LA RINCONADA COUNTRY CLUB

The rolling foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for this South Bay gem, where elevation changes of up to 200 feet create natural amphitheaters around several greens. Designer William Bell's routing takes full advantage of the terrain, particularly on the downhill par-3 12th that drops nearly 150 feet to a green guarded by ancient oaks. What separates this track from other Bay Area mountain courses is the clever use of natural water features and the way afternoon shadows create strategic challenges that change throughout your round.