LAKE ALMANOR WEST GOLF COURSE--- A gorgeous setting that awaits your arrival.

By Richard Barlupi

Photography by Ray Nadeau

Have you ever wished you could find a golf course that was as challenging as it was beautiful, yet playable to all of your abilities? If so, then this course will interest you. My guess is that first-time visitors to L.A.W. will say “WOW” many times during their round. The level of course maintenance is impressive; it’s in top-notch condition from day one of the season. You will get the rare treat of walking down the lush fairways within sight of snow-capped Lassen Peak. It’s everything you’ve imagined but haven’t quite been able to find. Until now!

“It’s one of the best kept secrets in Northern California,” says Aaron Baker, Director of Golf and Pro Shop Manager. “Once you’ve played this wonderful course, you’ll be back many times.” L.A.W. is a 9-hole regulation length golf course with an “open to public” guest policy. From the longest tees it offers 3,174 yards of golf for a par of 36. The course ratings are 69.7 men and 69.0 women. Amenities include a driving range, putting green, pull carts, rental clubs and a chipping area with its own sand trap and practice green. Above the pro shop there’s a restaurant with dining on the upper deck patio offering panoramic views of the 9th green and 1st tee.

I accidentally found this course 25 years ago and continue to come back every summer and fall while vacationing at Lake Almanor. I discovered during my first round that the accurate approach is critical off the tee. So, make time at the driving range before teeing it up. Birdies will reward your straight tee shots and bogies will be your partner all day long if the driver is erratic. Keep it tight with your driver or prepare to make friends with the tree gods. If you have trouble remembering this tip, cut this out and tape it to the top of your driver: DO NOT GRIP IT AND RIP IT.

Not everyone must stick to a strict golf budget while on vacation and sacrifice golfing magnificence. Check out some of their terrific values that will entice you to fall in love with mountain golf at L.A.W. Golf, cart, breakfast or lunch: Monday – Thursday $32 for 9 holes/$42 for 18 and Friday – Sunday $35 for 9 holes/$45 for 18. Tuesdays Golf and Cart special will set you back only $30 with unlimited play until 3:30 p.m.

Their golf school provides private and group lessons, video swing analysis and golf clinics. Call 530-816-0713 for appointments and more information. The golf course is located within the beautiful Lake Almanor West Subdivision at 111 Slim Drive, Chester, California. Schedule yourself a tee time at 530-259-4555 and enjoy the impeccable layout and sensational scenery.