What are the best public golf courses in Stockton, California?

Introduction

In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at some of the best public golf courses in Stockton, California. 

This vibrant city is nestled in California’s Central Valley, situated along the San Joaquin Delta. And this is one of the main attractions to the city, as it features miles upon miles of Delta waterways to explore and go yachting. 

Alongside the waterfront activities are various historical landmarks and a cultural richness which charms visitors. Likewise, its proximity to wine country is another big appeal. 

Stockton has some great golf courses to choose from, with a couple of private clubs up there amongst the pick of the bunch. But let’s dive in and explore what’s out there for semi-private and public options.

See also: What are the best public golf courses in San Francisco, California?

The best public golf courses in Stockton, California

1. The Reserve at Spanos Park Golf Course

Let’s kick off this list of the best public courses near Stockton, with the superb The Reserve at Spanos Park.

Located to the northwest of the city, this is a wonderful location which is secluded and effectively detached from the daily noise of everyday life. Positioned on a huge plot, at no point do you feel crammed in or on top of anyone else. 

The name ‘Reserve’ is also apt,as you’ll find a range of wildlife onsite who call this place home. 

The course was designed by Andy Raugust and opened in 1999. Raugust is not a name many people will recognise. But this is a man with bags of experience, having worked as an associate for the Jack Nicklaus Design firm. 

So although there aren’t many courses directly attributed to him, his stamp will be on many others. And the handful of courses he is personally responsible for are all highly regarded. 

Here at The Reserve at Spanos Park, Raugust created an inland links style layout, large and expansive. 

Naturally there is little tree cover, with the fairways instead open to the elements. When the wind blows, which it regularly does, this is a beast to play. 

Water also plays a huge part, with a number of lakes coming into play across eleven holes. On those holes where water hazards aren’t present, you’ll find vast waste bunkers. 

Measuring over 7,000 yards from the back tees, it’s fair to say this is a challenging course. But boy is it fun! Take plenty of balls and make sure you choose the right tee box.

2. Elkhorn Golf Club

Elkhorn Golf Club is an immensely popular semi-private course also located to the north of the city. Positioned just inside of Eight Mile Road, Elkhorn has existed here since 1963.

The course was designed by Bert Stamps with its name derived from the once abundant Tule Elk which roamed freely in years gone by. 

This is not a hilly course, so there are no elevations to contend with. Yet despite that, the course is immensely challenging. And this challenge is primarily due to the tight tree-lined airways. 

Lined by a litany of mature trees, you simply have to be hitting the ball long and straight.

Hidden away in the verdant 97 acre site, you’ll also find a handful of lakes which come into play on various holes. Whilst there are a number of beautifully sculpted bunkers strategically positioned throughout. 

Another thing Elkhorn Golf Club is known for is its exceptional conditioning. This is perfectly encapsulated by its greens, all of which were recently rebuilt with 007 bent grass, the same as those at the US Open site of Olympic Club.

If you enjoy a challenge, you’ll simply love Elkhorn. 

See also: What are the best golf courses in Sacramento, California?

3. Swenson Park Golf Course

Not far from downtown Stockton, located close to Lincoln Village, is the popular Swenson Park Golf Course. 

One of the oldest golf courses in Stockton, Swenson Park opened to the public in 1952 and was designed by Jack Fleming. 

Visitors will find 27 holes onsite, including the 18-hole championship course called the Oak Course, and the 9-hole par-3 executive course. The latter is perfect for junior golfers and beginners.

As for the main layout, it is a classic parkland course which cuts through elegant ancient oak woodland. Some of the oaks are hundreds of years old with nearly every hole having them in play to some degree.

From the back tees, the course measures 6,407 yards. Not the longest but with narrow tree-lined fairways, this is a welcome relief. 

And this is where you can score well, by avoiding the trees. Water does come into play on a couple of holes, but accuracy off the tee and putting well on the firm and fast greens is essential. 

Owned by the city of Stockton, expect good rates.

4. Micke Grove Golf Links

Right in the heart of Zinfandel Country, Lodi, is the popular and fun layout of Micke Grove Golf Links. 

Just a twenty minute drive north out of Stockton, past Morada and on your way towards Lodi, is this vast isolated spot. There are very few residential buildings surrounding the plot, with instead vineyards, arable land and the Micke Grove Zoo to the north.

Often considered as a bit of a hidden gem, the Micke Grove Golf Links was designed by two men, Garrett Gill and George Williams. A successful combo, Gill and Williams worked together for many years completing numerous projects across the United States.

At Micke Grove, the pair created an inland links-style layout epitomized by beautifully shaped fairways and plenty of water. Amongst this you’ll also find plenty of trees and grapevines dotted around the course.

But the large tracts of water is the main challenge. There are seven huge lakes, all which come into play on numerous occasions. 

Unlike traditional links courses, if you don’t hit the fairway, assuming you’re not in the water, you should easily find your ball. So it isn’t too penal.

It’s a really clever design, in what would have been a pretty bland site. Credit to Gill and Williams. And really good value too.

See also: What are the best golf courses in Auburn, California?

5. Manteca Park Golf Course

Yep, I hear you. Manteca Park Golf Course is not Stockton, it’s located in the city of Manteca to the south. But being just a twenty minute drive from downtown Stockton, it seems a missed opportunity not to include it.

The course is well established, having existed since 1966. At that time it started life as a simple 9-hole course, designed by the north Californian architect Jack Fleming. 

It wasn’t until the mid-1980s that the layout was increased to 18 holes, with the routing now measuring 6,418 yards from the backs. 

Easy walking, the course is positioned on relatively flat terrain. And like most of the other courses on this list, Manteca Park is heavily tree-lined. 

You’ll find large ancient trees interspersed with palms, oaks and various others. It really is a pleasure on the eye. And for a public course, it is also more often than not in very good condition. 

A traditional parkland layout in style, there are also six large water hazards dotted around the site. 

Really a great option and superb value for money. 

What is the best public golf course in Stockton, CA?

The best public golf course near Stockton, CA, is the wonderful The Reserve at Spanos Park Golf Course. Located to the north of the city, this semi-private layout was designed by Andy Raugust, formerly of Jack Nicklaus Design.