  |
|
By Kevin Scott Located approximately 25 miles south of Sacramento is the historic agricultural city of Galt , which is the home of Dry Creek Ranch Golf Course . Galt was incorporated in 1946 but it dates back to 1889 when it was assigned its first post office. The city is located in the heart of the “Delta Recreation Area” and many ranches and dairies still dot the country side. Located across Highway 99 is the Dry Creek Golf Course which is actually located on both sides of the state highway. The front nine is located on the east side of the highway, while the back plays on the west side. The course runs under the “ Dry Creek Bridge ” which at one time was the longest bridge in California . The course was opened in 1963 after being designed by Jack Fleming who alsodesigned Mather Golf Course and Salinas Golf & Country Club. The original owners were Dick & Jackie Wagers. In 2003 General Manager Chris Choe and his family along with some private investors took over the reins. The Choe family is now entering their fifth year of operations at the course.
The primary attraction to Dry Creek is its maturity and beauty. Dry Creek features 6,752 yards of golf from the back tees and plays to a par 72. It offers four sets of tee boxes, which caters to every level of player. Course rating from the championship tees is 72.4 with a slope of 132. The fairways are well maintained and fast. Expect the ball to run. I didn't see a bad lie on any of the fairways! They consist of Bermuda grass over seeded with rye in the winter. The quick undulating bent grass greens challenge the most proficient putter. The course features outstanding landscaping with many species of conifers and deciduous trees that line the fairways. This course is not necessarily a “bangers” course because many doglegs and tight alley-ways dominate the course. Club selection is imperative as well as accuracy! You have to think your way around this course and keep your focus, because every hole is a challenge in itself. There is no rest for the wicked. Adding to the overall charm are the bridges over Dry Creek on holes one, nine, ten and eighteen. The bridges require yearly maintenance because of flooding during the winter. Dry Creek hasn't flooded in the last two years and if it does, play is suspended for at least a month. “It takes about a week to drain so call ahead during the winter months, just in case,” advised Chris. The man responsible for the beauty of Dry Creek is Course Superintendent, Jim Siewegl. “Things that need to be done to make the course more enjoyable, get done with Jim around,” added Chris. Jim hails from Spyglass on the Monterey Peninsula . Come to think of it, Dry Creek reminds me of the infamous course in many ways! Chris indicated the attraction to Dry Creek is its maturity: “It makes the best players pull out all the shots and yet is a wonderful experience for the less talented.” |
“The most challenging hole here is eighteen,” added Chris. “The hole plays 437yardsfrom the tips and is a par four. It requires a good drive and an approach between oak trees on both sides of the green. If the drive was not good, then a lay-up is the smart move. If you have a heart of Arnold Palmer then go for it. The green can be reached in two but you have to carry Dry Creek so par is a good score on eighteen.” The par five, 491 yard, eighth is my favorite on the front. It requires a tee shot over a lake to a fairway lined by trees both left and right. The green can be had in two but those little white, out of bounce stakes lining the right side demand respect. Lay-up may be called for. Not to brag, but I got a birdie with this strategy! Par is a good score on this hole as well. My favorite on the back nine is the par four, 16 th hole. It is not extremely long, only 358 yards, but it is guarded on the left side by freeway and trees. The right happens to have more trees and a small lake if the tee shot goes too far. The approach is to an elevated green which does give the impression of a blind shot. Par is a good score here!
Your favorite beverages are available at the bar. It provides a beautiful view of the 1 st tee and 9 th green. Dry Creek offers wines, in particular “Woodbridge” from Lodi. A full lunch menu is available on Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Dry Creek also caters to golf tournaments, banquets and wedding receptions. The hot dogs are awesome!
The putting green separates the clubhouse from Dry Creek and is well maintained. I have spent many hours working on my stroke on this green! The driving range is located away from the facilities. It is large and capable of handling many players at a time, so there is no excuse not to warm up before the round. Another nice feature are no mats, every shot is off the turf. The pro shop is small and comfortable. Most brand names are available through the shop. Green fees range from $25.00 on week days to $37.00 on weekends and holidays, $13.00 dollars for ½ cart fee. Senior and Junior rates are available as well as annual rates starting at $1,300.00 So put Dry Creek Ranch Golf Course on your list of places to play! Tell them D'Vine Wine and Visitors Guide sent you ... Look for the 2 for 1 coupon in this issue and in future issues. For tee times contact 209-745-2330 or 745-GOLF . Dry Creek Ranch Golf course is located at 809 Crystal Way, Galt, California 95632.
|
