[AndrewB]

Can anyone share some thoughts on Saddle Creek Resort in Copperopolis, CA?  I know nothing about it and a friend is trying to get more information regarding a potential trip.

http://www.saddlecreek.com/golf-resort.html

Thank you.

[Tom Huckaby]

Hi Andrew:

It's a great golf course, one that doesn't get enough notoriety, I think.  It is pretty far out there though.  If you're friend can arrange a stay and play, that's worth doing for sure.  But if not, well... it's about 2.5 hours from San Francisco... plan accordingly.

Specifically re the course, it has a downhill redan, if such a thing can exist.  The green is very redanish anyway.  Greens in general are very cool, and the course allows a lot of strategic choices.  I like it a lot, can you tell?

TH

[David_Tepper]

Andrew -

I was up there 6-7 years ago (probably longer), when the course/development was fairly new and the proshop/clubhouse was in a temporary building. Like Tom H., I remember the course being pretty darn good.

My only concern at this point would be how much housing has been built and how close the houses are to the fairways.

There is another golf course development 15-20 miles away that might be worth a look as well (although I have never seen it):

www.greenhorncreek.com


DT

[Tom Huckaby]

Great point, David.  It's been a few years since I've been up there also.  When I was there some homes had been built, and they were far enough way such that they didn't detract from the experience.  But too many would ruin things, for sure.

TH

[Kyle Henderson]

I've been there twice, most recently this spring. The course conditions had deteriorated somewhat since my first play, but its a solid layout if you're headed that way. There a plenty of other options closer to civilization...

[Gib_Papazian]

You will be missing something of real merit if you skip this one. The golf course is a delicious wander though the Lake Tulloch foothills; seamless routing and architecture full of fresh concepts. Nothing feels forced.

I am not certain why this course never takes it rightful place when the subject of Hidden Gems comes up because I've never met a person who did give Saddle Creek high marks.

If I am going to compare it to something, the golf course resembles what the Preserve at Rancho San Carlos should have been, but fell painfully short.

My vote - if it matters - is a firm thumbs up. Careful of the weather in late Fall though, Saddle Creek is in a shady hollow and I imagine it gets a little nippy out there when the sun gets low in the sky.

I suggest you wander down to the Lake Tulloch Lodge with a designated driver because though the drive is short, it winds around a lot of sharp curves.

The locals are a friendly group and Lake Tulloch is worth a look, although it is obviously man-made. Friday night at the lodge is lively in a Honky Tonk sort of way - this is not Bandon or Pinehurst and the guy on the next bar stool won't be a golfer . . . . .

Plan on 36 holes, your blood pressure will go down 10 points every round . . . . . soooooothing poppys.

[ed_getka]

I felt like Saddle Creek was a pretty good course, but not as good as I had expected. I felt like the greens were on the firm side, which I normally like, but with the bunkering and lack of width at times not allowing for favorable angles I found the course not to my taste. Unfortunately I have a pretty one dimensional game and high shots with spin that stop quick are not the dimension I possess. I also seem to remember a number of holes running through tight little valleys. There were some good holes, but I would be hard-pressed to recall them. Certainly worth a look just on the recommendation of Jeff Stettner, Gib, and Tom IMO.
   Let us know what you think after you've played it. Have fun, it is beautiful country out there.

[Jeff_Stettner]

My praise for this course can be found in the archives of this site. I love the place and would write more if I could articulate thoughts as well as Gib.

[AndrewB]

Thanks all for the information.  I believe my friend will be heading up there in the coming weeks and I'll report back with his impressions.

[Tim Leahy]

I played in a tournament there a few years ago. We also played another course in the area called Greenhorn Creek that was pretty good and there is also an Indian Casino in the area for some gaming and nightlife.

[David Stamm]

A link to local SF radio show website with a short course tour.

http://www.hookedongolf.com/saddle_creek/virtual_tour/golf_course_tour.html

[Kalen Braley]

I've played it twice and it is definitly worth the trip to go see it.

It can be quite hot in the summers, but in the fall its not bad.

[Patrick Schultheis]

I played it a number of times when it first opened, and more recently in 2004.

I think it's a fine course, well worth playing.  My recollection is that the houses do not intrude on the course too much.

Should be beautiful in the autumn.

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