California Dreaming: John Talifer's Top 10

We're fortunate to have John Edward Talifer, currently of Minneapolis, MN, as our third-ever Guest Rater. Tali grew up in Westlake Village, CA, starred on Westlake High's golf team and was recruited to play at Purdue. College got in the way of golf, and he never represented the Boilermakers in the Big Ten Championship, but he still bleeds Boiler Black.

John works for Thomson and is the #1 salesman in the Twin Cities, maybe even the world. His list is top-heavy with California and Hawaii courses; it's curious that there aren't any Minnesota tracks in his Top 10. For someone who speaks so proudly of The Land of 10,000 Lakes, it's a glaring omission.

He's played some big names. His #1 was the site of the 1988 NCAA Championship and home course of the USC Trojan golf team. La Quinta is one of the top resorts in the west, and all of his Hawaiian courses are strong. Ojai is a George C. Thomas gem, designer of Riviera and L.A. Country Club. As most of you remember, Crooked Stick played host to John Daly's victory at the 1991 PGA Championship.

1) North Ranch Country Club - Westlake Village, CA
2) Wood Ranch Country Club - Simi Valley, CA
3) La Quinta Resort & Club (Mountain) - La Quinta, CA
4) Kaanapali Golf Course - Lahaina, Maui, HI
5) Wailea Golf Club (Blue) - Wailea, Maui, HI
6) Wailea Golf Club (Gold) - Wailea, Maui, HI
7) Makena Golf Club (North Course) - Makena, Maui, HI
8) Ojai Valley Inn - Ojai, CA
9) Crooked Stick Golf Club - Carmel, IN
10) Sterling Hills Golf Club - Camarillo, CA

Thanks for contributing your Top 10, JET!