The Golf Courses of San Joaquin County
If you’re a golfer, you can easily recall a not-so-distant time when an hour-long phone session of Muzak was just part of the Monday morning routine if you wanted to reserve a weekend tee time at your favorite golf course.
Complied by CATHY JETTER
PHOTO Courtesy of: Desert Springs Resort
Well, the grass is certainly looking greener, and cities from Tracy to Modesto are “tee-ming” with options for today’s golf enthusiast, all sorts of new courses and ways to make the golfing experience that much better—and if you know where to look, there are some great deals to be found at a course that’s just right for you.
Every course has its own personality, much like the people who play them. Each one has something special to offer. Whether you’re looking for a place to take the kids, meet up with your friends, or test your skills, you’re sure to find the ideal course just a short drive away. With the warmer evenings and longer days of springtime just ahead of us, now is the time to begin exploring the golf prospects available throughout this beautiful Valley.
Lockeford Springs
16360 N. Hwy. 88, Lockeford
(209) 333-6275
www.lockefordsprings.com
Be sure to have a couple balls in the bag when you reach the eighteenth hole. At 514 yards, this par 5, signature hole is determined to make sure you don’t give up your game before the final putt on the L-shaped green. With a lake on the left and a canal on the right, focus on keeping your ball dry before wetting your whistle at the full bar. 6,861 yds, par 72
Escalon Golf Course
17051 S. Escalon Bellota Rd., Escalon
(209) 838-1277
Ladies, gentlemen, and kids all play from the same markers, the longest hole is 237 yards, and electric carts are available for those with disabilities. It’s hard to find a better place to bring the generations together. Whether everyone is new to golf, or grandma and grandpa would like to spend some time enjoying their favorite sport with the littler athletes in the family, this course offers the perfect opportunity for players of all ages and abilities to tee it up together. 1520 yds, par 31
Manteca Park Golf Course
305 N. Union Rd., Manteca
(209) 825-2500
A country club atmosphere for public enjoyment is the goal of this city-owned course, so they put in a recreational park, tennis courts, a full service pro shop, driving range, snack bar, and banquet facilities; and, oh yes, plenty of challenge out on the course. With trees lining the fairly narrow fairways, and water hazards or bunkers coming into play on nearly every hole, you may not need a collared shirt, but you better bring your game when playing this venue. 6466 yds, par 72
Old River Golf Course and Range
18007 S. MacArthur Dr., Tracy
(209) 830-8585
www.oldrivergolf.com
It’s almost like two courses in one. The original nine holes, now the back nine, offer narrow, tree-lined fairways and undulating greens—be sure to bring the putter that works. The newer front nine has a more links-style atmosphere, with wide-open fairways, fairly flat greens, and water on almost every hole—be sure to bring plenty of balls, especially in the spring when winds can take you places you didn’t want to go. 6213 yds, par 72
French Camp Golf Course
3919 French Camp Rd., Manteca
(209) 234-3030
Okay, to tell the truth, it’s French Camp RV Park and Golf Course. So, maybe you’d like to bring your RV and enjoy all of the amenities offered at this interesting spot, like shuttle service from your site to the pro shop. Don’t let the par 60 fool you; this is no pitch and putt. With water hazards on every hole, including the island 18th green, you might want to stash a few extra balls in the dash of the RV. 3656 yds, par 60
Swenson Park Golf Course
6803 Alexandria Pl., Stockton
(209) 937-7360
Really, it’s more like a golf complex. There’s an 18 hole championship course for when you’ve got all day to play, a sweet little nine hole executive course when you’re just hoping to fit in a few holes before dark, and a driving range, two chipping greens, and a sand bunker for working out those kinks that keep your score higher than you’d like it. 6703 yds, par 72; 2760 yds, all par 3
Venetian Gardens
1555 Mosaic Way, Stockton
(209) 477-3871
For the best green fees in town, find a friend who belongs to this nine-hole residential golf course. Guests are free when they play this par 3 course with a member; and though there’s no pro shop, no restaurant, no reservations, and no practice facilities, we’re pretty sure there are a few fun games to be found around this course, where every hole is less than 100 yards long. 1494 yds, par 27
Jack Tone
1500 Ruess Rd., Ripon
(209) 599-2973
Just over ten years old, Jack Tone is a welcome change for those who are tired of taking too many shots to get from tee to green.18 holes add up to only 3,715 yards, par 62. There’s still plenty of challenge out there, especially when it’s windy. One lake brings water hazards to three holes; local knowledge says a low punch shot is key to staying dry when the prevailing wind from the left is present on the course’s signature hole, the par 3 number 8. 3715 yds, par 62
Lyons Golf Course
3303 Navy Dr.
Rough and Ready Island, Stockton
(209) 462-3879
Everyone loves to watch the balls fly off the driver, but really, the short game is everything. This nine-hole executive course offers the perfect opportunity to practice all those shots that really make a difference in the score. Watch out, water comes into play on every hole. 2110 yds, par 32
Micke Grove Golf Links
11401 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi
(209) 369-4410
www.mickegrove.com
A links-style course winding its way through Lodi’s grape vineyards, Micke Grove is a pretty fair test of golf. Number 14 and its 179 yard tee shot over water may be the signature hole, but we lost count of the bunkers after 40, and our advice when heading here? Don’t forget your sand wedge. 6565 yds, par 72
Oakmoore Golf Course
3737 N. Wilson Way, Stockton
(209) 462-6712
Team building events, family reunions, bachelor parties … these are just a few of the ways we can imagine getting the chance to play at Oakmoore. There’s no way to call and get a tee time for four at this nine-hole course, you’ve got to bring a full field. Fairways are narrow and greens are small, but you’ve got the whole course to yourselves and that just doesn’t happen very often. 3236 yds, par 36
The Reserve at Spanos Park
6301 W. Eight Mile Rd.,
Stockton
(209) 477-4653
Close to 360 acres of lakes, wetlands, and working farmlands make the Reserve an exceptionally pretty course to play. Four sets of tees keep less experienced players from becoming overwhelmed by holes like the long par 5 number 2, with bunkers left off the tee and water left of the green. If you’re looking for a little exercise with your golf, this is a good walking course, though carts are always available—especially for those hot summer afternoons. 7132 yards, par 72
Van Buskirk
1740 Houston Ave., Stockton
(209) 937-7357
So, you’re just starting out. You’ve taken a few lessons, played plenty of executive courses, and now you’re ready to test your eighteen-hole game. Though plenty of trees and one large lake come into play throughout the course, Van Buskirk is a good place to see how you really feel about the game of golf. 6928 yds, par 72
Country Clubs in San Joaquin County
Virtually every golf course offers membership of one sort or another to its regular players. Whether you’re looking for playing partners or you just want to establish a handicap, becoming part of a “club” can bring a bevy of benefits, including discounts on green fees and merchandise, preferred tee times, and, if you’re lucky, a little free professional advice.
Just a few years ago, the cost of membership at private clubs was rising at an unbelievable pace. Prices today are, by comparison, almost a bargain. If you’ve been considering joining one of our local country clubs, now may be the time.
Brookside Country Club
3603 Saint Andrews Dr., Stockton
(209) 956-6200
www.brooksidegolf.net
Take a look at the list of upcoming events at Brookside Country Club and you’re quickly convinced there’s more to this place than just the eighteen challenging holes of Robert Trent Jones, Jr. championship golf. Cooking classes, haunted houses, Independence Day celebrations, winemakers dinners, and a recent addition of a swimming and tennis facilities; there’s something to make every member of the family feel welcome and involved. With two levels of membership available, the opportunity to join is wide open. 6,777 yds, par 72
Elkhorn Country Club
1050 Elkhorn Dr.,
Stockton
(209) 477-0252
www.elkhorncc.com
The golfer’s golf club, Elkhorn is truly all about getting out on the course and playing some golf. All the necessary accessories are readily available—driving range, putting green, bar—but there are no tennis courts or swimming pools to distract from any of the eighteen really important things in life. 6,559 yds, par 71
Spring Creek Golf Course and Country Club
1580 Spring Creek Dr.,
Ripon
(209) 599-3630
www.springcreekcc.com
If you’re having trouble keeping it in the fairway, and all those ancient oaks keep getting in the way, there are plenty of social events here to keep you occupied until your game is back under control. Taking a few of the dance lessons they offer might even get your hips swinging like they should. 6,461 yds, par 72
Stockton Golf and Country Club
3800 W. Country Club Blvd., Stockton
(209) 466-6221
www.stocktongolfcc.com
Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller. These are a few of the great players who have swung their clubs at Stockton Golf and Country Club. One of California’s original golf courses, the club has stayed true to its heritage of charm and grace, while providing its membership with plenty of modern conveniences—including a fitness director available to customize your workout and maximize your golf performance. 6,511 yds, par 71
Tracy Golf and Country Club
35200 S. Chrisman Rd.
Tracy
(209) 835-9463
www.tracycountryclub.com
There’s no room for country club snobbery at this friendly-feel establishment, where the number one priority is playing the game. Women’s groups and men’s clubs ensure the focus is kept firmly on the flag on the hole just ahead. 6,630 yds, par 72
Woodbridge Golf and Country Club
800 E. Woodbridge Rd.
Woodbridge
(209) 369-2371
www.woodbridgegcc.com
Originally built in 1923, all three of the nines (yes, we did say three, that makes 27 holes in all) were redesigned by Robert Muir Graves in 1985. Seven tennis courts, the recent addition of a 25-meter pool, and al fresco dining on the garden patio ensure no complaints from non-golfers in the family as they wait for you to finish playing those extra nine holes. Depending on which combination of nines played, middle/river 6,438 yds, Par 71, river/lake 6,445 yds, par 72, lake/middle 6,611 yds, par 73
WORTH THE DRIVE
The Course at Wente Vineyards
5040 Arroyo Rd.
Livermore
(925) 456-2475
www.wentegolf.com
The the 2008 PGA Nationwide Tour Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship, took place April 3 through 6 at this can’t-miss course last year. With none of the stay-back attitude of the PGA Tour, this event is where real golf fans should be lining the fairways to watch their future favorites play like their lives, or at least their livelihood, depend on it. Make a tee time and see how your game matches up to last year’s scores. One more reason to go; wine tasting at over twenty local wineries. 7181 yds, par 72
Trilogy Golf Club at Rio Vista
1000 Summerset Dr.
Rio Vista
(707) 374-2900
www.trilogygolfclub.com/riovista
Who would have thought that one of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” was just down the road in Rio Vista? Well, now that you know, you’ll have to give it a shot, just to see how it ranks with your current favorite course. With four par fives measuring 502, 546, 488, and 491 yards, you better take all the game you’ve got. The Northern California Golf Association’s handicapping system marks Rio Vista as one of the most difficult in the state. 6800 yds, par 72
Saddle Creek Resort
1001 Saddle Creek Dr.
Copperopolis
(209) 785-7400
www.saddlecreek.com
There’s so much to love about Saddle Creek: the scenery (views of the Sierras and Yosemite), the fishing (Lake Tulloch is so very close), the wine list (over one hundred fifty varietals offered at the Copper Grille), and the accommodations (two bedroom bungalows, in-room massages). Did we mention the award-winning, four and a half star golf course? Yes, we think you’ll love that too. 6826 yards, par 72 SJM
Also Check out our Golf Guide Getaway!
Palm Springs
Golf and Glamour
California’s Coachella Valley, from Palm Springs to Indio, is known to have the highest concentration of golf courses in the country. With nearly one hundred twenty courses in a relatively small area, many call it the “Golf Capital of the World.”
Pick up the latest issue of San Joaquin Magazine for the full story!
