Seven Oaks Country Club

The Central Valley heat demands early tee times, but this Robert Trent Jones Sr. design rewards those who brave Bakersfield's sweltering summers with mature oak groves that frame every hole and provide blessed relief between shots. Water comes into play on half the holes, including a devilish island green par-3 that separates club players from single-digit handicappers faster than you can say "provisional ball." The real test comes on the back nine, where elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers turn what appears to be a straightforward valley layout into a thinking golfer's chess match.