| Picture a land where golf runs to the very heart | | | | enjoyable and the classic Newport and Laguna |
| of society, where there's brilliant sunshine, a | | | | Beaches are just down the road. Plus, Los |
| guaranteed friendly welcome and some | | | | Angeles is only 45 minutes away. Variety, quality, |
| outstanding courses. You've just pictured | | | | ease of access and very pretty golf...That's great! |
| California's golf scene - and with its varied and | | | | The Ocean North golf course is famous for the |
| stunning environments and excellent food and | | | | visual treat it presents golfers with. Not only is it |
| wine, it's no wonder that the region is quickly | | | | set within 400 acres of stunning reserve but |
| becoming a must on any discerning golfer's holiday | | | | several of the holes run alongside the cliffs. The |
| plans. The trouble is that California's golf clubs are | | | | Ocean South matches the beauty of its 'north |
| numerous as well as fine so it can be an | | | | cousin' but is a more subtle challenge with with |
| overwhelming choice...Just exactly where should | | | | tricky bunkers, deceptive elevations and canyons |
| you stay and where should you play? Quite a | | | | all vying for your ball. Sensational USA golf. |
| pleasant dilemma, but nonetheless, you want to | | | | Pebble Beach Resorts |
| make sure you get it right. Here's my top three | | | | In terms of sheer golfing brilliance in such a |
| golf resorts in California. | | | | confined space, you can't beat a stay at Pebble |
| Four Seasons Resort Aviara | | | | Beach. With three hotels and three world-class |
| Okay, so the Four Seasons Resort only has one | | | | courses, it's been rated at USA No.1 for many |
| course in its grounds - but what a round of golf! | | | | years and you can't fault it. Spyglass is my |
| California's Aviara golf club has been named as | | | | favourite course, just beating the more famous |
| one of the best resort golf courses in America by | | | | Pebble Beach but Spanish Bay is also a beautiful |
| both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine and offers a | | | | links course...It's a tremendous trio. |
| memorable coastal layout with a part 72, | | | | Pebble Beach Golf Links: opened in 1919, has |
| punctuated by colourful flora and fauna and | | | | hosted numerous competitions, including the US |
| stunning scenery. This Californian golf club really | | | | Open several times and is consistently voted No. |
| must be played to be believed! | | | | 1 Public course in America by Golf Digest. |
| The course was designed by Arnold Palmer and | | | | Another Californian golf course honoured by Golf |
| opened in 1991, providing 7,007 yards of rolling | | | | Digest is Spyglass Hill. The unusual name of the |
| fairways and challenging bunker and water | | | | course is matched by the names of some of the |
| features. The biggest water 'feature' of all, of | | | | holes - all based on Robert Louis Stevenson's |
| course, is the ocean view hole which provides an | | | | 'Treasure Island' - "Black Dog" and "Billy Bones" |
| image you won't forget - just make sure it | | | | being two examples. Opened in 1966, this difficult |
| doesn't put you off your shot. | | | | course changes its terrain at the drop of a hat. |
| Pelican Hill | | | | While the first five holes are characterised by |
| Although the golf resort at Pelican Hill opens in | | | | sandy seaside dunes, the remaining 14 suddenly |
| January next year, we already know it's going to | | | | require you to cut through pines and elevated |
| be very special. It's a $1.3bn investment by one | | | | greens. Although it is rated as a Par 72, the |
| of the wealthiest men in the world. He's recruited | | | | stroke average during the 1999 US Amateur |
| some of the finest hoteliers and spent fortunes | | | | competition was over 79 so be ready to play |
| on the facilities and bedrooms. We were very, | | | | Stableford and swallow your pride. Finally, the |
| very impressed during our pre-opening visit. The | | | | Links at Spanish Bay is a course that could almost |
| "perfected" two courses and superb clubhouse | | | | be in Scotland (were it not for the outstanding |
| have been open for a year and the service, | | | | weather!) - even with sandy wasteland, bristly |
| scenery and experience are remarkable. | | | | grasses and a strong ocean breeze, it's an |
| Pelican Hill will definitely be a memorable addition to | | | | enjoyable challenge that rarely becomes |
| the best golf holidays in California. Pacific views, | | | | frustrating. |
| massive bedrooms, beyond state-of-the art | | | | And if you want even more, there's Poppy Hills, |
| facilities and gracious service...It's a must. | | | | Cordevalle and Pasatiempo (all in the US Top 100) |
| As well as the qualities of the resort, what makes | | | | within an hour. Simply beyond world-class golfing |
| Pelican Hill golf club in California so great? There | | | | breaks. |
| are two courses which instantly makes it twice as | | | | |