LAKE OF THE PINES CC

The rolling Sierra Nevada foothills create natural amphitheaters for golf here, where elevation changes of 200 feet reward long hitters while punishing wayward approaches into granite-backed ravines. Water comes into play on seven holes, but it's the towering ponderosa pines that frame nearly every shot and turn this into a target golf experience that demands precision over power. The greens run true on bent grass surfaces that hold approach shots beautifully, making this one of the best public values in Northern California's gold country.