With a sparkling
Mediterranean climate that proved ideal for growing grapes, it didn’t take long for the Napa and Sonoma areas to become known for much more than its viticulture. While the area’s golf courses take a back seat to its international wine reputation, there are some terrific public-access options at surprisingly good prices, given the area’s well-heeled nature. When combined with superb restaurants and accommodations, you have a world-class travel destination in just about every Northern Californian’s backyard.
Eagle Vines is a relatively new
offering combining original Johnny Miller-designed holes with some of the best from the adjacent Club Shake- speare that used to be part of Chardon- nay GC. Routed through 27 acres of working vineyards, the course is fun to play, exemplified by the island-green sixth and the downhill seventh holes sure to have you reaching for a camera. Next door to Eagle Vines, Chardon- nay GC’s six par 5s, six par 4s and six par 3s dance between Chardonnay and Merlot vineyards and feature numerous lake and creek crossings. The par-3 fifth is indicative of the inventive routing boasting a downhill tee shot to a narrow, tri-level green framed by a mountain backdrop. Chardonnay is part of the NCGA member advantage program,
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offering NCGA members VIP days and special packages throughout the week. Also part of the program is Napa GC at Kennedy Park, the closest course to the town of Napa. The $48 rack rate on weekends is a great value. Further up the valley lies Vintners Golf Course in Yountville, a compelling nine-hole layout with a $40 weekend rate for two laps around a course with terrific greens and shot values. Johnny Miller factored heavily in the renovation of the North Course at historic Silverado Resort and Spa. The golf great cleared trees for better vistas and added new tees, fairway grasses and installed renovated bunkers for a more wide open and player-friendly track.
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PHOTO: WINE TRAIN
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