Favorite Golf Course

Review of Ridge Creek Golf Course Dinuba, CA

The newest golf course in California’s central valley opened in July 2008 to rave reviews. Designed by Arizona-based John Fought, the par 72 upscale muni is a heathland style course similar to those found in England.

Owned by the city of Dinuba, the course incorporates natural grasses and strategically placed bunkers to approximate the contour of the valley floor before farmers turned dessert into an agricultural oasis. The course as specifically designed to use reclaimed water from the city and uses state-of-the-art irrigation to maintain the native grasses and shrubs and playing areas.

Scenically, the course is close to the Sierra Nevada foothills, peach orchards and other farmland. An “arts-and-crafts” style clubhouse complete with an outdoor fireplace, large covered patio and well stocked pro shop complement a full service restaurant. The 360 degree practice range features one of the largest driving ranges west of the Rockies.

Ridge Creek’s hole 15 is one of the longest par 5 holes in California measuring out at a massive 653 yards and is titled appropriately, “Trajedy.”

The course features over 125 bunkers. And they’re all strategically placed to guard fairways, approaches, greens, wayward shots, etc. Personally, I think I’ve been in every damn one of them! At least twice! Some of the bunkers are nearly impossible to get out of due to the overhanging grass, depth of the bunker and fluffy white sand.

There are blind shots due to sloping terrain and partially hidden greens. And look out for those hidden bunkers!

I think the most important feature is the complete lack of trees. Fairways are so designated by waste areas with bushes, ground cover, Buffalo grass, etc. Keep your eye on the ball on wayward shots because there aren’t any trees to knock it down!

Stay in the fairways and out of the bunkers and the course is very manageable and playable. The course is very well maintained with few burned grass areas due to the summer sun.

It plays long and on hot valley summer days (110* days are standard in July and August) be sure to bring lots of water. The sun can be brutal so headwear and sunscreen are musts.

Distances: From California’s Central Coast about 2:30 hours. San Francisco Bay Area about 2-3 hours. Southern California maybe 4-5 hours.

Range: First class! Practice green closely approximates the contour and speed of most of the greens.

Pro Shop: Full pro shop and restaurant. Friendly employees.

Five (or less) Word Description: Challenging, championship-caliber, enjoyable, hot in summer, adequate pace.

Weekend Rates (18 holes): $61 greens, $14 cart, $75 combo

Monday-Friday: $41 greens, $14 cart, $55 combo

Pull carts: $5

Rating (1-5 stars): 4.5 stars – the only drawback is the heat of the summer sun.