Imagine a cool, crisp spring morning. The sun is peeking through white majestic clouds suspended over the San Joaquin Valley. Tule fog rides the breezes through silent vineyards, peacefully gliding onto emerald green fairways. Just as the fairway grass is reaching out I send my tee shot down the first fairway of Lockeford Springs Golf Course. This course quenched my thirst like a fine wine. Every shot was a pure joy and the last putt on the signature eighteenth hole arrived too soon.

Enjoying its second decade of outstanding service, Lockeford Springs has undergone some wonderful changes. I have been playing the course since 1995 when it was a nine-hole tract. It was in its infancy and awaiting the addition of the back nine. Since then the course has matured into one of the finest championship, links style courses in Northern California. Located just off Highway 88 in the heart of the Lodi Wine Country, it stretches 6,861 yards from the tips.

The course offers a wide variety of tees; the course design provides an enjoyable round of golf for the novice as well as the skilled veteran. The guest at Lockeford Springs will find a warm, friendly atmosphere. "We want our guests to leave here in a good mood, accompanied with a smile on their face.” added Casey Haynes, General Manager.

From the General Manager to the Course Superintendent Adan Batista, the name of the game is service. This is evidenced by the fleet of electric carts that feature a Global Positioning System. During a tournament you can keep track of the other players and their scores. It also serves as a friendly reminder by keeping track of your time in relation to other groups on the course. I believe the GPS speeds up play because it takes the guesswork out of figuring yardage. Just pull up to the ball, glance at the computer screen in the cart, and bingo, there is your distance to the pin. It also provides yardage to the front and back of the greens, and the distance to avoid course hazards. In addition, the GPS System doesn't expect a tip at the end of the round, and it will total up your score for you!

The GPS control center originates from the clubhouse, which has become famous for its modern, sophisticated, sporty image. This look features flat screen televisions, bringing Direct TV's NFL Sunday Ticket, The Golf Channel and Major League Baseball to its guests. It also contains a full bar and grill where you can enjoy delicious food and refreshing beverages.

An enclosed patio is available for weddings and special events. The pro shop underwent a complete renovation a couple years ago sporting a new decor. The Pro Shop features brand name equipment and apparel for the well-dressed player. The practice facilities at this public facility are the most complete and finest in the area. The12,000 square foot practice green prepares one for the rigors of uneven lies, undulating greens and hidden water hazards lurking on the course. The 330-yard driving range fronted by a 150-yard wide grass tee insists you warm up before taking on the challenge of the course. Teaching Professional, Perry Manley is available for private and group lessons. Perry is well thought of in the golfing community and I have never seen a swing he couldn't improve on!

Lori Satterfield is the Marketing Director and Tournament/Special Events Coordinator. "We are fully focused on tournaments," indicated Lori. "We love it, it is good business for us and really helps with important charities, but don't worry there is still plenty of room for individual rounds. We also encourage team competition such as Linden High School. They use our facilities to practice and host matches against other schools in the Mother Lode league. Not only are these young men and women future customers, but they will carry on the traditions and love of the game we all enjoy now!"

Entering the course through the well-appointed gate gives you a glimpse of one of my favorite holes. The 514-yard, par-five, eighteenth caresses the spacious entry and gives you a hint of the challenges ahead. Bunkers guard the dogleg left, which encourages a tee shot favoring the right side of the fairway. These bunkers are huge and dare the long hitter. The green, well protected by water down the left side, is large, quick and undulating. The timid take three shots, but a player with the heart of Phil Mickelson will chance attempting the green in two. Even if you hit the green in two, birdie can be a challenge, depending on pin placement! Whatever your choice, make sure you send the ball straight and true. Birdey is outstanding, Par is good!

The par-five, 516 yard, ninth tops the list on the front. This hole demands a well placed, center cut tee shot. A deep bunker guards the front of the green and discourages attempting it in two. The smart player gives himself a 110-yard approach, which still allows for birdie. Do not over-club, because the bunker to the rear of the green is a tough recovery, making bogey a definite possibility. Do not push a long approach shot because Bear Creek is lurking on the right. Par is good birdey is great!

The remaining holes are long and tough. They require accuracy, strength and imagination. Birdeys are rare on this course, so be patient! Keep the ball in play and trust your swing!

The par three holes look easy but beware, they can be treacherous. Under club and you will be chipping onto greens where numerous elephants are buried. Up and down is difficult. Even hitting the greens in regulation does not guarantee par, unless you possess the putting stoke and imagination of Ben Crenshaw!

Lockeford Springs is now offering a Spring Special on the green fees through April. $29.00 includes the green fees, golf cart and range balls. On weekends the cost from opening until 11:00 AM is $55.00, including cart. From 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM it is $45.00 with cart, and from 2:00 until 5:00 PM the cost is $25.00 with cart. Annual memberships are $1299.00 that includes all the golf you can possibly play, but the cart plan is extra. Family memberships are also available.

Lockeford Springs is a place where you will be challenged and have fun all at the same time! For tee times please call (209) 333-6275 or contact www.LockefordSprings.com.

Lockeford Springs Golf Course is located at 163660 North Highway 88 Lockeford, California. Just south of the intersection of Highway 12 & Highway 88.