By Bruce Meadows

 
 
 
So what are your golfing favorites?
 
From time to time, when I wrote a weekly golf column for the Press Democrat, I would ask readers to take part in a very unofficial survey.
I wanted to know – and wanted our readers to have some knowledge – about what local golfers like or don’t like about golf in our area.
It’s been a while since I did this survey, so I figured with our new golf feature off and running on YSN365.com, what better time to get your opinions?
 
I like to know what you think, and local golf courses and golf-related businesses no doubt like to have some idea what local golfers think. Those courses and business who get good reviews can continue to do what they’re doing, and those that do not show up on our survey might want to take a look at how they can do things a little better.
So check out the following list and let me know your thoughts. I would prefer an email (see below) so I can compile a list and keep a running vote total.
Oh, and while you are handing out praise, feel free to take a shot at golf courses, businesses or pros or whatever you feel need some improvement.
I would appreciate you including your name and city with your email. And if there is a category you feel I missed, feel free to create one. You can respond to the categories that interest you, but respond to all of them if you wish.
 
Here’s the list:
Best Par 3
Best Par 4
Best Par 5
Best 18-hole Course
Best 9-hole Course
Best Greens
Best 19th Hole
Best Pro Shop
Friendliest, most helpful Pro Shop Staff
Best Golf Instructor
Best Junior Program
Best Women’s Program
Best Senior Program
Best Golf Course Food, Drink
Best Driving Range
Best “Bang for your Buck”
Best Practice Facility (putting green, chipping green, etc.)
Best Golf Shop (well-stocked, sales, etc.)
Best Golf Repair
Best Maintained Course
Northwood, Tayman Park Golf Group honoring vets
     Northwood Golf Club in Monte Rio, among others, will have a special rate for those who have been in or are currently serving our country.
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, veterans are invited to play 9 or 18 holes for only $10.  Carts are not included, but just show proof of service and tee it up.
Tayman Park in Healdsburg and Ukiah Muni, part of Tayman Park Golf Group, are offering a free round of golf to veterans Monday and Tuesday, and a free round at one of their other courses, Fairgrounds GC, Tuesday.
A number of local golf courses usually make similar offers on special days like Nov. 11, so call your favorite course and see what they can do for you.

 
Night golf in Yountville
     Vintners Golf Club in Yountville hosted Night Golf last Friday and plans on doing it again although future dates have not been announced.
Cost is $40 per player and includes a cart for 9 holes. The course is set up for night golf and lighted balls are used.
There is also a free warm-up 9 holes before the shotgun start of the scramble format. Vintners’ number is 944-1992.
Sounds like fun. If any other courses have similar plans, let us know.
Get the word out 
     Advertising your golf course, golf shop, golf instruction, clinics and camps or any golf-related business in a newspaper can have positive results, but it is generally a one-time shot which may or may not be seen by all golfers.
However, when you advertise on a web site such as YSN365.com — for golf or prep or youth sports — we are able to keep your information in front of our readers – and there is a growing number – for much longer.
When it comes to golf or any of the sports we write about, we can offer a variety of advertising packages, most of which can include a link to your web site so readers can check out what you have to offer in more detail.
If you’d like to find out more about what’s available and take a look at a rate sheet, email us at ysn365@gmail.com and we will take it from there.
We want to hear from you
     This is our first golf notebook, but hopefully the first of many we hope to run weekly. And as I have said in the past and now repeat myself: The notebook is only successful if local golfers,golf pros and others in the business contribute.
If you have a golf item you think is interesting, one that other golfers might enjoy reading, email me at bmeadows4sports@aol.com
If you’re not sure, send it anyway and let me be the judge. My goal with the golf column has always been to get items in print that might otherwise never see the light of day. That’s what golfers tell me they enjoyed about my old column: The chance for average golfers to get a little notoriety.
Also, we want to do a weekly feature on a local golfer, or group or golf course, etc. If you have a suggestion, send it to me.
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 If you have a comment or suggestion, you can post it at the bottom of this notebook or email me at bmeadows4sports@aol.com