NOT FOUND: course review1.jpgI played one of my favorite courses in the Sacramento area this month, Ancil Hoffman Golf Course in Carmichael, CA. This storied course has long been a fixture in the Sacramento golf scene as the host of the Sacramento County Golf Championships as well as the Men’s State Fair Championship. It is truly a picturesque course that brings to mind the courses of old.
NOT FOUND: course review2.jpgNow just because it brings back the courses of old doesn’t mean it is past it’s time. It truly is not! While not an outrageously long course, 6794 yds. from the blue tees, this course demands accuracy off the tee as well as on most approach shots. It starts off with a straight forward par 4 of 348 yds. and then hits you with a par 5 where the tee box aligns you to hit into the trees on the right. You have to make sure to check your alignment because they architect and the grounds crew is not going to give you any advantages. Ancil, which was designed by William Bell in 1965, has oak tree lined fairways which look great in pictures but can be torture when you aren’t exactly straight off the tee. Trust me I have heard a lot of unique sounds echo off those trees (and boy are they sturdy. . . I have hit them pretty hard and solid with stray golf balls).
NOT FOUND: course review3.jpgTwo of my favorite holes are on the back nine. The first is number 14, an uphill par 3 of 127 yds. to a large green you can’t see forces you to match distance to the height of your shot to have a chance at birdie. The second, number 15, a relatively short par 4 that really makes you think about club selection and where you want to be for your approach shot. Both can be great birdie opportunities if you select correctly or blow up holes on your card if your selection is wrong.
If you are looking for a challenging course with a nice setup, Ancil Hoffman is set right next to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, so you do see a great deal of wild turkey and deer wandering through the course. The green fees are fair and the course is in great shape this time of year. Take a trip to Carmichael and see what a classic golf course is like when you play Ancil Hoffman.