yes I do play golf, and I am from Santa Cruz so I know the courses in that area.
Pasa Tiempo is the best course in SC. It's off of highway 17 and I think it's around $100 or $150 a round.
Dela Viega is the next best course. It's located on the outskirts of SC and runs around $40 a round.
There is a nine hole course in Scotts Valley that is mainly for beginers and old people being that it's a nine hole. It costs $15.
If you have a lot of money to burn, Pebble Beach is only a 45 min drive. You could play there or the Inn @ Spanish Bay.
Your best shot would be Dela Viega. It is one of the best public courses around.