Finally, Golf!!

So I started this to give you a look into golf in Northern California and haven't even mentioned any courses yet!  

This area has a rich history of golf, from the Monterey Peninsula to Napa and all points in between.  Most of my posts will be on public courses, although I will mention a few private facilities that are must plays in the area if you get a chance to do so.  The first course is in my neck of the woods, The Course at Wente Vineyards in Livermore, CA.  Wente was designed by Greg Norman and was host to a Nationwide Tour event the last three years.  The course provides a challenge for all skill levels, stretching out to as far as 7167 yards from the black tees.  It provides a number of elevation changes throughout the course and is quite unique, with a number of shorter par 4's, reachable par 5's, but also several longer, more challenging holes.  Vineyards line many holes, serving as "natural hazards" for the course and making it key to keep your ball in play throughout the day.  The layout is very well-maintained and pace of play is usually okay, although at times, it can stretch past 5 hours.   Although there is a good variety of holes, a few of the elevation changes make some of the holes a little quirky, including the short par 4 6th and downhill dogleg 13th.  Overall, the course is one of the nicer public tracks in the East Bay Area.  Fees range from $55-110.  Check out their site for more info, tee time information and news and events at their restaurant and concert facility.