Greenhorn Creek Resort

Don't pat yourself on the back after nine holes.

Greenhorn Creek Resort in Angels Camp features plenty of variety, wonderful conditions ... and two distinct nines that will challenge all aspects of your game.

And while the blue-tee distance is a sedate-looking 6,214 yards, this course can jump up and bite you ... even though you'll probably be itching to come back for more.

The 1996 design already has undergone a major renovation, by none other than Robert Trent Jones Jr. His touch shows in 55 new bunkers, along with more rolling hills in the rolling foothills.

The result is a hidden gem. And even though it's a tiresome 110 miles away, it may be a permanent addition to your list of Northern California destinations.

Just make sure you stretch out after your long drive. Or better yet, spend the night at the resort.

Either way, you can warm up for your round on a natural grass range, or spend some time on the huge putting green. Don't let the three tiers scare you ... the real greens are huge and undulating, but only a few have more than one tier and none have three.

Jones even gives you a break at the start, with a couple of gentle par-4s followed by a short par-3.

The real fun starts on No. 4, one of five par-5s that all are solid holes. Aim left of center off the tee, and get ready for a huge drop in elevation that may allow you to reach the green in two on the dogleg-right.

You may have to give back your birdie on the next hole, a dogleg-right par-4 around the course's biggest water hazard. The approach also must carry an environmental area, one of several such approach shots on the track.

The sixth is the signature hole, a par-3 over water to a wide green that juts out into the pond, creating a monster of a hole if the flag is tucked on the right. There also are five par-3s on this course, all with character and three featuring water.

More fun par-5s come at No. 7, 9 and 10, including a 563-yard (from the blues), uphill dogleg right to start the second side.

The back nine is almost 200 yards longer from each of the five sets of tees, and features narrower fairways and more trees.

Two of the trees are right in the middle of the fairway on No. 11, the longest par-4 on the course. No. 12 is a short dogleg right that will force you to leave your driver in the bag, and Nos. 14 and 17 are dogleg lefts guarded by trees.

Finish the day with a short par-5 featuring water and trees guarding the approach. The second shot is the key, whether you hit long and to the right of the trees, or to the left of the trees and short of the water.

Drown any back-nine sorrows you may have in the restaurant, which is a beauty.

This is a thinking player's course, which may be good or bad. There are only a few grip-it-and-rip-it holes, so take advantage when you see them.

The positives here are huge, including 18 holes with character, and the chance to use every club. The conditions are solid, and the GPS on the carts comes in handy.

Greens are big but consistent, and roll true. Despite undulations, most slope back to front.

The facilities also are first-rate, from the hotel to the practice area.

The biggest downside is the drive, so make a day of it. The last five miles of Highway 4 also resemble Infineon Raceway.

On the course, the toughest challenges for first-timers are the blind shots. Even when you can see the hole, like on No. 18, you may not know where to hit.

That's another reason why you'll want to come back.

Directions - Take Highway 12 east to Interstate 5 south. Take Highway 4 east toward Angels Camp. Turn right on Angel Oaks Drive, which turns into Greenhorn Creek Drive.