FROM THE FRINGE : HOLE OF THE WEEK.

VALENCIA CC

Valencia

Hole - 6

Par - 4

Length - 428 yards

This dogleg-right test was the most difficult hole in last year's Nissan Open, when a severely undulated green undid even the best placement off the tee. Hit the drive too far right and the greenside lake comes into play. Hit the drive center left, the best angle for the approach, and you still have to hold a green that slopes away in the back and toward the lake. ``You want to be on the same level as the pin,'' Long Beach State-bound and former Hart High star Ryan Wyman advises of shots to this green. ``Par is really a good score here.''

COURSE OF THE WEEK

Griffith Park Wilson

Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles

Telephone: [phone]

Architect: George Thomas

Yardage: 6,695 yards (white tees)

Par: 72

Access: Open to the public

Cost: $18 weekdays ($11 after 4 p.m.); $23 weekends ($14 after 4 p.m.); Carts $21.

The skinny: The course, opened in 1923, combines a rich golf history with service to the public. Wilson hosted Los Angeles Opens in 1937, '38 and '39, has been the site of more than 100 Los Angeles City Men's and Junior championships and was home course to 1961 PGA champion Jerry Barber. Amateurs of any handicap will find it challenging but fair, with wide but tree-lined fairways and greens comparable with the best municipal courses anywhere. The price, beauty of the course and playing conditions make Wilson and adjacent Harding two of the best golf bargains in the area.

- Dave Shelburne

PRODUCT REVIEW

What: GolfPack cooler.

Price: $24.99.

Where to find it: Sportmart or any major sporting goods store.

The skinny: Rather than waiting for the beverage-cart person to drive by, you can immediately eliminate those hunger pains or quench your thirst with the GolfPack cooler. You can store fruit and cold drinks in the middle, and on the outside you can fit your wallet, keys, cell phone or sun screen. The cooler, which is made by California Innovations and called ``The 18 hole survival pack,'' fits on the back of your golf bag or in the cart basket. The bags come in either five- or 12-can sizes and have a leakproof liner to keep the contents cold and the exterior dry. The coolers also come with a reusable ice pack.

- Brian Dalziel

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO no caption (GolfPack cooler)