Much like confronting a former bully at a high-school reunion, playing golf requires an efficient swing and at least three friends to cheer you on. Take a stand against a shank-producing stroke with today's Groupon: for $25, you get a nine-hole round of golf for two, a power-cart rental, and a large bucket of driving-range balls at Emerald Hills Golf Course in Redwood City (up to a $50 value). Your Groupon also gets you $25 off a lesson package or $15 off junior camp registration.

Nestled in the verdant hills of Redwood City, Emerald Hills challenges golfers with a scenically satisfying par 3, nine-hole course. The undulating layout demands both uphill and downhill shots, rewarding golfers' careful club choices and strategic use of telekinesis. Though Emerald Hills touts itself as the "toughest nine-hole course in Northern California," the sixth hole offers an easier effort with 120 yards of smooth-sailing green and helpful carrier pigeons to ensure a helpful scoring advantage. Each invigorating round of stick-swinging is enhanced by the use of a speedy power cart, ferrying you and a comrade-in-clubs from tee to tee with electric ease (cart rental ends two hours prior to closing). Emerald Hills' two practice greens and mid-size practice cage boast ample opportunities for honing short-game skills.