SUMMERTIME : Discoveries : If you’ve exhausted the usual tourist spots, here are some destinations off the beaten path. : Teeing Off in the Wilderness

Tired of worrying more about motorists than mulligans?

Tired of losing your ball in the smog?

Tired of golf in the big city?

Well, there is an alternative. Take an extra hour or so, head to the town of Fillmore in Ventura County, and tee off in the wilderness at Elkins Ranch Golf Course.

You’ll probably pass the pleasant city of Moorpark--it could easily be Mayberry--and go north on California 23 to make a sharp, quick turn into the course.

That’s nothing like some of the curves you must navigate on the course. Elkins has its share of doglegs. The price for poor stewardship: water--and a penalty stroke. Even worse, embarrassment. The course isn’t overly long, however--only 6,010 yards from the regular tees. The greens are fun, and not too fast.

But there is bad news. The secret is out.

Attendants at the pro shop say it’s extremely difficult to secure weekend tee times. Said one recently: “We’ve got nine tournaments this coming weekend.” Nine tournaments. That’s almost a tournament per person in these parts.

Getting a tee time for the weekdays is apparently much easier. Just make sure to call a few days in advance. For weekends, call 10 days ahead of time. It is certainly worth the trouble.

The drive is nice, too. You’ll pass a chicken coop, one farm after another and gorgeous hills.

And you won’t pass civilization.

Elkins Ranch Golf Course, 1386 Chambersburg Road, costs $15 weekdays for nine holes , $19 for 18 holes. On weekends, it’s $42, with no nine-hole rates. Carts cost $11 for nine holes, $20 for 18. Hours are 6 a.m. until sundown. Information : ( 805 ) 524-1440.