by Rick Surlow, Publisher

Whaddaya know? It’s my favorite time of year to play golf. Not that I don’t enjoy playing any time of year, but the fall is really something special.

Here in the Bay Area, fall is when it warms up near the coast, and those pesky winds that sometimes challenge our summertime play seem to die down. The greens have recovered from the summertime aeration and usually roll true. (If only I could always putt as true…Well, if I could, I’d probably be playing golf on tour instead of publishing this fine guidebook.)

In reality, I have no idea what it would be like to make par most of the time, with a smattering of birdies and eagles to break up the monotony. My rounds seem to be filled with bogies, and when my pars outnumber my doubles, I consider it a good round.

As many of you have noticed, there seems to be a few more players on the course with you these days. Finally, the slowdown that has plagued the golf course business these past few years seems to be turning around. This should translate into better course conditions, along with more comrades to play with.

Given the upward trend, it’s worth noting what a drag slow play can be on a quality round of golf. When playing, be sure to agree to play “ready golf.” Keep track of your playing partners’ shots, and help the search-and-rescue effort when those shots have gone astray. And as lovely as it may be out on the golf course, be sure your group spends no more that 15 minutes on any given hole. In fact, traffic circulates much better for everyone when you’re playing at a 10 -12-minute-per hole clip.

Finally, try to remember this: When you’re playing golf and miss a shot, you could be doing something else altogether. But why would you want to?

by Rick Surlow, Publisher

As we wind down another year of publishing NorCal Golf Guide (NCGG), our final offering begins with a look at our cover course: Monterey Pines Golf Course in Monterey.

Down the peninsula, Crystal Springs continues to turn heads, as does Adobe Creek in the southern Sonoma Wine Country. Both these courses play great in the fall and winter months. Also returning to our Guide is the Sonoma Golf Club, where the season-ending Senior Champions Tour stops off at the end of October. With the course having switched to private/resort status, the luxury-laden Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa will now be more attractive than ever to visitors who can soak in the spa and then soak up the history and charm of this classic course.

Finally, we have a directory featuring contact information for many of the golf organizations dedicated to the game. If you don’t know where to find an answer, perhaps our NCGG directory will help.

Here’s to a fabulous fall of golf and good cheer.

by Rick Surlow, Publisher

A funny thing is happening in the golfing world. It’s actually becoming easier to book tee times and then to play without delays.

A couple of factors are in play with this development. One is the increasing number of world class golf courses being built not only in the Bay Area, but all over this golf-mad land. Another is the economic downturn, which has compelled some people to cut back on their recreational budgets. Let us hope the tide soon turns on this latter factor, lest society’s mental health budget skyrockets due to golfers not getting their minimum daily requirement of golf.

The plus side for now is that the opportunities for great golf continue to grow. So come your next off day, here’s to expanding your horizons by inviting a friend, wife, child or anybody with whom you might enjoy sharing the magic and conviviality of golf.

Consider: How many other sports afford you the opportunity to romp around in the exact same setting as the pros? When the golf gods are with you, you can drive and reach the 18th green in two at Pebble Beach, but what prayer do you have to launch a home run into McCovey Cove at Pac Bell Park?

This year, the selection of courses to play has never been better, and golf courses certainly want your business. They also want your feedback.

With the warm weather months ending and golfing opportunities abounding, yes, dear readers, it’s O.K. to play again!

by Rick Surlow, Publisher

For twelve years now, we have been engaged in publishing the definitive directory of golf courses for the area. Personally, I’ve been in the magazine publishing business for over 25 years, and it probably won’t surprise anyone reading this that publishing the Golf Guide is by far the most rewarding venture I’ve undertaken. Perhaps this is in part due to my passion for the game of golf?

You see, my friends do not always consider me the most rational person when it comes to the game I love. Maybe you also have friends who think you a bit dingy in your relationship to the game?

The only time I won’t play is if the course is closed due to foul weather, which around here is quite infrequent. For me to wear long pants, it had better be pretty cold and windy, too. Needless to say, I don’t have to wear long pants very often.

Simply stated, I love the game of golf, in spite of my inconsistent performance. So I’m pleased to report that this issue includes a few new courses to tempt us. As we grow, we intend to feature additional courses – which is where you can help. If you can’t find your favorite courses in this guide, let us know. If you know the contact person for that facility, let us know that too, along with any other features you’d like to see in this publication. The best way is via email: rick@golfguide.org.

Remember, we publish only three times a year, and our goal is to consistently improve and update this resource for you, the golf fanatic. Don’t be shy, and always keep in mind as you gaze out your window at the start of each day: There is no guarantee you’ll be able to play tomorrow when today beckons your game.