The Golf Club at Copper Valley

I can only imagine that the reasoning behind this is that golfers don't want to give away the secret to what a fine resort and course are tucked away in a little town called Copperopolis! Well, I don't either so here goes.

Stay Away! I did the stay and play package and it was... "terrible". Got two rounds of 18, breakfast overlooking the 9th green (pictured) and a 1 night stay where the practice putting green was 5 feet from the back door of my well appointed bungalow (yuck!) The online price was unbelievable, so I called them to confirm it. Hint: Off season weekday for way under $200. Can I say it was $158? Well, I just did, so there! Don't take advantage of this! The course fairways and bunkers are well kept and in amazing condition. (If you are into that sort of thing... ) Most don't like that, so stay home! There are lots of sloping challenges, water hazards and course wildlife (pictured). Wild turkeys on a golf course? C'mon now! Couldn't concentrate on my shots for 3 holes after seeing this. All I could think about was pairing them up with gravy, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce! Nearly ruined my game!

The staff were all warm and welcoming. Pro shop was super friendly, starter gave me tips for the course, restaurant had great food/view (pictured) and gave me the option of taking it to go. Heck, I was even given a smile and greeting from the greens keepers! With that attitude, how do they expect to keep this place running?! Oh and my golf cart was waiting for me at the front door for my morning round. Again, the nerve!

Seriously though the only negative, and the starter warned me of this: the rough is very rough. This may be due to the crazy rainy season this year and they haven't been able to give it a proper mowing? So I wound up losing a lot of balls. I have to admit though, I don't have much patience to look for lost balls, 30-45 seconds tops.

To reiterate, you shouldn't come and stay or play golf here. That way you won't regret not spending a lot of money, not playing a really top notch, well conditioned / challenging course and meeting the great staff out there off the beaten path. You're probably much better off doing a stay and play for $300 or $400 in Monterey or Palm Springs. Yeah, that's what you should do......

Out of the way but worth it. Course in great condition, especially after 3 days of heavy rain. Interesting, challenging layout. Staff very accommodating and food excellent. Very nice bungalows to stay in, with play / stay packages.