Discover Golfing Excellence in Calaveras County: Your Guide to a Transcendent Sierra Nevada Vacation
Welcome to the Sierra Rec Magazine guide to golfing in Calaveras County, where the pristine beauty of the Sierra Nevada meets world-class golfing experiences. Calaveras County, a transcendent vacation destination, boasts a variety of exceptional golf courses that cater to players of all skill levels. From challenging championship courses to idyllic mountain settings, this region offers an unparalleled blend of natural splendor and meticulously designed fairways.
GOLF COURSES
The Golf Club at Copper Valley
The Golf Club at Copper Valley, formerly known as Saddle Creek, offers an unparalleled golfing experience nestled in the rolling foothills of Calaveras County. Designed by Carter Morrish and opened in 1996, this 18-hole championship course is renowned for its scenic beauty and challenging play. The course features a blend of gentle and dramatic elevation changes, providing golfers with breathtaking views of the Sierras, Yosemite, and an abundant variety of wildlife. Each hole is artfully framed by natural lakes, streams, and grasses, with striking white bunkers adding excitement to every shot.
Acquired by Copper Valley Development Partners, LLC, in November 2018, the course and its accompanying lodge were renamed The Golf Club at Copper Valley in July 2019. This rebranding coincided with extensive renovations aimed at enhancing and modernizing the facilities, ensuring a top-tier experience for all visitors.
Whether you’re navigating the course’s challenging fairways or enjoying the stunning vistas, The Golf Club at Copper Valley promises a memorable round of golf in a spectacular setting.
Greenhorn Creek Resort
Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort, located at 711 McCauley Ranch Road in Angels Camp, serves as the perfect basecamp for golfers exploring the beautiful Central Sierra. Positioned at a 1,500-foot elevation, this resort offers year-round golfing opportunities, comfortably nestled below the snow line yet above the Central Valley fog. With picturesque landscapes and ideal temperatures in the spring and fall, Greenhorn Creek is a golfer’s paradise. On warmer days, twilight golf provides a magical experience with discounted rates, spectacular long evenings, and the perfect ending—enjoying a vintage glass of wine or an ice-cold beer.
This Robert Trent Jones II-designed par 72 course is complemented by a range of excellent amenities. The resort boasts a well-stocked pro shop, the award-winning CAMPS Restaurant and bar offering local wines, a wood-fired pizza oven, and a bocce ball court with cozy outdoor seating. Greenhorn Creek also caters to group events with on-site meeting rooms, making it an ideal venue for tournaments, events, and corporate gatherings. The practice facility, PGA lessons, and rental clubs ensure that every golfer, from beginner to pro, is well accommodated.
For a complete golf-themed getaway, guests can stay at the charming Greenhorn Vacation Cottages, nearby Worldmark at Wyndham, or rent out The Caddy Shack for group stays. Described as a classic parkland setting with a California Golden Touch, Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort is more than just a golf course—it’s an exceptional destination that promises memorable experiences both on and off the links.
Sequoia Woods Country Club
Sequoia Woods Country Club, located at 1000 Cypress Point Drive in Arnold, is a premier golfing destination in Calaveras County, offering a challenging 18-hole course set amidst the stunning landscape of the western Sierra Nevada. Designed by renowned architect Bob Baldock, this par 70 course artfully integrates the region’s natural beauty, with the first nine holes featuring open meadows and slopes, and the back nine winding through narrow, pine tree-lined fairways. At an elevation of 4,000 feet, golfers are treated to breathtaking views and varied terrain that ensure an engaging round for players of all skill levels.
Open for ten months of the year, Sequoia Woods benefits from ample sunshine, situated above the fog line, and only closes during the coldest winter weeks. The club’s amenities include a well-stocked pro shop featuring the latest golf fashions and merchandise, golf instruction classes, a practice putting green, a driving range, and full locker room facilities. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy a day in a beautiful mountain setting, Sequoia Woods Country Club provides an unparalleled golfing experience.
For those planning a golf-themed getaway, consider the Calaveras Golf & Adventure Travel Itinerary, which highlights Sequoia Woods along with four other exceptional golf courses, plus recommended lodging, restaurants, and activities. Discover why Sequoia Woods Country Club is a favorite among golf enthusiasts seeking both challenge and serenity in the Sierra Nevada.
La Contenta Golf Club
La Contenta Golf Club, situated at 1653 State Route 26 in Valley Springs, is a top-tier destination for golf enthusiasts in Calaveras County. Recognized by Golf Digest, this 18-hole championship course continues to enhance its reputation as one of Northern California’s finest public and semi-private golf clubs and event centers. Designed by Richard Bigler, La Contenta features a picturesque layout with rolling terrain, stunning vistas, and a blend of meadow and valley fairways that ensure an enjoyable and challenging round for golfers of all levels. The dramatic drop of the signature 13th hole and the pure putting surfaces, achieved through a bent grass conversion, highlight the course’s exceptional design.
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, La Contenta offers not only outstanding golf but also a delightful dining experience at the Old Pueblo Cafe, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in comfortable surroundings overlooking the 1st hole and 9th green. Whether you’re seeking a golf-themed getaway or simply a day of refined golfing pleasure, La Contenta Golf Club promises a memorable experience. For those planning a longer stay, the Calaveras Golf & Adventure Travel Itinerary includes La Contenta and four other courses, plus recommended lodging, restaurants, and activities. Come and discover why La Contenta is a golfer’s paradise hidden in the foothills.
Forest Meadows Golf Course
Forest Meadows Golf Course is a premier destination for golfers visiting Calaveras County. Often hailed as a ‘hidden gem’ of Murphys, this 9-hole course offers an unforgettable experience for players of all skill levels. Surrounded by majestic giant pines, great oaks, and towering cedars, and accented by the gentle flow of running creeks, Forest Meadows provides an idyllic backdrop for a day on the greens. The course is meticulously maintained, with challenging fairways, swift greens, and strategically placed water hazards and sand traps that promise to test your abilities. Whether you’re looking to refine your game or simply enjoy a leisurely round, Forest Meadows invites you to immerse yourself in its serene beauty and exceptional golfing conditions. The newly renovated Pro Shop is equipped with all your golfing essentials and offers snacks and beverages to enhance your day on the course. After one visit, you’ll understand why golfers return to Forest Meadows time and again, eager to experience its charm and challenge.
Enjoy some of the best golf in Murphys on this 9-hole course. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Murphys 9 Golf Course offers golfers of all abilities a day they will not soon forget, with fairways set deep in the quiet of giant pines, great oaks, and towering cedars, as well as some that play across High Meadowland. Skill sets are tested by long fairways, multiple water hazards and strategically placed sand traps.
5-Day Golf Vacation Itinerary in Calaveras County
Welcome to our ultimate guide to a 5-day golf vacation in Calaveras County, a transcendent Sierra Nevada destination. This itinerary features the best golf courses, dining spots, and accommodations, ensuring a memorable golfing getaway. Let’s dive into each day’s plan to help you make the most of your visit to this beautiful region.
Day 1: Arrival and Forest Meadows Golf Course
Morning:
- Arrival in Calaveras County
- Check-in at the Murphys Suites, located in the charming town of Murphys. Murphys Suites, built by Dennis Lee of Lee-Way Construction and Development Company, opened its doors in December 2002. This 70-suite facility exudes the comforting charm of a high mountain lodge, featuring a grand lobby with high ceilings, exposed beams, and a cozy fireplace. Local artist Mike Darby’s murals adorn the main stairway and bell tower, depicting the majestic beauty and historic life of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Known for hosting entertainers from the Ironstone Summer Concert Series, Murphys Suites offers a unique blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort, making it an ideal base for your Calaveras County golf vacation.
Afternoon:
- Golf at Forest Meadows Golf Course
- Enjoy a round at the scenic Forest Meadows Golf Course, known for its stunning natural setting and challenging fairways. This 9-hole course, surrounded by giant pines and running creeks, offers a unique golfing experience.
Evening:
- Dinner at Alchemy Café
- Located in downtown Murphys, Alchemy Café offers a delightful menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and an excellent selection of regional wines. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind after your first day on the greens.
Day 2: La Contenta Golf Club
Morning:
- Breakfast at Grounds
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Grounds, a popular spot in Murphys known for its delicious morning fare.
Afternoon:
- Golf at La Contenta Golf Club
- Head to Valley Springs to play a round at La Contenta Golf Club. Enjoy the rolling terrain and scenic vistas of this highly regarded course, designed by Richard Bigler.
Evening:
- Dinner at The Pickle Patch Deli
- After your game, enjoy a casual dinner at The Pickle Patch Deli in Valley Springs, offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, and hearty meals. It’s a great place to refuel and reflect on your day.
Day 3: Sequoia Woods Country Club
Morning:
- Breakfast at Hillbillies Restaurant
- On your way to Arnold, stop for breakfast at Hillbillies Restaurant, known for its homestyle cooking and welcoming atmosphere.
Afternoon:
- Golf at Sequoia Woods Country Club
- Spend the afternoon at Sequoia Woods Country Club, playing on the beautifully designed course amidst towering pines and meadows. This par 70 course offers a challenging yet picturesque round of golf.
Evening:
- Dinner at Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen
- Enjoy a delicious Italian dinner at Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen in Arnold, known for its cozy ambiance and excellent pasta dishes. It’s the perfect end to a great day of golfing.
Day 4: Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort
Morning:
- Breakfast at Country Cliff’s
- Start your day with a tasty breakfast at Country Cliff’s in Angels Camp, a local favorite for hearty morning meals.
Afternoon:
- Golf at Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort
- Play a round at the stunning Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort, where you can enjoy the beautifully maintained course and picturesque surroundings. This Robert Trent Jones II-designed par 72 course is perfect for golfers of all levels.
Evening:
- Dinner at CAMPS Restaurant
- Dine at CAMPS Restaurant, located at Greenhorn Creek Resort, and savor a meal featuring award-winning local wines, a wood-fired pizza oven, and a variety of delicious dishes. It’s an excellent way to relax after a day on the links.
Day 5: The Golf Club at Copper Valley
Morning:
- Breakfast at Crusco’s Ristorante
- Begin your final day with breakfast at Crusco’s Ristorante in Angels Camp, offering a delightful morning menu in a charming setting.
Afternoon:
- Golf at The Golf Club at Copper Valley
- Head to The Golf Club at Copper Valley for a memorable round of golf on the rolling foothills course, with its dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views. Designed by Carter Morrish, this course is a must-play.
Evening:
- Dinner at The Vine House
- Conclude your trip with a gourmet dinner at The Vine House in Copperopolis, where you can enjoy fine dining in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to cap off your golf vacation.
Accommodations Summary:
- Murphys Suites: Centrally located for easy access to all courses.
- Greenhorn Vacation Cottages: Available for a comfortable stay closer to the Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort.
This 5-day golf itinerary offers the perfect blend of challenging golf, delightful dining, and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a memorable golfing vacation in Calaveras County. Enjoy the natural beauty and exceptional golf courses of this remarkable region. Explore our guide and start planning your ultimate golfing getaway in Calaveras County today!
