Emerald Lakes Golf Course

Golf Course Review Emerald Lakes Golf Course Elk Grove, CA

Reviewed by: sixpez, Rancho Mirage, CA

This was my second round this morning. I had a pretty tight window, but thankfully the course wasn’t too busy. I had bad timing as multiple groups were backed up on the first hole when I arrived, but the pro shop guy was awesome and told me it should be wide open in front of them. He let me jump ahead to the 3rd hole. By the time I got back around to 1, it was open and I was able to zip around the 9 holes in the pace I needed. $24 with cart a bit steep for 9 holes, though this would normally be an easy walking course on a normal day.

I have to say the conditions at Emerald Lakes overall were the best I’ve played so far on this trip (including 2 private clubs)! This place is lush and green from tee to green. Some of the tees on the short par-3s and par-4s are a bit chewed up, but fine. Fairways fantastic. Rough lush and well-kept where it matters. Bunkers were beautiful with soft sand and perfectly raked. Greens soft and receptive, rolling smooth at medium speeds. Very impressed by the conditions of a relatively inexpensive par-33 course that obviously gets plenty of play.

The layout is fun and short. A few weak holes, but mostly pretty enjoyable for an executive design. Mildly interesting green complexes and some good contours, with a couple big water hazards coming into play. Recommended as a great local short course for casual/novice play.