May 2019
www.nwgolfadventures.com
PLACES TO PLAY
Coronado
Coronado, CA
Few things in life compare to a round of golf on a warm, oceanside course. That’s the experience the City of Coronado - just outside of San Diego - has been offering golfers on a regular basis since 1957. The course is a quick drive over the 2.1-mile long Coronado Bay Bridge, a fixture that serves as the backdrop to several holes during your round. It has the laid-back feel of Southern California, but brims with civic pride as the residents of Coronado bike and run along the trails surrounding the course. Coronado’s pro shop is well-stocked with everything you might have forgotten to pack for your trip. The driving range is perfect for a day of practice or a quick warm-up before a round. Once on the course, golfers are treated to near perfect conditions. The wide fairways are lush, and smallish greens are smooth and fast. Early on, players get a taste of what awaits them at the end of their round. A few shots along the water give way to a string of holes that double back to the surrounding neighborhoods enroute to a bayside finish.
Brian Smock, Coronado’s head professional, said his favorite hole has always been the par-four 16th. Measuring between 313- and 370-yards. The first of three waterside finishing holes, the 16th treats players to views of the hotel, yacht club, and the bay. Those brave enough to cut the water-protected dogleg will have a short shot into the green and a great chance at a birdie. Coronado, for both residents and guests, has always been considered a great value. Smock said that’s what players comment the most about after a round. That sentiment, he added, has been backed up with top ratings from Golf Digest for being one of the best golf values in the country. If you’re visiting San Diego, there’s no good excuse for skipping a round at Coronado.
Liberty Lake Liberty Lake Golf Course is an 18-hole newly remodeled championship public golf course located in beautiful Liberty Lake, Washington (18 miles east of Downtown Spokane). Redesigned in 2008 by Rick Phelps and opened in 2010, the $6 million renovated facility boasts a 6607-yard par-70 layout and is a fun challenge for all skill levels. Players will enjoy white sand bunkers, large greens, and water as they experience a marvelous new golfing creation. Liberty Lake features a variety of tests that range from long par fours to scoreable par fives. Water and bunkers come into play on nearly every hole. An excellent example of everything Liberty Lake has to offer are the sixth and seventh holes.
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Spokane, WA The sixth, a slight dogleg left par four begs for a drive down the right side of the fairway. The second shot is difficult because of a deep greenside bunker that’s fortified by water for shots pushed way right. Get through that hole and you’ll face a medium length par three with water all down the right side. Tee shots must find the correct spot on the three-tiered green. Liberty Lake utilizes a grass tee driving range with targets and yardage indicators. Separate chipping and putting areas allow players to hone their short game skills. After playing your round, enjoy great food and your favorite beverages in their wonderfully remodeled clubhouse facility. This is truly a hidden Northwest gem.
