and situate yourself appropriately to be as far away as possible.

The guy does have a wealth of knowledge and he can really hit the ball... but really when you take a lesson do you want to hear how great the teacher is or learn how to fix your swing?

THAT - or more accurately - HE is main drawback to Islewood Golf Range and Learning Center.

However, even with his presence, Islewood is still better than hitting balls at the local courses since many times you're hitting off mats. And you can't beat the scenery and calm!

There are three sizes of buckets of balls - small (about 40 balls), medium (about 80) and large (200 or so). They run $5, $7 and $14. Chipping range is free with purchase of any size bucket or play.

Islewood hosts a demo day produced by Roger Dunn Golf Store each April that features all the major makers, contests, free food and drinks and a helicopter ball drop that benefits The First Tee of Fresno.

Rating (1-5 stars): 4 stars.


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Nestled among the pines, oak and granite boulders of the Sierra foothills, Sierra Meadows Country Club is located about 3 miles outside of Oakhurst off Highway 49. The 18 hole course is definitely "fair" to players who keep the ball in play. By that I mean, if you hit a good drive and it's in the fairway, you're not penalized by landing in low spot or behind a rock or in a fairway bunker. Some courses do that. Sierra Meadows does not. If you hit a good drive you're rewarded by having an easier second shot - either directly to the green or to set up your green shot.

But if your drive somehow lands off the fairway, good luck. The course features meandering creeks, marsh areas, a lake or two, granite boulders, thigh high brush and 10 inch rough. Balls landing in those areas seem to be swallowed up! My recent play on the course resulted in 18 lost balls between all four us (I lost two ProV1s and two Srixon ZStars!). Now having said that, I'm completely certain that the next time we play we won't lose anywhere near that many. Not having played the course before definitely hurt us since we tried cutting across boulders/mountains/trees without really knowing what was on the other side (the map on the scorecard didn't really help and my older model SkyCaddy doesn't have the flyover feature). Yeah, we were kind of stupid in doing what we did, but risk/reward was too great a temptation!

The course has a lot of elevation changes which challenge your driver prowess. Carved as it is in a small valley around hilly terrain, the course has a lot of doglegs and blind shots. Having all 14 clubs in your bag and knowing how to use them from all lies is a must. My current problem club(s) are my three hybrids (2-3-4). I hit each one at least once during my round and each time they took me into trouble (when I got home I took them all out of my bag and put my irons back in!). Point being is that you have to have clubs you trust to play this course and hope to score well.

The fairways are well maintained though there is a fair amount of geese, herons, deer, bear, coyote and Sasquatch crap littering the course - especially near the water hazards (which for the most part are natural). Interestingly enough, none of the greens had any poop. The greens by the way, are very well manicured and are slightly inconsistent in speed and feel. That could've been because our round started early in the morning and ended just before 1:00pm when everything was heating up.

Or it could be because only one of us in your foursome has any putting prowess. Yeah, that's more likely the case. The first tee features a almost 90 degree dog light right. After a downhill drive that ideally has your ball land to the right of a large oak tree, your second shot is a slightly uphill shot towards the green. The green is good sized and framed by trees, a couple bunkers and is elevated from your second and third shots.

The game is on from this point and you're in a for a real treat.

The signature hole is number 5. Golfers must hit an accurate shot across a 175 yard lake to a postage size green that is guarded by a bunker left and marsh in front and right. The green also slopes toward the water. There is room behind but hitting too far takes you OB. A fairly large oak tree also presents problems should you hit too far right. And then there is that pesky brush too! It is a beautiful hole nonetheless and one that is very fun to play.

The sixth hole has another downhill drive - albeit only a PW-9-8 or maybe a soft 7 iron. This is a great hole and one that is well placed in order to mend frayed nerves suffered on hole 5!

Every hole has its own character and feature - from fairway boulders and creeks to large oaks and marshes. There are long- straight par fives as well as long par fours. The layout was well thought out because holes are setup to allow golfers to play a scoring hole after a trying one. And vice versa.

Sierra Meadows has very good practice facilities from a fantastic but small range to a nice putting green and practice bunkers/greens. The clubhouse is first rate as is the pro shop (though kind of small). Staff is helpful and friendly. Since the course is also a country club it also has an outdoor pool and is a location for weddings and receptions.

One thing to be aware of is that rattlesnakes are not uncommon in the area. Though we didn't see any, we were aware every time we were in the brush - especially since there are so many boulders/rocks and snakes are known to warm themselves on them. Just be aware and be careful.

This is not a walkable course in my opinion. In fact, I don't know if walking is even allowed in deference to pace of play. I don't recall seeing any hoofers…

For a course / facility like this you could expect to pay premium dollars. But amazingly enough, the cost for 18 holes with cart and a small bucket of range balls on a weekend was $45 per person. We played all 18 in just about 4 hours - something that is unheard of at most local courses (I can't even remember the last time I played in 4 hours!).

The pro shop has name brand clubs for rental, lessons, etc. The bar is full service and full size. The sandwiches and Polish dogs were OK - nothing special - nothing bad. The burgers were awesome! I'll rate Sierra Meadows a solid 4.75 out of 5. The only reason it's not a 5 is because it's about a 45 minute drive from my home and I'm spoiled!

Call 'em up at 800-642-7448 and make your reservation up to 7 days in advance. Let them know you read a review at averagejoegolf.net and is highly recommended.

Rating (1-5 stars): 4.75 stars.

Website: www.sierrameadows.com

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