What are the best golf courses in Auburn, California?

Introduction

In this blog post we’ll explore some of the best golf courses in the city of Auburn, hidden away in the Gold Country of California.

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Auburn is known as the gateway further inland to places like the popular Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains themselves.

The city itself has a wonderful old town and a rich history. Surrounded by scenic trails, it is an outdoor enthusiasts haven. 

Easily accessible on Interstate 80, let’s take a look at the best golf courses near Auburn.

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

The best golf courses in Auburn, California

1. Darkhorse Golf Course

Arguably one of the finest golf courses in the wider Sacramento region, Darkhorse Golf Course is a sensational layout.

Ever since opening in 2002, having been designed by the immensely talented Keith Foster, Darkhorse Golf Course has received heaps of acclaim. 

Foremost amongst this praise, is being consistently recognised as one of the best golf courses you can play in California. Golf Digest as well as Golf Magazine continually recognise it and for good reason.

Foster may have hit the headlines for the wrong reasons of late, pleading guilty to smuggling and selling items of endangered species in 2019. And at the time of writing, it looks like Foster’s architectural career has stopped in its tracks.

Which for the golfing world is a terrible shame. It is widely accepted Foster is a genius at renovating timeless classics. He’s worked wonders at the likes of Philadelphia Cricket Club, Colonial Country Club, Eastward Ho!, Southern Hills…and the list goes on. 

However Darkhorse Golf Course is one of many original designs of his, and one which to this day is as good as when it opened its door all those years ago.

In the Sierra Foothills, it will come as no surprise this is a hilly layout. Some might even say a mountain layout. But like others on this list, it features constant movement in the terrain. This makes for some awkward, although incredibly fun, tee shots and approach shots. 

From the back tees the course measures just over 7,000 yards and you can’t help but notice how seamlessly the design integrates into the landscape. There is also incredible in the variety of holes and hazards. 

It is challenging, there is no way of hiding that. But if ever you were going to use the word ‘hidden gem’, then this is one of them.

2. Winchester Country Club

This outstanding semi-private golf club is positioned just a ten to fifteen minute drive north east out of Auburn. You’ll find it soon after passing Sugar Pine Ridge Park up into Meadow Vista. 

Winchester Country Club is however more than just a good semi-private club. This is a course that has been recognised as one of the finest residential courses in America by Golfweek no less. 

Just like The Ridge, this is another Trent Jones creation. Although on this occasion, it was a Robert Trent Jones Sr. and a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, alongside Donald Knott and Gary Linn. 

The course opened in 2000 and ever since then has been entertaining members and their guests as a highly desirable member’s club. In more recent times, assuming you’re happy with the $150 green fee, the public are also welcome.

From the back tees the layout stretches to nearly 7,200 yards and has been routed through the meadows and woods endemic to the area. Elevation changes again play a big part whilst a number of streams and lakes keep golfers focused from beginning to end. 

The word ‘challenging’ has been used on many occasions to describe Winchester Country Club. This is primarily because from the tees, the course is unforgiving.

On many holes, a top will leave you dearly in trouble. Even well hit strikes needs to be accurate to avoid being completely out of position or in the trees.

The par-3s are stunning but brutal. The 7th will penalize anything short and left. Likewise, the 11th and 15th both need to be pin high, as anything else will be a lost ball. Particularly the 15th which is all water except the green. 

But I stress, choose the tee box wisely, and boy will you have fun. This is challenging golf not for the faint hearted. But the odd bit of challenge never hurt anyone. 

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

3. The Ridge Golf Course

From one superb Auburn golf course to another. This time we take a look at the incredibly popular The Ridge Golf Course.

The course is located in North Auburn, just south of the Auburn Municipal Airport. So it is easily accessible from any of the residential areas surrounding Auburn. It is also just far enough out of town to be detached from the curse of housing lining fairways. 

And we have an A-list golf course architect to thank for the superb routing at The Ridge. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. alongside Donald Knott and Gary Linn. 

The three of them have teamed up successfully on multiple projects and The Ridge is up there with the best of them.

The site is wonderful, featuring an interesting topography. Firstly elevation, with a 100-foot change across the site. Secondly water hazards, with a few sizable lakes adding a degree of drama and visual aesthetic.

Amongst all this you have rolling hills, 48 bunkers and a number of rocky outcroppings. 

The last three holes are arguably the hardest final three in the area. The sixteenth is a par-4 with a tight landing area and green with water on two sides. The seventeenth is a par-3 over water. Whilst the eighteenth has a lake running up nearly the whole left hand side with a two-tiered green.

Fortunately, playing here is as fun as it is challenging. Just choose your tee box carefully before teeing off!

4. Lake on the Pines Golf Course

Nestled within the heart of the Lake of the Pines gated residential community, is this top class private layout. 

It’s also just a stone’s throw away from the popular Darkhorse Golf Course. From central Auburn, you’re looking at a relaxed twenty to twenty-five minute drive. 

For starters it is a wonderful location, with at its centerpiece the serene Lake of the Pines itself. Every now and again you get a view out onto the lake. But generally, the layout is surrounded by residential housing. 

Which doesn’t really put you off though like it might elsewhere. There is plenty of greenery and hidden away amongst this is an abundance of wildlife.

The routing literally works its way around the lake, with the first hole leaving the clubhouse and you don’t come back until the eighteenth. 

Opening way back in 1958, Lake of the Pines is one of the oldest courses in the area. And ever since then, it’s remained exclusively for the enjoyment of its members. 

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

What is the best golf course in Auburn, California?

The best golf course near Auburn, California, is the sensational Darkhorse Golf Club. Considered one of the best public golf courses in California, it is without doubt the best layout in the Auburn region, despite some other top class courses in the area. It was designed by Keith Foster and opened in 2002.