Elkhorn Country Club takes it name from the proud Tule Elk whose presence in the area continued as late as 1864, and most likely grazed the very land that the country club occupies today.

The club is located on 93 acres in north Stockton, off Davis Road. Three lakes come into play on a number of the holes. The 18 hole course is 6,559 yards long for the men playing to a par 71, while the ladies par is 73 on 5,794 yards. Lush fairways, a rough that is guarded by mature trees and greens that are large and well bunkered define the course.

It is fitting that a group of entrepreneurs chose the name of Elkhorn reflecting the precious heritage of the area. This project was the brainchild of Chet Schull, Ken Mitchell, and Mike DeMassey, the club’s first PGA Professional. Unlike today’s construction of new courses where large corporations and their staffs construct a course, this project had eight individuals who brought their own skills to the project. Like, Architect Bert Stamps who designed the original layout. John Slover, who added a sprinkler system; Ellis Jackson who provided the pipe material; Larry Aksland who moved the earth, and Guard Darrah who was the legal brain. A simple beginning compared to today’s golf course projects but nonetheless a project of great accomplishment.

Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1963. The first round of golf played featured a house trailer that functioned as the starter’s hut for the players. Great improvements occurred over the years that followed and then another red-letter date occurred on March 1, 1978, when Caplin - McGiff Enterprises purchased Elkhorn Country Club.

Ty Caplin, a member of the Professional Golfers Association, and Doctor John McGiff became partners. Under their direction Elkhorn Country Club became one of the most beautiful and successful clubs in the San Joaquin Valley.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Caplin in 1983, and found him to be a magnificent human being as well as golf enthusiast. Ty was well known in his chosen profession, being named Golf Professional of the year in 1985 and 1986. He also received the Bill Strausbaugh Award for contributions to improvements in employment for PGA Professionals. It was nothing for Ty to travel hundreds of miles, in an attempt to help his fellow pros with salary negotiations. In addition, Ty was also named National PGA District Director from 1992 to 1994. After Ty’s passing in 1994, his wife Nancy took over the reigns of the club. She manages the club successfully and continues to build on the Caplin dream. A milestone was reached on March 1, 2003 when the club celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of Caplin ownership.

Bob Young, the General Manager, and I have known each other for twenty-two years. He began his career with Elkhorn Country Club in 1981 as an Assistant Pro. In 1982, he became the new Head Professional. Ty and Nancy promoted Bob to the position of General Manager in 1990, and he has been in that position since. “I have been very fortunate,” says Bob. “Ty was my mentor and taught me everything I know and I have been given the freedom to do things that Ty did. Nancy is a PGA supporter and my staff loves working for her. Nancy has confidence in us and gives us the opportunity to accomplish our goals.” Because of that trust exhibited by Nancy, Bob won the Horton Smith Award in 1995 that recognizes his contribution to the Education of the PGA Professionals. In addition, Bob was awarded the Golf Professional of the year honors in 2002. In 1989, he was elected to the Northern California PGA, Board of Directors. He is now Secretary of the Section, which will eventually allow him to promote into the Presidency of the Northern California PGA.

Elkhorn Country Club enjoys a loyal staff of 65. In charge of the pro shop is Head Professional, Steve Burrell. LPGA Assistant Professional Kathy Farrell, and PGA Apprentice Professional Ryan Wolf assist him. Chef Jeff Purganan came to Elkhorn Country Club in 1984 and is held in high esteem for the clubs signature dinner of prime rib. Jeff is in charge of the many banquets hosted by the club including the annual Crime Stoppers and Martin Brower events. He also administers to the grill, and the Friday night dinners keeping the members happy with his culinary skills.

The membership is approximately 460. Elkhorn is a corporation, which means there are no proprietary memberships. The country club depends on profit so the members are clients, rather than stockholders. The monthly dues are $255 per month for unlimited golf. There is a quarterly food and beverages minimum of $75. Since this is the Caplins’ 25th anniversary year, Mrs. Caplin has graciously decided to open the membership for $200! This rate is good until the first of the year, so you had better hurry! Get out to the course, take a tour, and become a member of this wonderful club.

Take a moment and imagine a foggy morning, a dew covered fairway. As you approach the tee box, you glance towards the first hole-catching site of a Tule Elk grazing upon the lush grass. The Elk raises his head crowned with magnificent antlers, nods in acceptance of your presence, acknowledging that you have chosen a wonderful place to tee it up!

For information, call 209-477-8896 or visit the course at 1050 Elkhorn Dr., Stockton, California.