Sierra Meadows Golf Course, Ahwahnee, CA

Phone Number: (559) 642-1343

Sierra Meadows Golf Course, Ahwahnee, CA

Website: http://www.sierrameadows.com

Course History:

Sierra Meadows has long been considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in California and with good reason. The fairways are lined with enormous oaks and the overall feel is very tranquil. The course recently underwent a multimillion dollar makeover and the fairways and greens were all rebuilt. This course has a reputation of being suitable for novice players while still being challenging enough for professionals.

What You Need to Know:

You can book your tee time online or by calling the number above. They frequently run specials on their site so we recommend checking there before you book your time to take advantage of them. However, this is a very economical course even without discounts.

The pro shop is stocked incredibly well and features gifts and merchandise for all golfers. The on-site restaurant is one of the best in the area and is open for lunch every day. It is frequently booked for private events and they are known for their delicious soups and sandwiches.

Although the course does not specifically state that there is a dress code, we recommend traditional golf attire. It is also best to change out any metal spikes for soft ones, since most of the courses in this area do have a soft spike rule. Lessons are available from the resident pro and are reasonably priced.

Playing Hints:

This is a terrific course that offers enough of a challenge without being terribly intimidating. The first hole gets you started off right with a severe dogleg. We recommend keeping to the right. Watch out for their signature oak tree in the middle of the fairway at the curve.

The fifth hole is known as their signature hole and it is a challenging par three. You'll be playing across the water so try to hit a long tee shot to make the green in one. However, be careful of the bunkers that surround the green.

The tenth hole will take a while to master. It has a slight dogleg, but danger is present on all sides. Go too far to the right and you'll end up out of bounds. Too far to the left and you'll end up in the creek. We recommend playing this one conservatively until you get the hang of it.

The sixteenth hole also features a hazard that runs the entire left side of the fairway. You'll need to drive a little bit right of center to avoid it. Keep in mind that there are some severe bunkers around the green. It's the perfect spot to work on your chip shots.

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Green Fees:

All green fees include a cart fee, except "Walking Golfer" prices.

Weekday Green Fees Monday - Thursday

18 Holes 9 Holes

Regular $34.00 $20.00

Senior $29.00 $18.00

Junior $15.00 $15.00

Cart $15.00 $10.00

Twilight w/cart $30.00 $30.00

(Call for start times)

Weekend Green Fees Friday - Sunday

18 Holes 9 Holes

Regular $39.00 $22.00

Senior $34.00 $20.00

Junior $15.00 $7.50

Cart $15.00 $8.00

How to Find the Right Golf Shoes

golf shoes Having the right pair of golf shoes impacts much more than your comfort level. If you’re wearing the wrong shoes or if they do not fit properly, this can effect your swing and as such, your entire game. Most of us don’t pay attention to our feet in golf, but they are incredibly important. If your method of shoe shopping to this point has been to find the coolest designs, this may be keeping you from perfecting your game. Let’s look at some tips to help you find the perfect pair of golf shoes.

First, let’s look at materials and overall weight of the shoe. There are thousands of choices on the market, but you’ll need to find the right match for you. If you have problems with your hips, knees or sciatica, a heavy shoe is a big mistake. Look for lightweight shoes, ideally with soft spikes. This will cut down on the stress that your legs are feeling and help open up your swing.

The material should be breathable, especially if you live in a hot climate. Look for a mesh shoe if you have problems with hot feet, but in most cases, real leather will be your best option. No matter which type of material you select, you must have the shoes properly waterproofed. While some are already done for you, you will need to double check this. There is nothing worse than walking around a course with wet feet.

One important point that is often overlooked is the impact that golf course chemical practices can have on your feet. If you are allergic to dies, or pesticides and herbicides you will need to find a shoe that is completely sealed. Your feet can absorb these materials, especially if they get wet and you may get sick. While some courses use safe practices when it comes to treating their fairways and greens, you cannot rely on this 100%. Take these precautions and you’ll be a lot happier and healthier.

Now, let’s move onto the actual mechanics of a shoe. You’ll want to make sure that it is well balanced, and addresses any existing condition you may have. For example, if you under pronate, which means that your feet tend to slope in towards one another, you may have issues with your swing. Likewise, over pronating can affect your stance and swing as well. Find out if you have undiagnosed foot problems and get the shoes that will correct that for you.

Your golf shoes need to be functional first and foremost, and although they can be expensive, getting the right pair will impact your game. If you have consistently found that you cannot improve your score, the problem may be right under you. Visit a shoe store that specializes in fitting golf shoes and try out a couple of different pairs until you find the right match. It’s well worth the time and the effort, as well as the money, considering how it will effect your game.

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