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

Introduction

In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at some of the best public golf courses in the city of Fresno, nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley.

Positioned midway between San Francisco in the north and Los Angeles due south, Fresno is a burgeoning and vibrant city. 

Alongside its rich agricultural heritage, it is probably most popular for its close proximity to some of California’s most stunning national parks. Places like Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon attract tourists year on year.

And for those looking to visit Fresno but wanting to get a quick round of golf in, you’ve come to the right place.

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

The best public golf courses in Fresno, California

1. Eagle Springs Golf & Country Club

To kick off the list of best public golf courses in Fresno, we head ten miles northeast towards Millerton Lake. 

Here is the wonderful Eagle Springs Golf & Country Club. Nestled away in the Sierra foothills, this is a top class public facility.

An outstanding layout, it consistently garners fantastic reviews. And as a Johnny Miller Signature Course, you can maybe understand why. 

Not long after opening in 1990, it was immediately hailed as one of the best new golf courses in California from a number of different golf publications. 

The routing is simply superb, taking full advantage of the endemic topography. On nearly every hole there is elevation change of some sort. Add to this patches of wild oak forests and granite rock outcroppings…this is a feast for the eyes.

Especially on the back nine when you head over the ridge and play hidden away amongst the rolling hills with nothing but stunning scenery to enjoy. It’s no wonder Eagle Springs attracts its fair share of celebrity golfers. NFL and NBA players are frequent visitors.

Easy reach from central Fresno. But alternatively, stay at the Table Mountain Casino just opposite.

2. Dragonfly Golf Club

Still slightly out of Fresno, on the far northern outreaches is the epic layout of Dragonfly Golf Club.

I say epic layout, because from the back tees Dragonfly is officially the longest golf course in California, measuring 8,073 yards! Yep, you heard me right. 

There are six sets of tees to choose from, so for those less masochistic you can make the layout more approachable. Although even from the shortest tees, the course is still 6,302 yards.

Hit it straight and hit it long if you want to have a chance of scoring well here!

But let’s just take a step back for a second. The club was formerly known as Riverbend Golf Club and is located to the north of the city, past Rolling Hills. It is arguably more Madera than it is Fresno. 

The site is glorious with absolutely nothing but the golf course and nature. The winding San Joaquin River runs up its eastside, although at no point does this come into play. 

Instead you’ll find a vast albeit relatively flat site, dotted with water hazards and swathes of long grasses and waste bunkers. Mature trees break the horizon whilst there are no parallel fairways. 

The course was designed by Gary Baird, opening for play in 1999. Ever since then, it has earnt plenty of recognition and acclaim. Not just for its length, but also how much fun it is to play.

Just a short drive from the city, get yourself to Dragonfly Golf Club and get ready for a ball. 

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

3. Riverside Golf Course

This time we head over to a course affectionately known as ‘Big Muni’, Riverside Golf Course, which is just fifteen minutes from downtown Fresno. 

The second oldest course in Fresno, Riverside opened to the public way back in 1939 as part of a federally funded project. The club takes great pride in the fact it was built by the public, for the public. And not only that, it is priced for the public!

But this isn’t some unknown designer’s work. We’re talking about a routing devised by someone responsible for the spectacular Torrey Pines. And alongside George Thomas, Riviera Country Club in L.A. 

This is a William P. Bell design and attracting Bell was an absolute coup at the time, being an architect at the height of his game. 

Here at Riverside, Bell found a beautiful spot, right next to the snaking San Joaquin River. A parkland layout, nearly every fairway is tree lined. And in typical Bell fashion, you’ll find small greens requiring absolute precision. 

Yes this was built for the public, but nor is it a pushover. Granted you won’t lose too many balls, but you’ll have to play well to shoot a low score. Maybe for that reason it is the ongoing host venue to the Fresno City Championships.

You won’t be disappointed coming here. Arguably the best bang for your buck in the city with the most expensive rate around the $40 mark. 

4. Airways Golf Club

We round off this list of public golf courses near Fresno with Airways Golf Club. 

Located right next to the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, this is no match for those courses above it on this list. 

And the reason why is because it is a short course, measuring 5,301 yards from the white tees. This is a challenge unashamedly packaged up for senior and lady golfers, or those looking to get some practice in. 

Despite that, it remains a pretty layout which opened back in 1952. Narrow tree lined fairways and tight greens ensure  length isn’t everything. Perfect for practicing the short game!

If you come here expecting championship golf, you’ll be disappointed. But if you come here looking for something unpretentious, friendly and fun, you’ll be very content. And probably even more content when you see how low they price the golf rates!

What is the best public golf course in Fresno, California?

The best public golf course in the city of Fresno, is the superb Eagle Springs Golf & Country Club. Located out towards Millerton Lake, it is a Johnny Miller signature course and is consistently recognised as one of the finest public courses in California.