StanfordCardinal

The Presidio is an elegant, old school San Francisco track going back to when it was part of the Army base. It's a very hilly layout--there are flat lies out there but don't count on them. It also has its share of narrow, tree-lined fairways and well-bunkered greens, some of which are multi-level and quite canted. To make the course even tougher, wind & late afternoon fog can turn a pleasant round into a mini death march. Good thing there's a wonderful clubhouse with lounge & restaurant waiting for you next to the 18th hole.

Since I live in San Francisco--cool-to-freezing summers--I relish golf in the North Bay, where there is actual sun & heat. Rooster Run is one of my favorite tracks--friendly staff, reasonable rates, always well-maintained, adjacent to vineyards (and a little muni airport, which is no big deal), a variety of holes, challenging but not overly so, and very puttable greens. And golf weather in Sonoma in summer is warm-to-hot; in my book that translates to "perfect."

The only reason RR doesn't rate 5 stars is the tee boxes. I golfed on a Friday & they desperately needed to be cut.

For what you get, this course is grossly overpriced.I've played muni courses that are three times as aesthetically pleasing for a quarter of the price. It's a "residential" track, i.e., houses lining certain fairways, if you don't mind that sort of thing (I do). The wind was up, which made even the easier holes challenging. The greens rolled well but there were too many conspicuous previous cup placements; it became a running joke. Maybe a handful of holes were memorable.

But kudos to the staff. They were unfailingly friendly & helpful. And the grass range & short game practice area were sweet. Not nearly enough though to bring me back.

I've played this Alister MacKenzie gem many times as a very grateful guest. Situated just north of San Francisco in a high meadow watched over by Marin County's Mt. Tamalpais, MacKenzie's first American course is a delight for the senses & a challenge for the skillful shot maker. MacKenzie's sprawling greens and his trademark bunkers have been restored to their original specifications. (A note about the greens: they're undulant & lightning fast; you had better bring your A putting game.)

The atmosphere is pure nature---Monterey pines, redwoods, oak trees, deer, water fowl, hawks overhead--and not a house to be seen. Among the beautiful variety of holes, #14, a long par 3 over a pond, is as picturesque as Augusta's #12, and possibly more treacherous.

The clubhouse is not too shabby either, an Arts-and-Crafts/Mission Revival beauty that overlooks the course and seems right at home with the natural surroundings.

So get your golf karma in order and get invited to one of the most enjoyable playing experiences of your life.