NOT FOUND: golfreview1.jpgI play golf as much as possible every month. In honor of Veterans Day and because our newspaper is distributed to a high population of veterans, I decided to review a course that has been very popular with those who have served in our great armed forces in this area; Mather Golf Course. Mather Golf Course opened in 1959 as a “military only” course for those who were stationed at Mather Air Force Base. It was designed by Jack Fleming, who also designed Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco, the location of this years President’s Cup. Built on 1400 acres, Mather gives you a majestic run through tree-lined fairways. It is truly a pleasure to walk and get alone with your thoughts (as long as they aren’t about your last errant shot).
I had the opportunity to play on a gorgeous Sacramento fall day and decided to walk instead of ride in a cart. The weather, mid 70’s with just a hint of a breeze, was perfect for golf. I couldn’t have asked for a better day! The golf was also great that day. I was paired with a member at Mather; we’ll call him “Jack”. He knows this course inside and out. He should, as he has been playing there for over 30 years! Playing with Jack was like having a caddie with all the local knowledge.
NOT FOUND: golfreview2.jpgNow for the course . . . what a blast! While Mather isn’t long by any stretch, 6700 yards from the tips, it is a great risk/reward course. It has an “old school” style. The greens are round and small by today’s standards but the course is very straight forward. There are a few slight doglegs, mostly to the left, but the challenge is course management and decisions for aggressive play. The ninth hole gave me my first real test. It was a par 5 that has a creek running through it. My decision at the tee box was to use my driver and try to clear the creek or to lay up. I chose to use a 3-wood. This turned out to be a smart choice as the green is elevated and a long iron in would have been a risky proposition. I scored well here. But, I was sure tempted to pull the big stick (my driver) and see if I could clear that creek. Maybe next time. . .
NOT FOUND: golfreview3.jpgOn the back nine Jack’s local knowledge came into play. At the par 3, eleventh hole, he advised me to take one more club to avoid any and all danger that surrounds this green. He has seen many a Titleist come to rest at the bottom of the lake that fronts this green. Thanks Jack. Then we came to the thirteenth hole, a short par 4 of 295 yards from the blue tees. Jack’s advice was to “go for it” and what a great option that was. The hole is straight and wider than others but narrows considerably as you get to the green. Two bunkers guard the green, so hitting the ball straight is a must. I used my driver and hit the ball just left of the green. Followed this up with chip and a putt and I was in the hole with a birdie. The seventeenth hole was a different story; a long par 4 at 467 yards, with a slight dogleg left. If your drive ends up going left on this hole you have an obstructed view and really no way to get home (to the hole) in two. I was forced to hit a punch shot back on to the fairway and then hit my approach shot.
All in all, Mather Golf Course is a great option for get-away golf. While we have great courses all around us, such as Antelope Greens, Cherry Island and Teal Bend, it is always nice to try something else once in a while. I found Mather Golf Course enjoyable, affordable and fun.