Sacramento, California
Del Paso offers a serious, tournament-ready test that’s both demanding and rewarding. The mature oaks and refined modern design make this a regional destination well worth a detour for serious players.
Del Paso’s 2006 rebirth under Kyle Phillips delivered a championship-caliber track built upon the property’s historic parkland bones. Century-old oaks shape strategy on nearly every hole, forcing thoughtful positioning off the tee and into carefully bunkered greens that challenge both aerial and ground attack. Phillips’s vision ensured the course could host top-level events, yet everyday members still enjoy a routing that rewards smart play and confident shotmaking.
Phillips’s work retained Del Paso’s historic charm while injecting modern muscle and flexibility worthy of a USGA championship.
The 583-yard fourth is more cerebral than brawny, forcing you to weigh risk, reward, and every layup angle. Trees and traps lurk to punish the greedy—and reward the wise.
Position your second shot carefully to set up the ideal third; get caught up in temptation and a big number looms.
Lateral hazards and clever bunkers swallow mishit layups or approaches.
Championship-level turf, brisk greens, and tidy surrounds, with occasional tournament firmness settings.
Member pace is unhurried but efficient; expect 4–4.5 hour rounds except during special events.
Classic private-club sophistication tied to deep California history; friendly but proud golf culture.
Standard private club dress; collar required and confirm with club for current policies.
Course has challenging traps that often dictate par saves—brush up on deep sand escapes before you play.
Holes like 5 and 17 demand quality strikes with long clubs; be ready for the test.
Greens can be fast and subtly contoured—work on pace and lag distance before tee time.
Del Paso Country Club founded; original course by John L. Black
Host of U.S. Women’s Amateur
Host of U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur
Hosted U.S. Women’s Amateur for a second time
Hosted U.S. Women’s Open, won by Janet Alex
Kyle Phillips completes $10M championship-focused redesign
Host of U.S. Senior Open, fifth USGA event at Del Paso
When Del Paso entrusted Kyle Phillips with a multi-million-dollar overhaul in 2006, it was a bold bet on championship golf. The result is a blend of classic parkland roots and modern tournament muscle, with oaks and dramatic traps setting the tone.
Del Paso’s status as a USGA host has forged a hard-earned reputation. Fields for the 1982 U.S. Women’s Open and 2015 U.S. Senior Open experienced the course’s relentless examination—and so will you, as the layout can stretch and harden in a flash.
Long before golf, Rancho Del Paso’s land produced Kentucky Derby champions and thoroughbreds. Step onto these historic grounds and you’ll feel the echoes of California's sporting history beneath your spikes.
Del Paso sits on the land of the historic Rancho Del Paso, once a famed thoroughbred horse farm.
The club has hosted five USGA championships, including the 2015 U.S. Senior Open.
The 2006 redesign cost $10 million and transformed the course into a modern championship venue.
Janet Alex won her first and only U.S. Women’s Open at Del Paso in 1982.
The course’s oaks and bunkers play a crucial strategic role on nearly every hole.
Renowned for its layout variety and public access, it’s a regional favorite with strong replay value.
Set by the Sacramento River, it offers a fun, full tree-lined test for accessible daily-fee golf.
If you have access, it’s a respected local option with a classic old California feel.
Head an hour west and experience Napa golf; PGA Tour-tested and rich in resort life.
In Livermore, it offers 27 holes of vineyard views and fast-paced fun if your trip stretches Bay Area–side.
Downtown Sacramento or the Arden/Arcade district for easy access to Del Paso and the region’s other top tracks.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Brook Valley Country Club is a natural next stop after Del Paso Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Brookside Golf & Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Del Paso Country Club.
Why it matches: Metropolis Country Club is a natural next stop after Del Paso Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
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