City: Clio, CA

Category: Golf

Telephone: (530) 836-0394, (800) 332-4295

Address: 768 Whitehawk Drive

Description: Resting against the eastern slope of the Sierra in the Mohawk Valley, this championship course is located in the middle of a housing development. But don’t panic: The development only has 200 homes, and the developers have maintained the rustic, rural charm of the mountain atmosphere. They hired Dick Bailey to design the course (a first for this architect), and he did such a good job that the California Golf Writers’ Association awarded White-hawk its 1997 Environmental Award for protecting the environment while furthering the game of golf. The course was built in 1996 and includes plenty of pines, water, and 45 acres of native grasses and wildflowers bordering the fairways. Some people think this course is on even par with the prestigious Edgewood at South Shore Lake Tahoe. The course has four signature holes, but the prettiest may be the 10th, which has a magnificent view of the Mohawk Valley. Most of the holes have streamlined fairways and multitiered greens. The course is well maintained, and once again the views will almost make you forget your golf game. Don’t come here unless you like a challenge. The Northern California Golf Association added White-hawk to its championship rotation, which includes such renowned courses as Pebble Beach, Spyglass, and the Olympic Club. Yardage: 6,422 Par: 71 USGA rating: 70.2 Slope: 122 Greens fees: $85 to $140 Reservations: 6 months in advance