Imagine a cool, crisp winter morning. The sun is peeking through white, majestic clouds suspended above the Sierra-Nevada range. Tule fog rides the northern breezes through silent vineyards; peacefully gliding onto emerald fairways and greens.

Just as the fairway grass is reaching out in anticipation of drinking in the fresh morning rays of the eastern sun, we send our tee shots down the first fairway, in hopes of a well played round. We were not disappointed. The course quenched our thirst like a fine Sangiovese Wine. Every shot was pure joy and the last putt on the signature eighteenth hole arrived too soon.

This Monet-like scene greeted Jim Hansen and I as we set off on yet another wonderful adventure at Lockeford Springs Golf Course, last week. The course is located on Highway 88 in the heart of the Lodi wine country. It stretches 6861 yards from the championship tees. As you pass through the gated entrance, the signature eighteenth beckons, as you glance to the right. It is a challenging par five, encompassing 514 yards.
Bunkers guard the dog leg left, which encourages a tee shot favoring the right center of the fairway. The L-shaped green is protected on the left by a water hazard and on the right by a canal. The timid take three shots, but the player with the heart of Arnold Palmer can chance hitting the green in two. Whatever your choice, be sure to send the ball straight and true.

As you venture deeper onto the property, the spacious and comfortable clubhouse greets you as a mother would embrace her child. It contains a full bar and grill were you can enjoy the delicious food and refreshing beverages available. The well stocked pro shop features brand name golf apparel and equipment.

Lockeford Springs features the finest, most complete practice facilities in San Joaquin County. Prior to a round it would be advantageous take in the grass driving range, the chipping green guarded by bunkers and the large practice green. All these amenities prepare you for a championship links-style course with uneven lies, undulating greens and hidden water hazards. If you just want to hone your game you are certainly welcome to … practice, practice, practice!

After being greeted by the friendly staff, Jim and I had the opportunity to sit down over a cup of coffee, with Mr. Gary Reiff, General Manager of Lockeford Springs Golf Course. Gary hails from the farming community of Woodland, California. He gained experience working outdoors, growing crops and working with heavy equipment. After a short stint on the Fresno State Bulldogs Baseball Team, he graduated with a degree in AG Business which led him back to the family farm. Gary states, “We decided to turn one of our farms into a golf course. So my assignment was to go out and gain some golf construction experience so I could go home and build the family golf course and that’s how I got started in the golf business, through the construction end of it.” Unfortunately, the family golf course was never realized but none the less served as a launch for Gary’s career.

Gary helped build the Lockeford Springs course in 1994 and 1995. The course was designed by Jim Summers and Sandy Tatum, a former USGA President. Gary’s experience encompasses not only the construction phase but also the maintenance end of golf courses. He has participated in the building of the Chardonnay Course and Shakespeare Course along with approximately sixteen other courses statewide!

When Lockeford Springs began experiencing financial problems in 1997, Gary returned as General Manager and has been at the helm ever since. Gary has been married fourteen years and is the father of four. He lives right down the road in Clements and is still a farm boy at heart. “I love the game. I’m probably an eighteen handicap; my card says twelve, and my friends would make me a nine. I’m just a regular golfer.”

Lockeford Springs ownership changed in 1997 and the emphasis has been customer service ever since. “Our motto is, wouldn’t you like to go were everybody knows your name, and we mean it. From the bag boys to the Global Position Satellite on the golf carts; it’s all about our guests,” emphasized Gary.

Lockeford Springs has single memberships which are designed for the individual golfer; the family membership designed for the family that plays golf, and the business membership designed for the enjoyment of the business golfer. An annual cart plan and range plan are also available.

Tournaments are welcome at Lockeford Springs. “The golf tournament business is the best business to be in, added Gary. “We have taken our tournament rounds from 3,000 to 12,000 since I arrived. We are fully focused on tournaments and last year we hosted over 150; ranging from The Lockeford-Clements School to Delta College Softball. We love it, it is good business for us and it really helps important charities. There is still plenty of room for the individual rounds. Last year we hosted approximately 39,000 rounds.

The Dallas Cowboys have graced our fairways.” (That’s OK Gary; I will still play your course.) “Terrell Owens, from the 49ers played here a short time ago” (That’s better.) “If I’m not mistaken Wayne Newton tore up our fairways on one occasion.” The course record of 65 was held by PGA Touring Pro David Sutherland until Fresno State Graduate Nick Whatney shot a 63!”

Lockeford Springs green fees range from $37.00, including the cart, Monday through Friday. Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays is $50.00, including the cart. Twilight rates are available. The Global Positioning Satellite is available for an additional $5.00 per person. The GPS is unbelievable! It provides you with a description of each hole; yardage for each shot and it even keeps score for you. Take advantage of this technology, it is really fun!

From PGA head Professional Casey Haynes to the Course Superintendent Jeff Olsen the name of the game is service. “We want our guests to leave here in a good mood after having an enjoyable round. If you leave here in a bad mood it will be because of a bad round, not because of the service,” added Gary. “We have added cart paths, a new cart fleet, reduced the rough, and planted over 500 trees in order to make the round more enjoyable for the golfer. Please come out and let us be of service to you.”

To contact Lockeford Springs for tee times, and tournaments please contact them at (209) 333-6275 or visit www.lockefordsprings.com.

Please put Lockeford Springs on your “to play” list. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!