Today, all along Highway 49, boomtowns with frontier storefronts and raised wooden sidewalks are thriving once again in Gold Country. Among the many factors are a surge in family-owned wineries and the arrival of two superior golf courses. In the heart of our journey is the town of Angels Camp, home to three of the four traffic signals in Calaveras County. It was here in the 1860s that Mark Twain gathered material for “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” the short story that brought him to prominence. The Jumping Frog Jubilee is still held here every May, but golfers are more likely to honor Twain by enjoying a round of golf at nearby Greenhorn Creek, where a bronze statue of the writer sits outside the clubhouse or engulfing yourself in the splendor of the Saddle Creek golf course.So, that is just what we will set out to do. Since 2015 is the golf groups ten year anniversary, we will have two outings this year. A nearby jaunt to Gold Country in the Spring and another outing in the fall (Coeur D’Alene, ID). Sunday will be a round of golf at Greenhorn Creek, followed by a second round of golf on Monday at the Saddle Creek Golf Resort

Golf Date: Sunday – April 19, 2015 Monday – April 20, 2015Place: Greenhorn Creek Golf Course Saddle Creek Golf ClubFirst Tee Time: 9:30 AM 10:00 AM

In the late 1990s and early 2000s the site of the Gold Rush enjoyed a Golf Rush. With the unspoiled Sierra Nevada foothills to build upon, many of the top designers made claim to the Gold Country with a variety of interesting courses. Today, the Great Golf Rush of new courses is over, but the good news for golfers is that they will be enjoying these spectacular tracts for decades to come.

Opened in 1996 and tweaked by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 2000, the Greenhorn Creek Golf Course offers a stroll along sloping fairways adorned with exposed slate and burbling streams. The highlight is the plunging par-three thirteenth, with its view of the surrounding foothills and of New Melones Lake. Twain’s famous golf quip is frequently brought to mind by the course’s surprisingly slick greens and the ancient oaks at every dogleg. As a bonus for the scholar-golfer, Greenhorn Creek’s fairways are lined with local history. A rock wall built by Chinese miners splits the landing area of the downhill fourth, and a mining-camp oven borders the fairway of the par-four fifth. The short, sharp dogleg twelfth plays to a green positioned atop the Tuff Nut Mine, one of several shafts that honeycomb the earth below Angels Camp. If there’s a quintessential round to be played in Gold Country, this would be it.

The second course on our agenda is the Saddle Creek Resort in the town of Copperopolis, just west of Angels Camp on Highway 4. Saddle Creek is a 1996 Carter Morrish golf course that’s consistently ranked as one of the state’s Top 20 —even ahead of Aviara, Indian Wells and Half Moon Bay,http://www.golf.com/courses-and-travel/best-public-golf-courses-california-2012but is virtually unknown outside the region. The layout stretches to 6,826 yards, and though the fairways are generous, more than a hundred white sand bunkers with shaggy fescue frame them tightly. The golf course is a twelve-mile roller-coaster ride, wherein flat lies are in short supply among the close-cropped humps and hillocks.The surrounding homes rarely interfere with views, and the seclusion is enhanced by a layout where no two holes run parallel. Stands of oak and meadow grass cloak the hillsides near and far, and egrets poise along the banks of silvery ponds fringed with reeds. Dusk unfurls shadows across the rolling terrain and fills the air with golden light.

Gold Country, CA

This is our first attempt to have two outings in the same year so I decided to pick a location for the first outing that would be fairly close by in the California’s Central Valley on the doorstep to Gold Country’s foothills. The outing will be located in the Angels Camp area and is only about a two hour drive from the Bay Area. Therefore, there are multiple options to choose from. You may opt to drive out on Saturday and enjoy a day of leisure, wine tasting and sightseeing or maybe you decide to save a little money and drive up early Sunday morning. Our tee time Sunday will be a little later than usual (at 11:00 AM) to accommodate the folks driving up that morning. Either way we will play a round of golf at Greenhorn Creek, spend Sunday night followed by a round of golf on Monday morning at Saddle Creek. Monday evening will be another decision. You can relax Monday evening, join us for dinner and spend one more night lodging in the area or drive back Monday evening after your round of golf so as to save on cost and preserve your vacation days. You pick…you make the lodging reservations.

This year as in the past, group dinners are planned. I have selected two options, The first dinner social will be at Camps Restaurant at Greenhorn Creek on Sunday evening with the second night’s dinner being held at Crusco’s Italian Ristorante in downtown Angels Camp on Monday evening.

If you have any questions, feel free to inquire,Lad MeairsEmail: meairs2@comcast.net (home) or laddin.d.meairs@lmco.com (work)Phones: (925) 978-0170 (home) – (925) 829-8615 ext 330 (work) – (925) 813-2465 (cell)

If you are playing both courses, the total will be $165.00 Mail checks to: Lad Meairs

1254 Mokelumne Court Antioch, CA 94531

Saddle Creek Golf Resort1001 Saddle Creek DriveCopperopolis, CA 95228Phone: (209) 785-7400

Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort711 McCauley Ranch Rd

Angels Camp, CA 95222-9562

Phone: (209) 736-8111

Place: Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort Date: Sunday – April 19, 2015

Course: Greenhorn Creek Golf Course Tee Time: 11:00 AM (first group)Location: Angels Camp, CA Price $80.00

Website:

Robert Trent Jones II and Mother Nature have teamed up to create one of Northern California's finest golf experiences. Meandering effortlessly through the stunning Sierra Nevada foothills, you'll discover 18 holes of championship golf with 5 sets of tees ranging from 4,882 to 6,749 yards that make Greenhorn Creek Resort both challenging and enjoyable. The course rating is 72.8 and it has a slope rating of 132. Featuring a championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Greenhorn Creek Resort has proven its commitment to excellence in the Sierra Nevada Gold County. This 18-hole championship course is best described as pristine and playable. Its distinguishing characteristics include the rolling, oak-studded Sierra foothills, meandering streams, rock outcroppings and the beauty of the surrounding area. What puts Greenhorn Creek in the same category as courses of classic design is the natural lay of the land . Travelers staying at this northern California golf resort have multiple accommodation options, including condo villas with one and two bedroom units. There are also The Cottages at Greenhorn, which come with one or two bedrooms and come replete with all the modern amenities. Enticing cuisine is also available at Greenhorn Creek Resort, including the enjoyable atmosphere at CAMPS, where you'll find live music in the evenings,However, it's on the golf course where Greenhorn Creek truly shines as Jones has put together a golf course that is both at one with the spectacular natural surroundings, as well as true to his legendary design style. Called "The quintessential round to play in Gold Country" by Golf Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2008, this is a course that will both challenge a golfer's game while dazzling their eyes with the spectacular views. Five sets of tees give all level of golfer the opportunity to thrive on this much-honored course. So if you make the trek up to gold country and want a fine course to challenge your game, this is it. For those looking to work on their game, Greenhorn's Golf Academy is available for private lessons and more. Note: The golf carts come equipped with a GPS in them and soft spikes are required.

http://www.greenhorncreek.com/golf/proto/greenhorncreek/

Website:

Place: Saddle Creek Resort Date: Monday–April 20, 2015

Course: Saddle Creek Golf Club Tee Time: 9:30 AM (first group)Location: Copperopolis, CA Price $85.00

http://www.saddlecreek.com/

Rolling through the foothills, our 18-Hole championship course was designed by Carter Morrish and opened in 1996. This scenic and challenging course features both gentle and dramatic changes in elevation. Breathtaking views are just part of the experience, including dramatic views of the Sierras, Yosemite and a plentiful variety of wildlife. Natural lakes, streams and grasses frame each hole with flashed bleach white bunkers to excite your every shot.Stretching just over 6,800 yards from the black tees, the championship tees have a slope rating of 137. The men’s tees measure 6,044 yards with a gentle slope rating of 122 and the ladies’ tees measure 4,486 yards with a slope rating of 117.Since opening, the course has received numerous awards, including recognition as the 8th best public access course in the state of California by Golf Week Magazine in 2006. In 1997, Golf Digest voted Saddle Creek the 7th Best New upscale golf course in the U.S. Golf Digest has also rated Saddle Creek four and a half stars. Only Pebble Beach is rated higher in California with five stars. It is nice to be in such prestigious company. The Saddle Creek course is nicely laid out across the rolling foothill topography and thus the majority of the course plays according to the undulations, only one or two holes might be coined as being flat. The course plays on the narrower side with water in play on six holes. Spectacular scenery can be witnessed on every hole and they are well guarded as there are more than 90 traditional sand bunkers throughout the course. Additionally, there are numerous environmental OB areas in conjunction with the surrounding foothill grasslands and fairways lined by oak trees. There are no parallel fairways. Conditions of the course are excellent and well managed. The tee boxes are all level and the fairways are in great shape. Even the sand traps are in outstanding condition with powder white texture and quality. The greens were real fast, but your ball will roll very true.

The Radisson Fort McDowell Resort is adjacent to Fort McDowell Casino. Try your luck at live keno, live bingo, card games and slot machines. We feature no-limit poker tournaments each day.

Guests may choose to stay at a number of accommodations within the Resort, including the Resort at Greenhorn Creek—condo villas with one and two bedroom units conveniently located adjacent to Greenhorn Creek Resort. Nightly accommodations are available. These attractive villas are available in one and two bedroom units, with kitchens, and possible sleeping capacities of up to 6 persons. The Resort at Greenhorn Creek is located just a half mile down the road from the clubhouse and paired with convenient access to swimming, tennis and a workout room; these villas are the perfect getaway! For reservations, call 209-729-8111, toll free 888-736-5900

Resort at Greenhorn Creek Villas

711 McCauley Ranch Rd.Angels Camp, CA 95222Phone: (888) 736-5900

Website:

Both the Greenhorn Creek Resort and Saddle Creek Resort offer either Villas or Bugalows should you like to stay near the golf courses. Additionally, there are other hotels in nearby Angels Camp and Murphys should you prefer those options (see next page). Here is some info on the two resorts:

Saddle Creek Resort – Lodge Bungalows

1001 Saddle Creek DriveCopperopolis, CA 95228Phone: (800) 611-7722

or (209) 785-7415

http://www.saddlecreek.com/lodging.htmlWebsite:

http://www.greenhorncreek.com/golf/proto/greenhorncreek/

The many pleasures of the Sierra Foothills and Saddle Creek Resort are enhanced by a soothing and relaxing stay in the comfort of the Lodge Bungalows, located just a short walk from the Saddle Creek Lodge. Each Bungalow offers a master suite with its own bathroom, and a second bedroom and bathroom. The Bungalows have a welcoming sense of spaciousness with lofted ceilings, fireplace and fully-equipped kitchens. French doors open to the patio offering spectacular views of the golf course and surrounding foothills. These finely appointed Bungalows will immediately give you the feeling of comfort that our guests now refer to as the “mystique” of Saddle Creek Resort.The Saddle Creek Resort Lodge features a professional golf shop and a large guest lounge with two separate fireplace studies. The Copper Grille Restaurant, one of the premier culinary destinations of Calaveras County, overlooks the picturesque 9th green and serves delicious dishes with selected wine treasures from throughout Calaveras, Sonoma and Napa counties. Room service is available daily. Guests at the resort may also choose the convenience of an on-site massage at our nearby Sports Club or relax with a body massage in the privacy of your bungalow. http://saddlecreek.com/pdf/bungalow_floorplan.pdf For more information contact our Lodge Bungalow Reservationist: 800-611-7722 or 209-785-7415

Here is a sampling of the Hotels in the Angel’s Camp and Murphys area (during the dates of April 18, 2015 – April 20, 2015). This data was collected off the Travelocity site. Rate is an average for the three nights (Saturday will obviously be more expensive, with Sunday and Monday being cheaper)

Inn at Eagle Mountain – Fountain Hills

Hotels in the Angels Camp & Murphys area

Hotel Rating Rate (Avg per night)

Angels CampCooper House Bed & Breakfast Inn *** $150Best Western Plus – Cedar Inn & Suites *** $120Angels Inn Motel ** $ 85Gold Country Inn ** $ 80Travelodge Angels Camp ** $ 75

MurphysDunbar House – Bed & Breakfast **** $225Victorian Inn **** $130Murphys Suites *** $130Murphys Historic Hotel *** $ 90Murphys Inn Motel *** $ 80

Sunday Evening – Dinner Social – April 19, 2015

Monday Evening – Dinner Social - September 20, 2015

A handsome restaurant highlighting regional produce, wines, hand-cut meats and steaks, fresh fish and hand-tossed salads; proudly serving local, ranch-raised, corn-fed USDA Calaveras County beef burgers and farm-fresh local eggs! A regional destination with a vivacious bar, impressive number of local wines, eleven beers on tap and great cocktails. With a variety of fresh, local ingredients and fabulous live music and dancing on the weekends, CAMPS, the restaurant at Greenhorn Creek, reigns as one on the finest in the region. The restaurant is located in the clubhouse of the country club with nice views

Walk in to Crusco's on the main street of Old town Angels Camp and the first thing you see is sign, "this is fine dining, not fast food wait to be seated". Then you are greeted like a family member returning home after a long time away. The atmosphere is very nice and you are encouraged to take your time, as you should. The owners Gilbert and Celeste Lusher and their family, daughters, and son-in-laws take excellent care of you from their service to their food. The menu is varied and a wine list that is excellent. Crusco's Ristorante is located in the historic downtown district of Angels Camp.  

Crusco's Italian RistoranteAngels Camp

1240 S Main St Angels Camp, CA 95222 Phone: (209) 736-1440

711 McCauley Ranch RdAngels Camp, CA 95222

Phone: (209) 736-8111

http://cruscos.com/index.html

http://www.campsrestaurant.com/

A family owned and operated Italian restaurant showing great pride and attention to detail in the food, service and ambiance."Just about everything here is made from scratch. If we don't make it on the premises, it probably came from one of our local organic farms or artisan vendors.“ They have a wide variety of regional dishes from pasta to polenta, steaks, veal, chicken & seafood, some vegetarian items as well as weekly and seasonal featured specials

and great service. In fact, the staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. You will find a good selection on the menu from steaks, lamb, veal, fish and chicken with marvelous salads and soups as well as appetizers. You will be pleased with both the food and the presentation.

Attractions and Sightseeing in the Area

California’s Gold Country is home to a variety of lodging options, award-winning wineries, excellent restaurants, antique shops and art galleries. There are magnificent views to enjoy and photograph in the Northern California national forests and state parks, exciting whitewater rafting, pristine lakes for fishing, vast forest regions for hiking, challenging bike and ski trails, wildlife to watch, caves to explore and, of course, streams in which to pan for gold. Calaveras County is home to Mark Twain and the famous Jumping Frog Jubilee. Visit historic gold rush towns, world class wineries, and the scenic beauty of Northern California. With the towns of Angels Camp, Arnold, Bear Valley, Copperopolis and Murphy’s, you will be sure to find the ideal adventure. Calaveras County offers historic gold rush towns including the entertaining 1850s town of Columbia, award winning vineyards, micro-breweries and pubs, art galleries, antique shops and museums. Visitors are offered the opportunity to learn how to pan for gold or explore the natural limestone and crystalline caverns that are open to the public in Calaveras County.

Caverns (Mercer & Moaning)

Rappelling and zip lines at Moaning Caverns

Wineries and wine tasting

Museums

Shopping

Towns

Copperopolis

Murphys

Angels Camp

http://www.collinsdevelopment.com/activities/wineries.php

http://www.gocalaveras.com/directory/wineries-breweries/

http://www.collinsdevelopment.com/activities/caverns.php

http://www.caverntours.com/MC_zip_line.htm

http://www.caverntours.com/MoCavRt.htm#MCrap

http://www.collinsdevelopment.com/activities/museums.php

http://www.collinsdevelopment.com/activities/shopping.php

http://www.tripadvisor.com/AllLocations-g32245-c2-Attractions-Copperopolis_California.html

http://visitmurphys.com/attractions.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g29094-Activities-Angels_Camp_California.html