Uncovering The Best Golf Course in Sacramento
Sacramento, California, is a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts, with some of the best golf courses in the state. With perfect year-round weather and diverse golf courses, Sacramento offers something for everyone.
Golfers can enjoy picturesque landscapes from link-style courses to tranquil woodlands while playing their favorite game. Most courses operate year-round, making planning a trip and hitting the links easy.
In this article, we will explore the best public golf courses in Sacramento and provide tips for getting the most out of your golf experience in the area.
9 Best Golf Courses in Sacramento
Choosing the best golf course in Sacramento can be a difficult task, with so many great options to choose from. But based on our experience playing golf in Sacramento, these courses are our top picks.
1. Apple Mountain Golf Resort
Apple Mountain Golf Resort is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts in Sacramento. Situated in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the resort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery.
The 18-hole course is designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels, with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards throughout.
In addition to the golfing experience, the resort is located in the Apple Hill area, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy delicious local produce and baked goods after a great game. It’s no wonder that Apple Mountain Golf Resort has been named in the “Top 25 Golf Courses in California” four times in a row.
- Holes: 18-holes
- Par: 70
- Length: 6308 yards
- Type: Public/ Resort
- Recommended for: All skill levels
- Tee Times: 8.00 am to 2.00 pm
- Website: Apple Mountain
2. Haggin Oaks Golf Course
Haggin Oaks Golf Complex is a renowned public golf course in Sacramento, offering golfers two championship courses, an executive course, a driving range, and a pro shop. The complex’s Alister MacKenzie Course and Arcade Creek Course are both challenging and scenic, designed to test even the most experienced golfers.
For those with less time, the executive course provides a fun and quick round of golf. Additionally, the driving range at Haggin Oaks is one of the best places for night golf, featuring 100 hitting stalls, covered and heated stalls, a short game area, and a putting green.
- Holes: 18-holes
- Par: 72
- Length: 7030 yards
- Type: Public
- Tee Times: Open 24 hours from April to October and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. from November to March
- Recommended for: All skill levels
- Website: Haggin Oaks
3. Bartley Cavanaugh Golf Course
Bartley Cavanaugh is a fun and challenging golf course in the heart of Sacramento. With wide fairways and large undulating greens, this course can be enjoyed by golfers of all ages and skill levels.
It offers stunning views of the Sacramento skyline and is conveniently located near popular attractions, making it a great choice for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Playing alongside the Sacramento River, Bartley Cavanaugh promises stunning views and an exciting play every time. This course is affordable, making it a fantastic option for any budget.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Length: 6158 yards
- Type: Public
- Recommended for: All skill levels
- Tee Times: 7.00 am to 6.30 pm
- Website: Bartley Cavanaugh
4. Teal Bend Golf Course
Teal Bend Golf Club in Sacramento, California is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, having been open to the public since 1997. The golf course sits adjacent to the Sacramento River and International Airport, covering an area of 250 acres featuring natural wetlands, undulating greens, and lush fairways.
The 18-hole championship course was designed by Sacramento native architect Brad Bell in 1952.
What sets Teal Bend apart is that each fairway is separated, providing golfers a secluded and private experience. Trees surrounding the course make it difficult to spot golfers on other holes, giving the impression of exclusivity.
At the end of a long day, golfers can unwind at the Teal Bend Grill, which offers casual pub fare and ice-cold beer. For birdwatching enthusiasts, the club boasts an array of native wetlands along the Sacramento River, making it a prime location to spot various bird species.
- Holes: 18-holes
- Par: 72
- Length: 7059 yards
- Type: Public
- Tee Times: 5.00 AM to 7.00 PM
- Website: Teal Bend
5. Morgan Creek Golf Club
Morgan Creek, designed by Kyle Phillips, is a classic golf course that seamlessly integrates into the natural landscape, giving the impression that it has always been there. The 18 holes test players’ ability to execute shots and challenge them to think strategically, creating a complete golfing experience.
Despite being one of the more upscale public facilities in the area, the price to play is reasonable, making it an attractive option for golfers of all levels. Morgan Creek is a course that should not be missed when visiting the area.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Length: 7303 yards
- Type: Private
- Tee Times: 7.00 AM to 5.00 PM
- Website: Morgan Creek
6. Wildhorse Golf Club
Wildhorse Golf Club, located in California and designed by Jeff Brauer, offers a classic West Coast parkland golfing experience. The course is characterized by trees, bunkers, water hazards, and the ever-present Covell Creek, all of which make shot placement crucial. Local golfers favor this course, as it requires a strategic approach and thoughtfulness rather than just swinging as hard as possible.
The green complexes at Wildhorse are also challenging, featuring noticeable slopes and subtle breaks that may take some time to master. Spending some time on the practice green before starting your round is recommended.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 70
- Length: 6252 yards
- Type: Public
- Tee Times: 7.00 AM to 4.00 PM
- Website: Wildhorse Golf Club
7. Timber Creek Golf Course
Designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash, the Timber Creek golf course features 18 holes with distinct personalities and challenges, including numerous water features and over 2,000 heritage oak trees. The course is also in perfect condition year-round, making it a popular destination for golfers of all skill levels.
The course is also known for its seamless integration into the surrounding landscape, which includes lovely ponds, waterfalls, oak groves, and a designated bird sanctuary.
Despite its residential community location, Timber Creek is in harmony with nature, providing an enjoyable and challenging golf experience. With its excellent facilities and affordable prices, Timber Creek is a great value for golfers seeking a scenic and exciting round of golf in the Sacramento area.
- Holes: 18-holes
- Par: 72
- Length: 6485 yards
- Type: Public
- Tee Times: 7.00 AM to 5.48 PM
- Website: Timber Creek Golf Course
8. Whitney Oaks Golf Club
Located on the outskirts of Sacramento, Whitney Oaks Golf Club is a pristine course that boasts thousands of ancient live oak trees lining its fairways. To score well here, golfers must hit straight or risk ending up with punchouts.
In addition to the challenging fairways, the course is home to numerous wetlands that provide obstacles for golfers and a habitat for native wildlife such as deer and birds.
Overall, Whitney Oaks is one of the most picturesque courses in the area, offering a unique and challenging golfing experience that’s sure to delight players of all skill levels.
- Holes: 18-holes
- Par: 71
- Length: 6794 yards
- Type: Semi-private
- Tee Times: 5.00 AM to 9.00 PM
- Website: Whitney Oaks Golf Club
9. Bradshaw Ranch Golf Course
Bradshaw Ranch may not be as widely recognized as some other courses in the area, but it has become a favorite among beginners and those seeking a fast round to sharpen their short-game skills.
This private course, situated in the Vineyard community of Sacramento County, boasts well-kept bunkers and obstacles and provides a welcoming and uncrowded setting. Additionally, the course offers lessons for those who want to improve their game and even has night golf for those who want to experience a unique playing experience.
- Holes: 9
- Par: 27
- Length: 1108 yards
- Type: Private
- Tee Times: 7.00 AM to 4.30 PM
- Website: Bradshaw Ranch Golf Course
Other popular golf courses in Sacramento
We have highlighted some of the most popular golf courses in Sacramento, but there are plenty more to explore.
Here is a list of other good golfing options in and around Sacramento.
- WildHawk Golf Club
- Ancil Hoffman Golf Course
- Black Oak
- Diamond Oaks golf course
- Bing Maloney Golf Course
- Cordova golf course
- William Land Golf Course
- Mather Golf Course
What is the toughest golf course in Sacramento?
According to Nothern California Golf Association, Morgan Creek is the most challenging course in the Sacramento region.
The course features tricky bunkers, tree-lined fairways, and strategically placed water hazards, making it a formidable challenge for players of all skill levels. Golfers must employ a combination of skill and strategy to navigate the course and achieve a good score.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Golf Experience in Sacramento
- Time Your Visit: Plan your visit during spring or fall when the weather is mild and courses are less crowded.
- Book in Advance: To avoid disappointment, book your tee times in advance, especially during the weekends, as courses tend to fill up quickly.
- Take advantage of practice facilities: Most courses offer practice facilities like driving ranges, putting greens, and chipping areas. Use these facilities to warm up before your round and improve your game.
- Check for deals: Many courses offer special rates and promotions for golfers. Check their websites or call ahead to inquire about any discounts or packages that may be available.
Our Take
The Sacramento region is a great place to enjoy a round of golf. Whether you are looking for a challenging course or just want to relax with friends, you can find a course that’s just right for your level of play. Just remember to book in advance, practice before you play, and take advantage of any deals or promotions you may qualify for.
