Best Places For A Quick 9 Holes Of Golf
Campus Commons
2 Cadillac Drive
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 922-5861
www.campuscommonsgolf.com
This is one of my favorite little courses now, especially since it was re-done a few years ago. Winding along the American River, the wildlife and sound of the water almost make you forget about the ball or two you're bound to lose on narrow #7. You get lots of short game practice on the par 3s… but can still bring out the driver on at least one par 4 – and talk about affordable! – winter rates are just $7 for 9 holes… and you can add another go-around for $3.50. Seniors 55 & over or juniors 12 & under, $1.00 off. Driving and hand-carts are both available, but it's a good 90 minutes of exercise if you walk with your bag.
Driving range: no
Bing Maloney Executive 9
6801 Freeport Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-2283
www.bingmaloney.com
Come play the E-9! That's short for "Executive 9", and a perfect course for newbies or those looking to up their short game. Built right next to the "big" Bing Maloney course, the executive 9-hole golf course was added in 1988. With seven par 3s and two par 4s, don't underestimate this little course. You'll be glad you played it when you have to whip out those irons on the big links.
Green fees: $6-$11
Driving range: yes
William Land Golf Course
At William Land Park
1701 Sutterville Road
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 277-1207
www.thefirstteesacramento.org
Prior to big Bing Maloney being built in the 1950s, Land Park was the only course around – it was popular then, and still is. It's also home to the First Tee of Greater Sacramento – a youth organization dedicated to teaching kids the disciplines of life through the game of golf. Tucked into the southeast corner of William Land Park at Sutterville & Freeport, the 9-hole course is a lovely walk in the park – with a little golf thrown in! It's best to play it during the week if you can – the beauty of the park combined with the zoo, gardens and picnic areas make the fairways more challenging on weekends with the crowds crossing back and forth. Remember to shout FORE!
Green fees: $12-$15, with deals after 4pm
Driving range: no, but there is a practice putting green
Antelope Greens
2721 Elverta Road
Sacramento, CA 95843
(916) 334-5764
www.thegolfcourses.net
Got a club that goes exactly 67 yards? You'll need it here! Antelope Greens is short game practice to the max, but you'll still need your driver for the par 4s. An 18-hole, par-58 executive-length course, you can play nine only on the front or back in pretty quick time. There are three sets of teeboxes to mix it up, but you'll have fun dialing in your irons on this one. BONUS: the club-cleaning machine at the clubhouse.
Green fees: $15-$35
Driving range: yes
Arcade Creek
Haggin Oaks Golf Complex
3645 Fulton Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 481-GOLF (4653)
www.hagginoaks.com
Arcade Creek, the northernmost of the two courses at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, is a regulation 18 that offers a 9-hole outing on the front or back nine with something for every level of golf. The front nine opened in 1952, with the back half added in 1954 – and though the front is a little easier for the average golfer, the back half offers Arcade Creek's signature hole on 18 – I still have my issues with it – and now that the gun range is gone, you won't feel like you have to drop and take cover at the 12th hole. Walk or ride, but the relatively flat course makes it easy to hoof it.
Driving range: yes
Green fees: $6-$18.50, with deals after 1pm
- Marianne McClary is a main anchor on Good Day Sacramento and loves to golf.
