For three decades, Rancho Murieta Country Club has been known as one of Northern California's best tests of golf. For almost that long, Northern Californians have been selecting holes from the North and South courses as among the best in the area.
So what do members -- people who play the courses all the time -- think are the best holes?

In 2003, nearly 200 club members told RanchoMurieta.com their choices for the best holes on the North and South -- par 3, par 4 and par 5 on each course. Here are their picks and comments:

Best Par 3, South: 10th Hole
(Runner-up: 15th Hole)
Comments: "Great hole, major difference from the back tees. If you can play a draw it has to come from over the water." ... "The elevated tee and the water make this a beautiful and challenging hole." ... "More of a challenge than No. 2 on the North, as the water is more intimidating and it requires more carry. Wind can be a problem here too." ... "This is one hole that really confronts me. If you go at the green and let up a little, the traps and lake can eat you alive." ... "All carry over the water, and the hole is actually longer than is posted." ... "Probably my favorite hole on either course."

Hole 2 was chosen the North's best par 3.

Best Par 3, North: 2nd Hole
(Runner-up: 6th Hole)
Comments: "You can hit three different clubs." ... "Pure aesthetics, it is a beautiful hole to tee it up on." ... You have to choose your club carefully. Water, sand and wind are important factors." ... "This hole presents a challenge that can force a player to choose between three irons, depending on the wind and pin location." ... "Pretty hole and a positive start before you hit the nasty 3rd Hole." ... "It always amazes me what I can do on this hole. One day I'll be next to the pin, another day I'll be over the green, another day it's in the water." ... "Scenic, easy hole prior to tough Holes 3 and 4."

Best Par 4, North: 10th Hole
(Runner-up 17th Hole)
Comments: "Fair but difficult." ... "The first time I ever played this hole, I hit two perfect shots and had a 10-foot uphill putt for birdie. I was so amped I launched the putt about 10 feet past. I'm still looking for that birdie." ... "Short but very challenging." ... "With two good shots, it's a possible birdie. However, to get that opportunity, it takes a great drive and a white-knuckle iron over water to a narrow green. It's not just pure power, but position and confidence." ... "Interesting hole. Great second shot."

Best Par 4, South: 9th Hole
(Runner-up:17th Hole)
Comments: "The setting of the green, down the hill and out of sight, is beautiful when you get there; the hole requires that you hit the ball straight or be in big trouble." ... "The second shot is downhill and picturesque." ... "One of the most scenic and nicely laid out par 4s in the foothill courses." ... "A great second shot is something for your personal golf highlight reel. You won't find a prettier shot in the Sacramento area." ... "It feels like this is how the land always was. Beautiful -- and very challenging." ... "The second shot is the prettiest in Rancho Murieta."

Best Par 5, North: 15th Hole
(Runner-up: 8th Hole)
Comments: "Demands a long drive and the tightest second shot you will ever hope to face anywhere." ... "This hole and No. 3 are three-shot holes for most average golfers. The green is very undulating and downhill putts are not fun unless they forgot to mow the green the day you play." ... "Long, with several choices for second shot, depending on where you placed your drive." ... "I love this hole because it takes a good drive to set up a second shot. Then if your second shot is off line or too long, it becomes a bogey hole at best." ... "Great view from above the fairway. Invites you to hit it long and straight." ... "Toughest second shot on a par 5 in Sacramento."

Best Par 5, South: 12th Hole
(Runner-up: 14th Hole)
Comments: "It takes three precise shots to have a chance at a birdie." ... "I think this is the prettiest par 5 on the South." ... "Critical placement of drive and second-shot accuracy is key in going for it in two." ... "If your third shot is not accurate, there are traps front, left and back to catch your stray shot. This is a very satisfying hole to birdie." ... "Trouble everywhere should you miss first or second shot. Has the most difficult second shot of any of the par 4s/5s on the course." ... "Elevated tee shot, deceptively tough second shot."