Contact: 5040 Arroyo Road, Livermore;
(925) 456-2475;
www.wentegolf.com
TOKYO
Kasuza Monarch
Why Play
It? Built at the height of
Japan's economic boom,
this
Jack Nicklaus course, 90 minutes from downtown, is among the
nation's most exclusive.
Your Chances of Getting On: Good during
the week, or on weekends for overnight hotel guests. Tee times must
be reserved by fax (011-81-4-3929-3999) or online. As with many
other courses in Japan, singles are discouraged, a strict dress
code applies, and little or no English-speaking staff is available.
Peak Greens Fees: $110 to $193.
Contact: 856-2 Yanashiroji Yasurozawa,
Chiba;
www.giganet.net/kmcc/english/index.html
Sakawa Royal Golf Club
Why
Play It? This private club is a two-hour train ride
from downtown
Tokyo and sits in the shadow of the world's most
recognizable peak,
Mount Fuji, affording views of Fuji-san from
nearly every hole.
Your Chances of Getting On: Good, but
only on weekdays.
Peak Greens Fees: $80.
Contact: 2-5 Kanda Surugada, Chiyoda-ku;
011-81-3-3291-0478
TORONTO
Whirlpool Golf Club
Why
Play It? The immaculate conditioning showcases a
wonderful riverside setting - the namesake whirlpool, after all, is
Niagara Falls.
Your Chances of Getting on: Excellent in
advance - starting in the spring, they take bookings for the entire
season.
Peak Greens Fees: $60 to $69
Contact: 3351 Niagara Parkway, Niagara
Falls; (905) 356-1140;,
www.niagaraparksgolf.com
Glen Abbey
Why Play It? Steeped in golf lore, this
course was Jack Nicklaus's first solo design, the site of the
Canadian leg of Tiger Woods's 2000 Triple Crown achievement, and
home to the Canadian Golf Association.
Your Chances of Getting On: Good, but the
course is very popular.