La Contenta Golf Club

Knowing where you're going as just as important as knowing how to get there.

Welcome to La Contenta Golf Club in Valley Springs, where the fun begins after the umpteenth twist of Highway 12 ... er, Highway 26 ... er, Highway 88.

Your path to some of the holes at the course can be confusing as well, but the chance to play a truly unique, well-conditioned course for less than $50 with a cart on the weekend is too good to pass up.

Just don't be afraid to stop at a gas station if you get lost ... and don't be shy about driving your cart to the top of hills to get the lay of the land before hitting your shots.

The 1974 design features beautiful trees, bunkers, water on half the holes, and hills ... lots and lots of hills.

If you simply can't deal with blind shots, La Contenta is not for you. But if your partner doesn't mind watching the flight of your ball from farther up (or down) the hills, this course may climb high on your list of favorite destinations.

La Contenta is that good ... and it's that hard. The white-tee distance is a mere 5,895 yards, but carries a 68.5 rating (for a par-71) and a 130 slope.

Keep a stiff upper lip, because you will hit approach shots off side-hill lies.

But the more-than-gently-rolling fairways are almost fully responsible for the slope rating. The greens are immaculate and free of huge undulations. In fact, there is only one two-tiered putting surface on the course.

So get ready to have some fun on your journeys to the greens, and even more fun once you arrive.

Your up-and-down day begins like it should, with a gentle par-4. The slight dogleg right features a green protected by three bunkers, but should be one of your better opportunities for birdie.

The real test starts on the second hole, a par-3 straight uphill over water to a green protected in front and back by bunkers. Beware, because the par-3s all are beautfiul and dangerous.

The third hole gives you your first real roller-coaster ride. The par-5 goes uphill, then down, then back up, and most right-handers will hit their approach shots with balls well below their feet.

Keep your head down!

The par-4 fifth hole goes straight uphill, while the sixth goes right back down the same grade to a green fronted by water. Club down from the tees on both holes to stay out of the course's punishing rough.

More water is on the table at No. 7, a short par-5 that doglegs around a lake. None of La Contenta's three par-5s measures 500 yards, even from the back tees, but all are tough.

Take the turn with three of the longest but flattest par-4s on the course at Nos. 9-11. All three provide birdie opportunities.

But the respite is short. No. 12 is a dogleg left, straight uphill to a long, two-tiered green. Add at least two clubs on the approach.

No. 13 is the signature hole, a 165-yard (from the whites) par-3 that drops 100 feet in elevation to a huge green fronted by a pond.

The roller coaster continues at No. 14, a double-dogleg par-5 with trees and more hills.

The 15th hole is a complete head-scratcher, a dogleg-right par-4 with a totally blind tee shot. Drive down the hill for a sneak peek first. Don't worry too much about drives into the trees right of the fairway, because many drain back into the short grass.

Get a shot back on No. 17, a short, flat par-4, because No. 18 is a monster. The finishing hole is a 435-yard (from the white tees), dogleg-left par-4 with an approach over water to the longest green on the course. Pay attention to the flag color.

Drown your sorrows - or celebrate - at the 19th hole, and plan a return visit.

La Contenta has 18 solid, unique holes. There are some real tests, but birdie opportunities are mixed in, thank goodness.

The conditions are great, especially on the greens. The price is right, $39 with a cart Monday-Thursday.

The only downside may be the 80- to 90-mile drive, depending on your route. There are about a dozen ways to get there, but all involve many turns along some smaller California highways (lots of stops, and not great road signs).

So enjoy the views - and the play - once you get there. And remember, the trip back is always easier.

Directions - The shortest path is to take Highway 12 east through Lodi. Take Highway 88 north back to 12 east. In Valley Springs, turn right on Highway 26. The course is on the left.

Unfortunately, Highway 12 makes turns in Lodi and beyond. A less confusing (but longer) route is to take Highway 12 east to Lodi. Take Highway 99 south to Stockton. Take the Highway 26 (Fremont) exit east and continue for 28 miles. The course is on the right.