The Best Golf Courses for Kids & Families in the Sacramento Region

Outside of the putt-putt variety, golf isn’t usually associated with kids. Rather, many people incorrectly assume that golf is a game for older adults. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! Traditional golf is exploding in popularity even among younger generations. Kids as young as 14 have made it onto the pro circuit, and kids as young as 7 are allowed on most regulation golf courses.

 While miniature golf is a great family-friendly activity, traditional golf also makes for a fun day out. It truly is multigenerational, with grandparents, parents, teens, and children all playing together regardless of ability. Plus, it encourages families to get active and spend time outdoors.

 Luckily, the greater Sacramento area has dozens of public golf courses that are family friendly. The region’s mild climate means you can play nearly year-round and at any time of day. In addition, these courses are set in diverse, scenic locations, from urban parks to riverside perches, forested mountains to lakeside estates.

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If your kids are new to golf, no worries. Most golf courses in the greater Sacramento area offer lessons, clinics, and summer camps. Many also partner with First Tee Sacramento, which offers youth programs and tournaments. Locations include Bing Maloney, Cordova, Haggin Oaks, Wild Hawk, and William Land in Sacramento; Emerald Lakes in Elk Grove; and Empire Ranch in Folsom.

 Golf Discounts for Kids

Many public golf courses in the city of Sacramento offer free play for kids under 18 with the purchase of a Junior Play Card ($40/year). The card allows play any day, any time, but the golfer must be accompanied by a paying adult. Without an adult, kids 17 and under get 50 percent off green fees and cart rates. Participating golf courses include Haggin Oaks near the Arden Arcade area, Bing Maloney near South Land Park, Bartley Cavanaugh near Freeport, and William Land Park Golf Course in Sacramento.

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 Another popular youth golf program in the Sacramento area is Youth on Course, which offers discounted rates for junior players at specified tee times. Rates are $5 for 18 holes and $3 for 9 holes, seven days a week. Participating courses include:

• 9 at the Hill (formerly Foothill GC), Citrus Heights
• Ancil Hoffman, Carmichael
• Antelope Greens, Antelope
• Bartley Cavanaugh, Sacramento
• Bing Maloney, Sacramento
• Black Oaks, Auburn
• Campus Commons, Sacramento
• Cherry Island, Elverta
• Cordova GC, Rancho Cordova
• DarkHorse, Auburn
• Davis GC, Davis
• Diamond Oaks, Roseville
• Dry Creek, Galt
• Emerald GC, Elk Grove
• Empire Ranch, Folsom
• Haggin Oaks, Sacramento
• Indian Creek, Loomis
• Mather GC, Rancho Cordova
• Teal Bend GC, Sacramento
• The Ridge, Auburn
• Turkey Creek, Lincoln
• Wildhawk GC, Sacramento
• Wild Wings GC, Woodland
• William Land Park, Sacramento
• Woodcreek, Roseville

Other kid-friendly golf specials in the Sacramento area that are worth checking out include:

• Bing Maloney Express 9: Juniors 18 and under play free with no card required and no paying adult required. It’s valid any time, seven days a week.
• Cordova Golf Course: Juniors 15 and under can play 18 holes for $15 and 9 holes for $10.
• Bradshaw Ranch: Juniors play for $5, both 9 holes and 18 holes, any day of the week.

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The Best Golf Courses for Kids in the Sacramento Region

It’s not just great deals that make for a fun day on the greens. Many golf courses in the greater Sacramento area have other attributes that make them a good choice for kids, especially older kids and teens.

• 9 on the Hill: Formerly Foothills Golf Course, this spot in Citrus Heights offers glow golf throughout the summer! Glow-in-the-dark golf balls plus illuminated fairways make this experience unlike any other.
• Bradshaw Ranch: They offer day/night golf where the first 9 holes are played before the sun goes down, and the second 9 holes are played in the dark, thanks to glow-in-the-dark balls and necklaces. In between, you can bring your own food to barbecue.
• Haggin Oaks: This popular golf complex is known for its 100-stall lighted driving range, which is open until 11 p.m. during the summer. They also have a 9-hole putting course complete with water hazards and sand traps.
• William Land Park: Built in 1924, this is the oldest golf course in the region. Its smaller size means it’s easily walkable. Best of all, they host summertime concerts on the green.

 Enjoy a Family Day on the Golf Course This Summer

With so many family-friendly golf courses in the greater Sacramento region, it’s not surprising that golf remains a popular activity for kids and adults alike. Whether you’ve been in the game for years or just picking up a club for the first time, there are golf courses for everyone. Add in discounts for junior players and special events like glow golf, and you’re sure to have a great day (or night) on the greens.