Twin Creeks Golf Course opened in 2000 in the Creekbridge neighborhood of North Salinas, designed by Jack L. Daray Jr. and Stephen Halsey on the site of the former Sherwood Greens Golf Course, which closed in 1998. The 9-hole, par-31 executive layout serves as home of The First Tee of Monterey County, and proceeds from green fees and the practice facility benefit youth programs in the region.

On the course

The course measures roughly 1,850 yards from the back tees and routes through gentle rolling terrain bordered by protected wetlands, Natividad Creek, and Gabilan Creek. The property sits on the valley floor with open views of the Gabilan Range to the east and the Santa Lucia Mountains to the west, leaving little to block the afternoon wind that funnels through the Salinas Valley. The routing includes five par 3s and four par 4s ranging from about 250 to 375 yards, with USGA-spec greens that are moderately sloped and generally hold approach shots well.

Who it suits

Four sets of tees give the layout flexibility, so players can use it as a 9-hole or 18-hole round with different angles on the second loop. A 5,000-square-foot clubhouse houses a pro shop and snack bar, and the practice facility includes a driving range, chipping and pitching green, and a putting green tied to the on-site teaching program. Twin Creeks suits beginners, juniors enrolled in First Tee programming, and experienced players looking to sharpen iron play and short game without committing to a full-length round. It is not a championship test, and that is the point — it is a working teaching course in a region better known for its premium resort layouts.

Architect: Jack L. Daray Jr. & Stephen Halsey · Opened: 2000