Course Layout & Design
The 18-hole course at El Macero checks in at
just under 7,000 yards and is a true test of
golf. Often, it’s used as a qualifier course for
sectional and national events.
The tree-lined fairways boast 180 different
varieties of trees, mostly oaks and redwoods.
Situated in the heart of the Sacramento Valley,
it is extremely flat like most courses in the area,
but don't get the impression it’s a walkover.
The Baldock design features many opportunities
for risk-reward shots with precisely-placed and
mature scrub oak trees that force the player to
maneuver around or over.
The mostly poa anna greens are slightly pushed
up and are well protected by the recently
renovated sand bunkers and grass bunkers.
To score well at El Macero you need to hit a
fairly straight ball to avoid the nasty bermuda
rough but you still need an occasional draw or
fade to maneuver the many doglegs right and
left. It doesn't hurt to have a high shot in your
bag to precisely land on the pushed up well
guarded greens. You won't score well if you
run the ball up as the openings to the greens
are very narrow.
Driving Range & Practice Area
The grass driving range and practice area are a
short walk from the clubhouse and feature a
large practice putting green, a chipping area
and a practice green with a huge bunker to get
a feel for the sand.
The area is canopied by several oaks trees so
offers some shade on the hot summer days
when you need to practice those 30-yard pitch
shots.
Customer Service
For the past four years, the course has been
managed by the Troon Company and has been
awarded the Yolo County's Best Course for the
last two years. Troon prides itself on customer
service and the staff is always there to help the
members and guests with their needs.
The routing of the course is fairly straight-
forward with good signage and is easily
walkable. There are no long walks between
greens and tees. El Macero offers a fleet of ric
shaw wide-wheeled push carts for it's members
and guests and the well trained support staff is
ready to set you up with a wet towel to clean
your ball.
Signature Hole:
My favorite hole is the 420-yard, par 4 dogleg
left with which I have a love-hate relationship.
Guarded by a row of very large oak trees on
the left, the hole is only 320 yards from the red
tees, but in order to hit the fairway you must
hit a high drawing driver over the last two oak
trees. If you fail to bend it, the ball will go into
the forest of trees on the right making a par
nearly impossible. If you overdo it on the left
side you’re still blocked out by mores trees on
the left. That said, a well-placed tee shot
leaves you with a short approach and a chance
for birdie.
El Macero has a very active membership,
including many who live in the El Macero
subdivision, but some drive over the causeway
from Sacramento and nearby communities.
The club offers tennis courts and a nice
swimming pool always busy with young
families.
If you get a chance to play El Macero don't
miss the opportunity.
