On vacation in the Bay Area and will play there next weekend. Meadows-Vineyards in the morning Anyone play there recently? What is the condition of the course(s)? Is driver necessary on par 5's? I carry my 2HB around 230, so if I don't need the driver, may just bring 2HB or 3W, which I hit farther than my driver. Thanks, in advance.

Chardonnay is a nice 27 hole layout which fits right into the landscape. I would say the Vineyards 9 is the more manicured side. Meadows starts out with a longish dogleg left. I hit driver on that one. Yes - do bring the driver for this course. If you're into a replay, you may want to try the Lakes 9 with the Vineyards 9. Lakes has the best views of the area on No 1 and No 8.

Adjacent to the Chardonnay 27 is the Eagle Vines 18. Eagle Vines is comprised of 10 holes from the old Shakespear course of the Chardonnay Club. Eagle Vines is more plush than Chardonnay - also a nice course.

Also in close proximity is Hiddenbrook in Vallejo. A very nice 18 which hosted the LPGA Tour. I'd recomend this course for early morning play as the afternoon winds can make this a not so memorable finish. My Avetar is Hiddenbrook No 15 Par 3 looking back at the elevated Tee Box - I was inside!

For some nice history you may also want to try Mare Island Golf Club on Vallejo's former Mare Island Navy Base. The original 9 hole course was established in 1892 with another 9 holes added in the mid 1990's. This is a very nice combination of holes which I enjoy on a regular basis.

Blue Rock Springs is a nice 36 hole set of municipal courses in fairly good shape and inexpensive.

Hope you enjoy your visit to the North Bay!

Valveman,
Thanks for your thorough assessment. I'm planning on playing Meadows/Vineyards and Lakes/Meadows. Looking forward to it.

Chardonnay is quite nice and a really good value. There are some great par-3s with greens surrounded by the vineyard. Do bring the driver, for sure but it is a nice, fun, fair test of golf.

Thanks, soupandtea.