GOLF
The Economics of Golf

Lake Chabot, Oakland hills

The economy hits everybody's pocket the sameÉ stocks go down, investments are lost and as a result we have less disposable income. It doesn't have to hurt so much if you really love the game of golf and the challenge of swinging the club. Depending on where you are in the Bay Area counties, there are nine-hole courses there just for the playing. If it's been a while since you checked out the executive-style courses in your area, just let your fingers do the work for you on the Internet or in the phone book. You'll be surprised how affordable the game can be, and the sunshine's the same.

I've checked out a few in the immediate East Bay area where I live, and I've been surprised at how affordable an afternoon or morning of nine holes can be. So this list is for the casual golfer, because if you're more than a casual golfer, the economy be darned, you're going to play 18 anyway.

My very favorite, of course, is the Marina Executive at the Monarch Bay course in San Leandro. Completely redirected and rebuilt in 1999, this small course presents its own challenges with water, sand and distance. It sometimes gets overlooked because of the spectacular views and beauty of the Tony Lema 18-hole links-style course just across the street. You'll also enjoy the Monarch Bay Butterfly Sanctuary, other birdlife and sunshine awaiting the daily golfers. This par-30 layout boasts of three par-4s and six par-3s, with "just the right amount of forgiveness for beginners and short-game challenge for veterans." Here's the good part: it is exceedingly modest for location and size at rates starting at $11 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. It's the perfect size for walking and allows time for communing with nature while improving and practicing your stroke play. Just walk right up and play after a short wait, or for tee times, call (510) 895-2162.

The best kept secret of the Oakland hills just happens to be a little walk-on nine-hole, 3-par course at Lake Chabot Golf Course. It's just west of the clubhouse, features breathtaking views from the top of the hill, takes a good two hours to play and walk, and costs exactly $1 per hole! Now that's a secret I could keep but I'd rather share with you. If you've never had the opportunity to play this little course, You'll be amazed at how much fun you can have for so little money. No tee reservations required. (510) 351-5812

Then there are nine-hole stand-alone courses, which are always affordable and easily accessible, but probably require a tee time. I have posted some information here for you. Be sure to ask for any specials offered.

Mission Hills of Hayward Golf Course

Price ranges from $12 to $20, depending on age, day and time of play. 275 Industrial Parkway, Hayward, (510) 888-0200 Buchanan Fields Golf Course Walkable, well-maintained flat course with creek and mature trees. Price range $9-$15, depending on age, day and time of play. 1091 Concord Avenue, Concord, (925) 682-1846

Pleasanton Fairways Golf Course

For golf in the morning at an absolutely charming place for practice, with elevated tees but frankly a flat course, with some water in play, try this fun-packed par-30, nine-holes of golf, which has a racetrack completely surrounding it. I'm told the horses run the track every morning which should, of course, add a slight challenge to your game! From $9 to $18, range of fees depending on age, day and time of play. At the Racetrack Oval of the Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, (925) 462-4653.

And finally I wanted to tell you about another little secret at the Chuck Corrica Golf Course in Alameda Ñ and when I decided to check on it, I discovered it's no longer there for us. But what I did discover is that you can have their latest deal on the front nine of the Jack Clark course under what they call their Family Special. Here's what you can have almost any day of the week after 2 p.m.: Nine holes of golf for two adults and two juniors, including carts, for $50. Now that's what I'd call the deal of the month.

Enjoy these great specialized nine-hole courses and remember that you can request nine-hole play at any golf course of your choosing, and it's generally very affordable. Let's not allow the golf courses go to seed before we realize we need to do our part!

"It's good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling."
—Mark Twain