SPRING CREEK GCC

The Central Valley's rolling terrain creates natural elevation changes that architect Bob Baldock exploited brilliantly in this 1960s design, where mature oak trees frame doglegs that demand both distance and precision. Water comes into play on six holes, including a memorable par-3 island green that separates the weekend hackers from the stick wielders. The greens run true and fast, rewarding aggressive approaches while punishing anything short of commitment in this surprisingly challenging test of California public golf.