Las Positas Golf Course

One of California's top golf course designers cut his teeth right between the highway and the runway.

If Las Positas Golf Course in Livermore looks like a more modern course ... or at least looks familiar ... it's probably because of Robert Muir Graves.

Graves has built or renovated dozens of courses in Northern California, including Paradise Valley in Fairfield. But Las Positas was one of his first, built in 1966.

Graves did just fine right off the bat, making the most of a relatively flat piece of land between Interstate 580 and the Livermore Airport.

He did have some water to work with, so bring an extra sleeve of balls when you make the trip. Ponds come into play on seven holes, and a creek snakes its way around another five.

Throw in 48 bunkers and lots of trees and you've got a track that will give you a test.

White-tee distance is a fairly-long 6,331 yards, but the slope is only 124, and there is only one two-tiered green on the entire layout.

But Las Positas still offers an interesting challenge.

The test begins right away, with water splitting the first fairway right where longer hitters land their drives. Three small bunkers also guard the green of the short par-4, with water behind the green. Be happy to start your day with par.

Birdie opportunities follow at Nos. 2 and 3, a long par-5 and a short par-3.

No. 4 is another solid par-4, followed by the best hole on the course, a short par-4 into the prevailing wind that doglegs right around a pond. Big hitters will be tempted to cut the corner on calm days.

Other front-side highlights include No. 8, a short par-4 with the approach over a creek to an elevated green, and No. 9, a long dogleg-left par-4 with a narrow approach to a green with water right and bunkers left.

The back nine is just as long ... in fact, the second nine is the exact same distance as the front from all four sets of tees ... but there are fewer hazards. The only real hill comes at No. 12, followed by one of the longest par-5s you'll play ... 529 yards from the gold tees.

Finish your day with another long 5, this time a dogleg left, then celebrate (or forget) in one of the better 19th holes you'll find.

Las Positas has all kinds of upside. There are plenty of chances to grip it and rip it, especially on the par-5s, but other holes where you are forced to club down.

Trees line several fairways, but the landing areas are wide enough for most golfers. Fairway bunkers on several holes add to the tought process.

Conditions are excellent, including solid fariways and very receptive, 39-year-old greens.

The par-4s are the highlights, with great variety of hazards, some lefts and rights, and even a little up and down.

Price is solid, $44 to ride during the week and $52 on weekends.

Wind can be a factor, and this course isn't exactly a secret. But it's well worth the money to see one of the first efforts by one of the top Northern California designers.

Drections - Take Interstate 80 west to I-680 south. Take I-580 east, and take the Airway Boulevard Turnoff south. Turn right on Clubhouse Drive.

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