The year is 1914. The United States is in the midst of an industrial revolution, and struggling to become a world power. Austria-Hungary has recently declared war on Serbia, beginning the war to end all wars. In Stockton, California, the mode of transportation is the "Ole horse and buggy." Sunday drives include fried chicken, and homemade apple pie. A group of businessmen are standing in an area that is mostly swamp, muddy sloughs and barren ground. The peaceful San Joaquin River flows by. This is the place where today exists one of the finest Golf and Country Clubs in California.

Stockton Golf & Country Club was founded on December 14, 1915. It was based on the principle of providing an enjoyable atmosphere for golfing and social activities.

Mr. Peter Hay, the club's first professional, originally designed the course. The course was leveled by using the "Fresno Scrapper," which utilized a couple of horses and looked like a big tin can. The result was a wind swept area of native grasses, many rough spots and very few trees. The course was a nine-hole venue with oil soaked, sand greens which had to be smoothed out with a burlap bag before each putt. The members teed off on cloth pads because the ground was too rough and hard for a normal shot. The club was one of only four in the state!

Mr. Peter Hay, the club's first professional, originally designed the course. The course was leveled by using the "Fresno Scrapper," which utilized a couple of horses and looked like a big tin can. The result was a wind swept area of native grasses, many rough spots and very few trees. The course was a nine-hole venue with oil soaked, sand greens which had to be smoothed out with a burlap bag before each putt.

The members teed off on cloth pads because the ground was too rough and hard for a normal shot. The club was one of only four in the state!

Unfortunately none of them are left, but more elegant trees have replaced them. As the "Roaring Twenties" closed Mr. Sam Whiting was engaged to design and build eighteen holes. For the first time the greens were grass. The course is essentially the same as today with a few minor changes, such as an automatic sprinkler and irrigation system added in the 1950's. Architect, John Harbottle was commissioned in 1996 to renovate all 18 greens and reposition green #7. Today the course boasts of 500 mature trees, 58 sand bunkers, beautiful lakes and the best greens and fairways in all of California. The course stretches over 6,400 yards and is one of the most interesting, challenging and historic courses I have had the privilege to play in all my years in golf.

Mr. Jim Alwine, Course Superintendent, is the genius behind everything that grows on the course! "I am very excited about this coming year. Spring and summer maintenance will continue to favor bent grass and Bermuda on the fairways and greens. On the fairways our members desire firm approaches that allow a bump and run that provide 40 yards of roll and golf balls that are not covered with mud. Our frequent top dressing and walk mowers have improved compaction, ball roll, and green speed."

The board of directors has kept a watchful eye on the development of the country club over 89 years. The first President was Mr. Pliny Holt and he began a lineage of 63 presidents. The current President, Mr. Ken Brown along with the Board of Directors, presided over the opening of the new 44,000 square foot, split level clubhouse, last year.

The clubhouse opened in March 2006, and features a grand ballroom, overlooking the first hole and the San Joaquin River. Also available is casual dining, formal dining, a member lounge, member grillroom and a board/conference room. The Executive Chef, Mr. Nicholas Sanchez works closely with his staff in order to provide the finest dining experience in the San Joaquin Valley.

One example of Nicholas' handy-work was the Memorial Day BBQ, which featured a Salad Bar, BBQ Ribs, BBQ Chicken, Baked Beans, Corn on the Cob, and fresh desserts. The BBQ coincided with the opening of the swimming pool and featured the new 2,400 square foot pool building.

Men's and Women's locker rooms are available, on the lower level of the main clubhouse. Both locker rooms offer a spa but a sauna is also available in the men’s. Large and small card rooms are available for the weekly games. There is also a fitness facility with every type of equipment imaginable.

The new clubhouse also features a well appointed pro-shop under the watchful eyes

of Mr. Richard Howarth, Director of Golf, and Ms. Kelley Spooner, Head Golf Professional and LPGA Class.

Lessons are available to the members and top name golf merchandise may be purchased. Many activities are available in the club such as, Tuesday & Thursday Ladies Sweeps, Couples' Night and Senior's Men Tournaments. The staff is especially proud of their junior golf program.

Every event hosted by the country club has to have an Event Coordinator and that would be Ms. Shelby Gacer, and her noble assistant Ms. Evelyn Moradain. "When it comes to having your next board meeting or business meeting, SGCC is prepared to handle your event. Meetings from 4 to 400 people can showcase our new facility as well as assist you in your planning in a serene atmosphere away from the office," added Shelby.

Janell Pantoja handles membership inquiries. She is ready and willing to explain the different golf & social memberships available and their reasonable costs. If interested, you may contact her at (209) 466-4313.

Last year the Board of Directors searched high and low for a new General Manager and after interviewing many qualified candidates they hired Mr. Bob Young in April. Bob has been a PGA member for many years, dating back to the early eighties. He was Elkhorn Country Club's Head Professional for 9 years and General Manager for the past 16 years. Bob’s college background is in accounting; he belongs to the Club Managers Association, and is currently the Vice-President of the Northern California PGA and will be President next year.

Bob is the ultimate professional, loves the game and is very proud of his current position. Kathrine is his wonderful bride of 25 years. They have two children, Holli and Kyle.

Stockton Golf & Country Club can look forward to a bright future with Bob at the helm.

Come join a tradition nearly a century long in the making. Enjoy a great family atmosphere and serene settings. Now is the time to join Stockton Golf & Country Club.