Southern California's No. 1 Golf Source
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"The players themselves can be classified into two groups- the attractions and the entry fees." |
-Jimmy Demaret |
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 You will when playing at Saddle Creek Resort in Copperopolis. Probably by the fourth hole while standing over your tee shot surrounded by trees and the Sierra foothills providing a picturesque backdrop for the green some 100 feet below. It’s the sound of silence that reinforces half the brilliance of Saddle Creek: you’re away from everything. The other half? You’ve got everything — from great golf and luxurious accommodations to activities aplenty and top-notch food and drink. For a golfing expedition, an upscale company retreat, a romantic getaway or an outdoor vacation, there may not be a better destination in Northern California than Saddle Creek, which is less than three hours from San Francisco and two hours from Yosemite. But Castle & Cooke, which took over Saddle Creek in 2001, is not a one-trick pony when it comes to golf in California. The developer owns several other courses and country clubs, including Coyote Creek Golf Club, which is 15 minutes from downtown San Jose and only two hours from Saddle Creek. Together, the two courses make for a wonderful Northern California golfing sojourn. Featuring two Jack Nicklaus Signature designs, Coyote Creek is an upscale daily fee facility popular with Bay Area golfers and professional athletes. Jerry Rice — and members of the A’s, Giants, Sharks and Raiders — often eschew nearby private clubs for a regular taste of Coyote Creek, which formerly hosted the Champions Tour’s Siebel Classic. While Saddle Creek hasn’t hosted any PGA Tour events, it’s not for lack of quality. Opened in 1996 and designed by Carter Moorish, it has received several accolades, including being rated as the No. 9 public access course in the state, placing it in the company of fellow top-10ers like Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, PGA West and the South Course at Torrey Pines. Shortly after opening, Saddle Creek also was voted one of America’s Best New Upscale Public Courses by “Golf Digest.” All the recognition is forgotten, however, when you step on the course because of the stunning scenery. “It’s the type of course that really good players can come out and be tested from the tips, but their wives can play comfortably, not be overwhelmed and have a great time,” said Chris Bitticks, head professional at Saddle Creek. As with any standout course, Saddle Creek’s par-3s are gems. Two play from elevated tees, while the others play over environmental areas. One of the course’s toughest holes is the par-3 11th. It’s just 151 yards and plays from an elevated tee, but a lake short of the green, bunkers on three sides and swirling breezes make hitting the putting surface a challenge. The theme of offering something for everyone is continued off the course at Saddle Creek, where custom homes overlook — but never crowd — the course and bordering woods, lakes and foothills. There are also course-side “stay-and-play” bungalows and a sparkling, but homey, 12,500-square-foot clubhouse with an award-winning restaurant and bar, pro shop and locker rooms. In the near future, visitors also will have the chance to experience the Copper Lake Inn and Spa, an intimate boutique hotel planned for the soon-to-be-built Copper Village, which will include shops, restaurants, art galleries and antique stores. In contrast, Coyote Creek is strictly golf and dining. “Our goal is to provide the highest quality public golf in the San Jose area,” said Eric Jacobsen, director of golf at Coyote Creek. “We focus on combining the best course conditions and most friendly staff with these exceptionally strong layouts to rival the experience players would have at any private club.” Nicklaus took a big step toward making that happen when designing the Tournament Course. After the opening par-4 on Coyote Creek’s Tournament Course, players traverse Highway 101 via a tunnel and are confronted with seven holes cut into the steep hills of the Diablo Range. The eighth hole is of note as much for the risk-reward nature of this 377-yard, dogleg left par-4, as for the view of the foothills framing the Tournament and Valley courses. You’ll continue to be inspired after again skirting under Highway 101, as holes 16 through 18 have consistently been described as among the best finishing troikas in all of inland California. Like the Tournament Course, the Valley Course is in pristine condition and a step up from the area’s typical upscale daily-fee offering. The accouterments of the club — a well-equipped practice area, fully-stocked pro shop and a restaurant that offers everything from simple bar food to wonderful entrees — enhance as well. Other restaurants, including the outstanding Golden Oak and the slew of downtown options, are just minutes from Coyote Creek. n For more information, contact Saddle Creek Resort at (800) 611-7722, or visit www.saddlecreek.com. Contact Coyote Creek Golf Club at (408) 463-1400, or visti www.coyotecreekgolf.com. |
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