CALIFORNIA GOLF
Presenter: Simon Kane
Episode 1: The Eastern Sierra
The Eastern Sierra is the 200-mile middle section of the Sierra Nevada mountain range - the backbone of eastern California stretching some 400 miles, roughly from Lake Tahoe in the North to the Mojave Desert in the south.
The episode features an in-depth look at five of the regions top golf courses, together with accommodation and visitor attractions in the region.
The episode begins at the Furnace Creek golf club and resort in Death Valley, travelling North to the town of Lone Pine and Mount Whitney golf club, on to Bishop Country Club golf course and finishing in the town of Mammoth Lakes, home to Mammoth Mountain at an altitude of 8000 feet and two golf courses; Snowcreek and Sierra Star.
The episode closes with a visit to Mono Lake on the road from Mammoth to Lake Tahoe.
Episode 2: Tahoe
Lake Tahoe at 6225 feet above sea level is situated directly south of the Cascades at the northern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and straddling the border between California and Nevada. Mark Twain described it as 'the fairest picture the whole earth affords.'
This episode features an in depth look at three of the regions top golf courses located close to the North shore of the lake, together with accommodation and visitor attractions in the region.
The episode begins at the Resort at Squaw Creek - home of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games - golf course accommodation and village, and continues with Coyote Moon and the Dragon golf courses.
Also included is the Cal Neva Resort - a famous hotel on the California / Nevada Stateline, once owned by Frank Sinatra, plus a cruise on an authentic paddle steamer, the Tahoe Gal on Lake Tahoe incorporating one of California's most photographed attractions, Emerald Bay .
Episode 3: Sacramento
Sacramento is California's state capital and birthplace of the gold rush.
The episode features an in-depth look at four of the region's top golf courses, Darkhorse, the Alister MacKenzie Course at Haggin Oaks, Whitney Oaks and Lincoln Hills together with accommodation and visitor attractions in the region, including the historic Old Town and Raley Field, home of the Rivercats baseball team.
Episode 4: The Wine Country
The valleys of Napa and Sonoma are two of the most celebrated wine growing regions in the world producing wines from famous name grapes such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and unique to California.the Zinfandel
The episode features an in-depth look at four of the region's top golf courses, Bodega Harbour Links, Oakmont, Chardonnay and Foxtail together with accommodation and visitor attractions in the region.
Episode 5: San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco is everybody's favourite American city. Famed for its roller coaster streets, unique neighbourhoods, legendary bridges, bay vistas, and landmarks; it's a city resplendent in colour and life.
The bay area spreads out around the city encompassing the cities of Oakland and Berkeley,
This episode features an in-depth look at four of the Bay area's top golf courses; Crystal Springs, Harding Park, Adobe Creek and Pasatiempo together with local accommodation and visitor attractions.
Episode 6: The Tri Valley
Less than an hour's drive from San Francisco on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay Hills is the Tri Valley, taking its name from three adjacent valleys - Amador, Livermore, and San Ramon. The region was the main route from San Francisco to the Sierra Nevada, during the days of the California gold rush.
This episode features an in-depth look at three of the region's top golf courses; The Course at Wente Vineyards, Poppy Ridge Golf Club and The Bridges Golf Club together with local accommodation and visitor attractions.
Episode 7: Central Valley & The Yosemite Gateway
The Central Valley is 18000 square miles of the most fertile lands in California, with its cultivated and irrigated fields, orchards, pastures and vineyards.
It's also the gateway to a number of America's greatest attractions - notably Yosemite National Park, a place of record-breaking statistics.
This episode features an in-depth look at three of the valley's top golf courses; Stevinson Ranch, Wawona and Saddle Creek, together with local accommodation and visitor attractions.
Episode 8: San Jose
45 miles South East of San Francisco, San Jose, founded in 1717, grew from humble beginnings to become the largest city in Northern California and the hub of Silicon Valley.
With an average of more than 300 sunny days a year, San Jose is one of the sunniest places in the country.
This episode features an in depth look four of the region's top golf courses; Cinnabar Hills, Coyote Creek, Eagle Ridge and San Juan Oaks, together with local accommodation and visitor attractions.
Episode 9: Monterey
The magnificent Monterey peninsula about a hundred miles south of San Francisco has been called the greatest meeting of land, sea and sky on the planet. A breathtaking visual feast of spectacular rugged shores and crescent shaped bays; a beautiful seaside community with a rich history including the saga of California's mission trail, historic Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row the early 20 th century sardine capital of the western hemisphere.
Together with the world's best aquarium, a unique variety of shops and galleries and a spectacular assortment of parks and natural areas, Monterey proudly boasts 17 world-class golf courses
This episode features tours of a total eleven of the Monterey Peninsula's top golf courses; Rancho Canada, Quail Lodge, Laguna Seca, Bayonet & Blackhorse, Pebble Beach, Del Monte, Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill, Poppy Hills and Pacific Grove, together with local accommodation and visitor attractions.
Episode 10: Orange Country
40 miles south of Downtown LA, from the Pacific coast to the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, Orange County was once little more than vast lima bean fields and orange groves. Has it changed?! And how!
World-class family attractions, sophisticated culture, exceptional shopping, 42 miles of simply stunning beaches, lots and lots of that legendary Californian sunshine and over 50 championship calibre golf courses are all concentrated in one small area.
The episode features a look four of the region's top golf courses; Tustin Ranch, Oak Quarry, Monarch Beach and Strawberry Farms together with local accommodation and visitor attractions.
Episode 11: San Diego North
San Diego was California's first city and to the north of it are some of the most beautiful golf courses and resorts in America.
With a climate described as the most ideal in the country, an air of total relaxation comes naturally. Hardly surprising with the wealth of recreational activities made available by its greatest natural attraction.the Pacific Ocean
The episode focuses on four of North San Diego's top golf courses; Maderas, Meadows Del Mar, Rancho Bernardo Inn and Pala Mesa, together with local accommodation and visitor attractions.
Episode 12: Temecula
60 miles from San Diego and just 90 from LA, sitting neatly between the Pacific coastline, the mountains and the desert, are the truly enviable surroundings of the Temecula Valley.
The countryside is clad with 22 award-winning wineries, and with 7 championship golf courses, Temecula has become one of the major centres for golf between San Diego and Palm Springs.
Episode 13: Palm Springs Desert
120 miles east of LA and on the edge of the Joshua Tree National Park, is the extraordinary beauty of an oasis that is Palm Springs and the Palm Desert.
Rich in Native American history, and washed in sunshine, it's a unique part of California with the air of a European city and a seasoning of small town America, where golfers from all over the world come to enjoy what is quite literally paradise.