Cumungus, you forgot to sign your name, so I need to ask: Do you fly from Truckee? Are you familiar with the area, the return methods, ridge soaring spots and landout options? Did you walk the golf course before?
I believe I answered all your questions in my detailed “I screwed up” report. Will you do the same if you screw up, and sign your name?
And back to the subject, using the FES as I described will eliminate this risk completely. Just make your rule of minimum safe altitude at spooner and stick to your rule and you will never need to land in the golf course. And no, one should not enter as low as I did relying on engine. It is not any safer than relying on ridge lift.

Ramy