Golfers have the names of America's greatest courses etched in their memories as firmly as the names of their kids. But while you're peering longingly over the fence at some of these exclusive courses that you might never get the chance to play, are you missing other great courses that you can actually enjoy?
That was the question asked recently by Golf.com, the online portal to Golf Magazine. It is answered by the site’s listing of the America’s Most Underrated Courses, a roll of 10 courses that may have escaped some golfers’ notice but have the undivided attention of those that rank the best courses in the nation.
Sitting at No. 9 on the list is Saddle Creek Golf Club in Copperopolis, Calif., a track designed by Roy Bechtol, the Austin, Texas-principal of Bechtol Golf Design, and Carter Morrish. Bechtol and Morrish teamed to create a course indigenous to the Northern California foothills while complementing the surrounding real estate community.
Twenty miles east of Stockton, Saddle Creek is one of the game's best little-known hideaways. Its remoteness makes it a challenge to get to, but the quaint bungalow accommodations and quality golf combines to make the course a great escape. The design is all you can handle, and the bold, imaginative bunker style of Morrish and Bechtol will tie a wayward golfer in knots.
“We were able to utilize the site’s natural lakes, streams and grasses to frame each hole to enhance the experience of every shot on the course,” Bechtol said. “We added bleached white sand to the bunkers to make those striking as well, and the combination of gentle and dramatic changes in elevation bring views of the mountains into the players’ mind. It is truly a spectacular golf course.”
Saddle Creek, which stretches to 6,829 yards from the back set of five tees, carries a rating of 73 and a slope of 137. Saddle Creek is the home course for the Northern California PGA.
The experience includes views of the Sierras, Yosemite and a plentiful variety of wildlife.
“This course has always required players to execute shots, and at nearly 6,900 yards, Saddle Creek features plenty of muscle and is not overpowered by power players," Bechtol said. "There are multiple options off the tee on most holes, and the greens are large enough to utilize a variety of pin positions. It provides a different challenge to every round."
Since opening in 1996, the Saddle Creek has received numerous awards, including recognition as the 9th best public access course in the state of California by Golf Week Magazine in 2006. In 1997, Golf Digest voted Saddle Creek the 7th Best New upscale golf course in the U.S. Golf Digest has also rated Saddle Creek four and a half stars. Only Pebble Beach is rated higher in California with five stars.
The design features more than 100 bunkers, bordering scrub oak trees, serene streams and a dramatic landscape. The large landing areas in the fairways are quite generous. The course sits above the central valley’s fog belt and beneath the snow-covered Sierras, and it is fair, challenging and a whole lot of fun to play – providing you can concentrate on your golf rather than the many spectacular views.
Because there are no parallel fairways, each hole has its own identity.
Amenities at the nearby resort and community include fine dining, distinctive homes, course-side bungalows, fishing, swimming, snowmobiling, tennis, bocce ball, close access to area historical sites and boutique shopping.
Golf Digest gave Saddle Creek a ranking of 4½ stars, second in California to legendary Pebble Beach. Golf Today calls Saddle Creek one of the top five public access courses in Northern California, along with Spyglass, Poppy Hills and Pasatiempo.
“It is a real honor that so many people who know the game recognize our work at Saddle Creek,” Bechtol said. “The course is really fun to play, and – for me – that is always what is most important.”