MEET THE PLAYERS

Wendy Baker

• Age: 43.

• Resides: Carmichael.

• Occupation: Mortgage consultant.

• Handicap index: 17.1.

• You probably didn't know: Wendy and Ralph have been an item for 11 years. They play golf together an average of twice a week. "We're partners in life, business and golf," she said.

Ralph Palumbo

• Age: 51.

• Resides: Carmichael.

• Occupation: Mortgage lending.

• Handicap index: 7.7.

• You probably didn't know: Ralph gets in trouble with Wendy on the course when … "She doesn't like it when I try to give her advice, even though I know what I'm talking about."

John Cassidy

• Age: 49.

• Resides: Yuba City.

• Occupation: CEO of Sierra Central Credit Union.

• Handicap index: 8.6.

• You probably didn't know: John joined Peach Tree 21 years ago. "I wanted to become a better golfer," he said of the decision.

COURSE OVERVIEW

There's no better time to become a member of Peach Tree Golf and Country Club. As in this week, right now, winter looming, the more rain the better.

Peach Tree was built 50 years ago on a sandy river bottom on the outskirts of Marysville, which works to the club's advantage in myriad ways. Its Bermuda fairways drain as well as any, its grass and trees thrive in the loamy soil, and no surrounding development will ever block the view of the Sutter Buttes because it's not allowed in a flood way.

John Cassidy, a Peach Tree member for 21 years, had no qualms about a Friday date three days after the Oct. 13 deluge. He likes his home away from home for other reasons, too.

"It's a classic golf course and an unpretentious club," our host said. "There's a great group of people where everybody knows your name."

It's his golf "Cheers" amid rural orchards.

Peach Tree's flat, tree-lined fairways and push-up greens, most fronted on each side by bunkers, are reminiscent of Northridge, El Macero and Yolo Fliers, three other private, traditional valley clubs in the area. Six holes bend left, and there's only one dogleg right, so right-handed slicers might want to negotiate a few extra strokes from their betting buddies.

Yardage from the tips is 6,859, making it long enough to regularly host qualifying for United States Golf Association events. It offers a 4,982 configuration doable for women, seniors and juniors desiring a shorter option.

Peach Tree is extremely woman-friendly. Whereas many private clubs heavily favor men for preferred tee times, this club doesn't. Proprietary family memberships allow equal access to both spouses all the time.

Marcia Holmes is in her second term as club president and is the third woman to lead the club, a private club rarity.

"For a back-40 club, it has a modernistic approach," said general manager Nate Pomeroy.

Peach Tree is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The club is producing a book to commemorate the occasion. Pictures confirm there was hardly a tree on the property in the beginning, which is hard to believe unless you see for yourself. The clubhouse has the same charming appearance. Literature from back in the day reveals the initial cost of membership was $1,000 – only $500 less than today. It peaked at $22,000 years ago, Holmes said. Monthly dues were $15 – they are $303 today.

Peach Tree has 401 members, Pomeroy said, down from the desired 450 but not bad considering the hit private clubs everywhere are taking in this economy. About 80 percent come from Yuba City and most of the rest from Marysville, Gridley and Plumas Lake. Residential development along Highway 70 has provided a boost.

"We're holding steady," Pomeroy said, "but we'll be a lot happier when we get back to 450."