Arg's Travel Log

[Argonne69]

Booked my flight from Oakland to Maui. Price wasn't bad. $529 round trip on Southwest with early bird checkin on both legs. Golf clubs and suitcase fly free. Unfortunately the direct afternoon flights coming back were sold out, so I had to book a morning return flight. Basically means that I won't be able to play on the morning of departure. Instead I'll play 36 holes on the second day. Since this is more or less a vacation for me, I'll likely wind up riding a couple of the rounds. The horror. Lol. 

 

Next up will be reserving a rental car and finding a hotel. Not sure if I want to go cheap or splurge for an oceanside resort. Not a real beach bum, but a nice swimming pool would be nice. I stayed at the Sheraton Maui for 3 nights in 1994 near Black Rock Beach, and it was very nice. 

 

[highhdcp]

Spring Valley is a fun course to play. I would suspect 4~5 cows and not enough sand traps. Very very walkable.  No homes on the course it’s in Ed Levin park.

 

Issue is the traffic. If you are coming from Pleasanton area it’s 680 which is the main commute into Silicon Valley from that part of the east bay.

If you have an early tee time the trip home will not be too bad.

 

[tad950]

22 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

Booked my flight from Oakland to Maui. Price wasn't bad. $529 round trip on Southwest with early bird checkin on both legs. Golf clubs and suitcase fly free. Unfortunately the direct afternoon flights coming back were sold out, so I had to book a morning return flight. Basically means that I won't be able to play on the morning of departure. Instead I'll play 36 holes on the second day. Since this is more or less a vacation for me, I'll likely wind up riding a couple of the rounds. The horror. Lol. 

 

Next up will be reserving a rental car and finding a hotel. Not sure if I want to go cheap or splurge for an oceanside resort. Not a real beach bum, but a nice swimming pool would be nice. I stayed at the Sheraton Maui for 3 nights in 1994 near Black Rock Beach, and it was very nice. 

 

Not sure if you have a Costco card. I can’t imagine you wanting to cram a case of toilet paper in Bessie. But I use Costco Travel for hotel and car packages. And you might suffer from some sticker shock. Hawaii room rates went sky high post pandemic. Might have settled down some. But judging by room rates around the globe recently, I kind of doubt it.

[Argonne69]

Just noticed that it's an hour between Kapalua and Wailea. Might wind up switching hotels mid stay to avoid the longish drive.

 

The Sheraton is $500 a night. Ouch. 

 

[tad950]

$500 sounds about right for a 4 star on Maui. Some, or is it most, charge separate resort and parking fee.

[dcmidnight]

13 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Next up will be reserving a rental car and finding a hotel. Not sure if I want to go cheap or splurge for an oceanside resort. Not a real beach bum, but a nice swimming pool would be nice. I stayed at the Sheraton Maui for 3 nights in 1994 near Black Rock Beach, and it was very nice. 

 

Did my first scuba dive as a walk in off Black Rock years ago - 10 / 10 cows, would do again. Really easy beginner dive for first timers, you literally just walk in right off the beach.

[Dancin]

17 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Just noticed that it's an hour between Kapalua and Wailea. Might wind up switching hotels mid stay to avoid the longish drive.

 

The Sheraton is $500 a night. Ouch. 

 

Yes you don't want to be making that drive between north and south multiple times. Stay in Kaanapali area play those courses and Kapalua then get something mid island or south (prices will be much higher around Wailea) play the south and mid island courses.

[Argonne69]

Sitting here in another construction zone stoppage on the short drive to Truckee. Hopefully the wait isn't too long. I did take advantage of the pause to book an early morning round at Kapalua Plantation. $480 prepaid. 

 

Next I'll try to book two rounds on the second day at Wailea Gold and Emerald. 

 

Booked a rental car this morning. Wasn't too bad considering. Full size was $381 for the four days. 

 

Edited October 18, 2024 by Argonne69

[Mullenboy]

21 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

I played Harding Park on a previous trip. Nice, but way overpriced for out of towners. 

 

I preferred Presidio, but don't don't really want to make the trek up there. 

 

How are Spring Valley, Bay View, and Shoreline Golf Links? Not looking for anything spectacular, just something local to fill out the sch. 

 

Understood re the SF courses - makes perfect sense.  Another maybe worth seeing is Lincoln Park... horrible conditions, quirky weird short course, fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

 

Each of Spring Valley, Bay View, and Shoreline Golf Links are local haunts for me.  Each are decent but nothing special.  The prior comment about traffic coming from Pleasanton is RIGHT ON.  Unless you go really really early it will be brutally bad in the morning.  That being said....

 

Spring Valley is short and tricky with generally good conditions, and fair prices (for our area). 

 

Bay View would challenge your "any course is walkable" stance.. they used to give t-shirts showing a mountain climber to those who walked.  It is quite hilly.  🙂  It's also stupidly overpriced, which can be said for most courses here.  

 

Shoreline is interesting with many lakes to avoid and a few truly interesting holes, but conditions can be spotty.

 

None of the three are likely to go to 5 cows.  But each are decent time killers.  Of the three I prefer Spring Valley but that's because Shoreline is somewhat painful in its routing. going back and forth across a wash and I do not enjoy being raped as they do at Bay View.

 

Each are a PITA for getting tee times.  Bay View is the easiest in that respect.  But that's because of the stupid high price.

 

Santa Teresa in San Jose is a decent muni with great greens.  But it too is nothing special, and can be painfully slow.

 

Edited October 18, 2024 by Mullenboy

[OhTiger]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

Sitting here in another construction zone stoppage on the short drive to Truckee. Hopefully the wait isn't too long. I did take advantage of the pause to book an early morning round at Kapalua Plantation. $480 prepaid. 

 

Next I'll try to book two rounds on the second day at Wailea Gold and Emerald. 

 

Booked a rental car this morning. Wasn't too bad considering. Full size was $381 for the four days. 

 

 

You're going to love the Plantation Course.  Smart to play it early morning too before the wind really picks up.

 

Some of the slowest greens you'll see going back up hill against the mountain side and some of the fastest going away from the mountain. Just wild. 

[Argonne69]

Uneventful short drive to Truckee this morning. Traffic was light, and plenty of slow vehicle turnouts, so stress levels were low. More trees than scenery on this leg. 

 

Decent RV park, but serious tree trouble means no satellite for 3 days. Even the portable dish can't get a signal through the trees. Asphalt pad is fairly level, so no jacking up Bessie. 

 

 

Going to take a ride into town a bit later after taking care of a few chores. 

 

It's going to be a cold one tonight. Overnight lows will reach the mid teens here in Truckee. First time wearing long pants in ages this morning. I have the first tee time at 9 am at Incline Village tomorrow, but I expect at least an hour frost delay. Morning lows there are going to mid-20s. 

 

Edited October 18, 2024 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Started planning the first leg of my post-odyssey trip. From San Jose I was going to head straight to LA, but I figured that I'm retired, so what's the rush. I was looking at the I-5 route south, but there's just not a lot on the way. 

 

Probably going to swing into Monterey again to play Poppy Hills for the 2nd time, and then take US-101 south with stops in Paso Robles and Santa Barbara. Don't think there are any new courses worth playing along the way, but I wouldn't mind another visit to Hunter Ranch, Chalk Mountain, Dairy Creek, and Sandpiper. 

 

[Argonne69]

Booked two rounds on the 2nd day of the Maui trip at Wailea. Emerald at 6:30 am, and Gold at noon. The afternoon rounds are $78 cheaper. I would have preferred to start on Gold, but the first available tee time was later in the morning. Looks like carts are required at both courses. 

 

[Double Mocha Man]

10 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

Booked two rounds on the 2nd day of the Maui trip at Wailea. Emerald at 6:30 am, and Gold at noon. The afternoon rounds are $78 cheaper. I would have preferred to start on Gold, but the first available tee time was later in the morning. Looks like carts are required at both courses. 

 

 

I thought you gave up on two rounds in one day.  😁

[Argonne69]

1 minute ago, Double Mocha Man said:

 

I thought you gave up on two rounds in one day.  😁

 

Lol. Two rounds walking? Yes. Two rounds riding? Piece of cake. 

 

Sent a guest for a day request to The King Kamehameha Golf Club. Hope to hear back soon. 

 

[Argonne69]

Short drive into town. Quite the tourist town. I first passed through on I-80 many years ago on the way from Yosemite National Park to Reno, but that didn't really count. I also saw the town from the observation car on Amtrak's California Zephyr a few years back, but again, didn't set foot in the town. 

 

 

Enjoying a tasty North Coast Brewing Company (Fort Bragg CA) Brother Thelonious Belgian Abbey Ale at Craft & Logic Taproom. 32 taps with a decent mix. Heavy on the IPAs of course, but a couple of Belgians and a few imperial stouts in cans/bottles. 

 

 

Edited October 18, 2024 by Argonne69

[tad950]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Started planning the first leg of my post-odyssey trip. From San Jose I was going to head straight to LA, but I figured that I'm retired, so what's the rush. I was looking at the I-5 route south, but there's just not a lot on the way. 

 

Probably going to swing into Monterey again to play Poppy Hills for the 2nd time, and then take US-101 south with stops in Paso Robles and Santa Barbara. Don't think there are any new courses worth playing along the way, but I wouldn't mind another visit to Hunter Ranch, Chalk Mountain, Dairy Creek, and Sandpiper. 

 

If you’re going down to Sandpiper, you could hit La Purisima again.

 

In the old days I would have suggested playing San Juan Oaks, my old home course. After playing it after the reopening, I’m not sure if it is worth the $125 weekday rate. The course conditions are much improved. But they’ve relocated a couple tee boxes. Eliminated a couple fairway bunkers (not that many in the first place). The course just feels less challenging than it used to be.

[Mullenboy]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Started planning the first leg of my post-odyssey trip. From San Jose I was going to head straight to LA, but I figured that I'm retired, so what's the rush. I was looking at the I-5 route south, but there's just not a lot on the way. 

 

Probably going to swing into Monterey again to play Poppy Hills for the 2nd time, and then take US-101 south with stops in Paso Robles and Santa Barbara. Don't think there are any new courses worth playing along the way, but I wouldn't mind another visit to Hunter Ranch, Chalk Mountain, Dairy Creek, and Sandpiper. 

 

There is literally NO golf if you drive down I-5.  It's the fastest way by far to get from San Jose to LA, but there are literally no golf courses on the way, until you get quite close to LA.  I have made that drive countless times.

 

So yes, do 101, exactly as you say.  Paso Robles CC might also be worth seeing.  Perhaps Cypress Ridge in Arroyo Grande.  La Purisima again for sure as has been said.  No San Juan Oaks as has been said (totally agree). 

 

There are a few great privates... IM me if you want help with some.

 

 

[Argonne69]

Ooh, that was good. 1882 Bar and Grill. The BBQ platter was expensive, but very tasty. Normally I'd go with brisket, but the tri-tip sounded good, as well as the spicy pulled pork. Solid choices. Tri-tip was tender, but of course it was a tad lean. Ribs needed a bit more meat, but were tender. Pulled pork was very good with a little kick. Mac and cheese was excellent. Very creamy. Sweet potato fries were OK, but should have stuck with the baked beans. The sole sauce was probably the highlight. Great balance of sweet and tangy. Highly recommended. 

 

 

[Argonne69]

My lucky day. Stepped out of 1882 to find the eastbound Amtrak California Zephyr in the station running nearly two hours late (already) from Emeryville. Didn't expect to see it on this short visit. 

 

 

 

[Argonne69]

Got some good news late yesterday, and some meh news.

 

Good news was that I have an 11 am tee time at The King Kamehameha GC on my third and final day of the Maui trip. The late morning round is the first tee time available for guest play. The lineup of Kapalua Plantation, Wailea Emerald, Wailea Gold, and KK should make for a fun trip. Since my tee time at KK is in the late morning, I was thinking about driving up to Haleakala, but it's nearly a 90 minute drive to the rim. I'd have to leave the hotel at 5 am to leave a comfortable cushion.

 

Bad news was that I'll be looking for another course for my stay in Napa. I had Silverado Resort North on my list, but it's another of those confounding stay and play courses. Cheapest room is $261. 'Not paying the premium for the #30 ranked course in the state.

 

The forecast for Incline Village this morning looks a little better than originally expected. Might be a balmy 40 degrees at 9 am. Maybe there's a chance that there won't be a frost delay.

 

[Mullenboy]

One of my best friends is a member at Silverado.  If he's available he'd host you no doubt.  Just say the word (and tell me exactly what day you want/need) and I will inquire.

 

As for other public courses near there, it's slim pickings as I am sure you are finding out.  Eagle Vines is OK. Napa Muni is good.  Chardonnay.  All good but nothing that will merit a herd of cows.  🙂

 

Good luck with frost delays.  It's getting to be that time of year.

[tw422]

6 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Got some good news late yesterday, and some meh news.

 

Good news was that I have an 11 am tee time at The King Kamehameha GC on my third and final day of the Maui trip. The late morning round is the first tee time available for guest play. The lineup of Kapalua Plantation, Wailea Emerald, Wailea Gold, and KK should make for a fun trip. Since my tee time at KK is in the late morning, I was thinking about driving up to Haleakala, but it's nearly a 90 minute drive to the rim. I'd have to leave the hotel at 5 am to leave a comfortable cushion.

 

Bad news was that I'll be looking for another course for my stay in Napa. I had Silverado Resort North on my list, but it's another of those confounding stay and play courses. Cheapest room is $261. 'Not paying the premium for the #30 ranked course in the state.

 

The forecast for Incline Village this morning looks a little better than originally expected. Might be a balmy 40 degrees at 9 am. Maybe there's a chance that there won't be a frost delay.

 

you will more than likely have the entire KK course to yourself.  wind will have picked up so half the holes will me much longer and half will much shorter.  haleakala is worth the trip but it does take a while to get to the summit.  

[Argonne69]

Beautiful morning. Glad I didn't skip Truckee/Tahoe. Luckily there was no frost delay. Temperature was 40 degrees when I teed off, but the brilliant sunshine and light winds felt great. Perfect day to walk 18. The winds did pick up quite a bit on the back, but by then it was in the low 50s. Got out in the first group, and made it around in 3:25. 

 

Incline Village Championship course today. Special round celebrating my 700th round of the journey. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. design routes through a housing development, but the homes are generally unobtrusive. Not a lot of elevation Beautiful morning. Glad I didn't skip Truckee/Tahoe. Luckily there was no frost delay. Temperature was 40 degrees when I teed off, but the brilliant sunshine and light winds felt great. Perfect day to walk 18. The winds did pick up quite a bit on the back, but by then it was in the low 50s. Got out in the first group, and made it around in 3:25. 

 

Incline Village Championship course today. Special round celebrating my 700th round of the journey. The course ranks T6 on GolfWeek's best in state list. That's a real stretch. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. design routes through a housing development, but the homes are generally unobtrusive. Not a lot of elevation change on the parkland layout holes are nicely framed by large pine trees. Bunkering was excellent. Nice to have to think about them on the teebox and approaches. Water in play on 8 holes, but most were small creeks crossing the fairway. Eleven holes with left/right movement, including two doglegs. Nice to once again play a course that rewards working the ball both ways. 

 

Moderately difficult off the tee. Only one short forced carry, but the bunkering was typically in your head, and a few teeboxes were pinched by the trees. Also, several fairways were sloped, so landing in the fairway was no guarantee that you'd stay there. Minor misses would catch the generous rough. Big misses were a big no-no, as the housing presented plenty of OB. There were a handful of holes with adjacent fairways, but the dense trees would present a real test. Approaches were also tough. Seemed like I was always staring at a front bunker. RTJ for sure. Greens had a good amount of contouring and slope. Even when they looked flat, they broke towards Lake Tahoe. Throw in speeds of 11 or more, and it was a real test putting. Up and downs were also difficult. In addition to the tough greens, plenty of uneven lies and short siding opportunities around the greens. 

 

Par 3s weren't spectacular, but they were solid. Three had water in play. Could use a long and short one. Par 5s were a bit of a letdown. Three were reachable, but only the 11th with a creek in front of the green provided any risk. The two short 4s were meh. 

 

Conditions were pretty good. Fairways on the front were very nice, but the back half had been aerated. Rough was fine. Bunkers had just enough sand. Would have liked another half inch. Greens were excellent. Firm, smooth, and fast. Speed was at least 11. 

 

Played the Blue/White combo at 6278 yds (70.2/131). Another solid day ballstriking, but putting was hit or miss. Lags were tough on the speedy greens. Two birdies, four bogies, and a double. Shot of the day was the teeshot on the par 3 14th. Nice high draw with a 7 iron that landed short of the hole and buzzed the cup. Highlight of the day was playing my 700th round of the trip in two weeks shy of three years. 

 

7 cows here. Reminded me of the RTJ Trail courses. They don't blow you away visually, but they'll still kick you in the backside with the bunkering and greens. The biggest difference versus the Trail courses is that this one is 3 times the price. Would like to see a long and short par 3, and tougher short 4s. Walking allowed, but no walking rate. The $185 weekend rate was simply goofy. Go play one of the Trail courses for $60. Very nice looking course, and very challenging, especially if you're not a straight hitter, but it's not worth the price, and it's definitely not the 6th best course in Nevada. Worth a one time play, but not a must play. 

 

[Argonne69]

Incline Village Championship Course, Incline Village, NV 

 

 

 

Tunnel Vision 

 

 

 

Tunnel Vision II 

 

 

Etc, etc, etc 

 

 

 

Gulp 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9hlk0yemghci68h0hglbl/AOnP5g58rlT04KTmT_WrMTw?rlkey=s8npu8upvvj72a1srinoh7rfp&st=0bmr5daa&dl=0

 

[Argonne69]

36 minutes ago, tw422 said:

you will more than likely have the entire KK course to yourself.  wind will have picked up so half the holes will me much longer and half will much shorter.  haleakala is worth the trip but it does take a while to get to the summit.  

 

I drove up to Haleakla to watch the sunrise on my first trip to Maui in 1994. Fantastic views, but not sure I'll have the time on this trip. Might take the drive on the first full day after my early morning round at Kapalua Plantation. I'll likely be changing hotels that day, so spending the afternoon visiting the crater would be a great detour. 

 

[StoutKing]

22 hours ago, Mullenboy said:

There is literally NO golf if you drive down I-5.  It's the fastest way by far to get from San Jose to LA, but there are literally no golf courses on the way, until you get quite close to LA.  I have made that drive countless times.

 

So yes, do 101, exactly as you say.  Paso Robles CC might also be worth seeing.  Perhaps Cypress Ridge in Arroyo Grande.  La Purisima again for sure as has been said.  No San Juan Oaks as has been said (totally agree). 

 

There are a few great privates... IM me if you want help with some.

 

 

@Argonne69  Definitely reach out to Mullenboy.  It will be worth your while.

[Argonne69]

Donner Creek Brewing today. Small brewery with a limited selection of a dozen taps. It looked like they had several imperial stouts in cans, but unfortunately they were crowlers, and they I wasn't quite up to 32 ounces of high ABV goodness. Lol. Settled for a Feel the Glugs saison. 

 

 

 

At this time my shotgun start round at Gray's Crossing is scheduled for 11 am. Gotta give them a call to see if they might move it up if the temperature allows. If not I'll probably head west early in the morning to Donner Pass for a few pics before heading to the course. 

 

[CDLgolf]

Out of the 700 courses you have played what has been your favorite ?

[StoutKing]

Can't recall what you've played on the central coast.  Mullenboy probably already covered what's worth playing.  What I've played (outside of Monterey) that's worth it is: Hunter Ranch, Morro Bay, La Purisima, Sandpiper, Soule..and now that you're nearing SoCal Olivas and Rustic.  But Mullenboy will have something better than all of these.