Castle Oaks Golf Club, Ione, CA

I'm a beginner so the course is a challenge. The staff is very friendly.

Castle Oaks is out in the country and a bit of a drive for most, but well worth it. There is much variety to the holes, with some pretty short holes which are great for the ego (holes 4,6,9,12) and others with sometimes unreasonable hazards or obstructions (holes 1, 10, 17, and 18) which make a par score possible only after 2 or 3 well-placed or perfect shots. The course is in the best shape in the late winter and throughout spring, but in the hot summers the fairways show the impact of high heat days. The greens are consistent and well-maintained. They do stock water coolers on the course with ice water, but the bathrooms on the front have still not been finished so you have outhouses or 'nature'.