It’s good to see that the historic presidential victory of Barack Obama is being placed in the proper prospective. On sports talk radio in Northern California the day after that meant hosts and callers alike asking, “If Barack Obama can become president, why can’t the Golden State Warriors win?”

Say what?

Of course, that’s better than the silly tizzy over Michelle Obama’s dress. Now, I’m not Mr. Blackwell by any means - or even TravelGolf.com’s version Brandon Tucker who I expect to tout the merits of alligator golf shoes and a lime green poka dot golf bag any day now - but I thought the dress was fine. So no dress banter.

But it’s not hard not to embrace the new language of hope. So … If Barack Obama can become president, you can love a nine hole golf course.

Nine hole courses are too often disregarded as golf’s version of fast food. You may go play one, but you don’t take it seriously or expect it to be that good.

Well, in Sonoma County, California - wine country - there’s a nine hole course that’s a must play if you’re anywhere close in Northern California. First, it’s an Alister MacKenzie design. Second, and even more importantly (sorry course architecture geeks), it’s in one of the most striking settings you’ll ever see with the course running through a forest of redwoods that stretch 110 feet high and have trunks larger around than an SUV.

You spend the two hours playing, staring up in wonder. And when a ball hits these trees - and several of yours will, there are some tight driving lanes - the redwood is coming out a lot better from the confrontation than the ball. You’ll see golf balls crumple at Northwood.

When you’re done with the nine - with plenty of time to do something else that day, after not enough time on the course for your spouse or kids who don’t love golf quite as much as you do to complain - you get one of Northwood’s self serve hot dogs from the grill.

If you like golf at all and you don’t love this nine hole course, you must hold the taste of Leona Helmsley. For the complete review of Northwood and more on Sonoma County, stay tuned to TravelGolf.com in the coming weeks, months and decades.

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