Going Places

Continued from page 51 the skinflint's guide to california golf WHEN? Anytime. Except in a few highalpine areas, golf courses are open yearround. Southern coastal areas enjoy a perpetually pleasant climate, while in summer, spots farther inland can get a little, uh, warm. For the heat-tolerant, this represents an opportunity to play deluxe courses at a fraction of the peak-season winter-months price. WHERE? Your call. There are well over 1,000 courses in the state, and booking tee times is rarely a problem. In general, wintertime prices are highest in the Palm Desert area and on the southern coast; summertime fees are highest in wine country (north of the Bay Area) and in the Sierras, near spots like Lake Tahoe. Year-round, the Monterey Peninsula is golf nirvana, but be sure to bring your wallet. Actually, better bring two. HOW MUCH? With so many choices, any budget can be accommodated, but a memorable option for those in the medium range might be a scrimp/splurge approach: skip most of the modern resort courses in favour of the state's classic munis, such as Griffiths Park in Los Angeles and Coronado in San Diego, or maybe the selection of excellent but inexpensive courses in less-favoured locales, such as the Inland Empire or Sacramento. Then blow all the money you've saved (and more) at somewhere like Pebble Beach, which is rivalled only by St. Andrews as the world's pre-eminent golf shrine. Sure, the green fees are $495, but you'll never forget your day there. GO WITH CAA Best of Scotland: When your bucket list is filled with golf balls, then you must visit scotland, the birthplace of the game. This Trafalgar Tours holiday includes a stop at the world-famous st. Andrews Links and other Highland highlights. Priced from $1,699 for an eight-day tour. GOING PL ACES p46-53_Cali Golf.indd 53 >> s u m m e r 2 0 1 3 53 13-04-12 1:15 PM

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