Living in the Northstate has many advantages, one of them being golf. There are more than a dozen golf courses in the north state to satisfy a golfer's appetite. Here on this blog we highlight a list of 9 of them.
10/14 - Update: Photo's courtesy of www.golfredding.com
1. The Golf Club Tierra Oaks ~ 18 Hole
The Golf Club Tierra Oaks is home to some of the most challenging golf in Northern California. The course stretches over 6,800 yards featuring rolling fairways lined with ancient valley oaks and digger pines. Stillwater Creek winds through the layout, adding a bit of challenge. After your round you can relax with friends in the Georgian-style clubhouse which is home to a members' bar and grill and fine dining room.
The course rating is 73.3 and it has a slope rating of 138. Designed by Sandy Tatum/Jim Summers, the Tierra Oaks golf course opened in 1993.
2. Tucker Oaks Golf Course 
~ 9 Hole
This is the most wide open of all the courses in the area, very tolerant of errant shots. Opened originally in 1965. The course has plenty of room around it, very forgiving so swing until your hearts content. Most of your golf balls can be found.
The fairways are Bermuda. The greens are Poa Anna and while that is not always good (the same as Pebble Beach) these are kept very nice and playable. Occasional bunkers greenside throughout the course. The 9-hole "Tucker Oaks" course features 3,191 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 37. The course rating is 35.5 and it has a slope rating of 109. Tucker Oaks golf course opened in 1965. Al Banualos manages the course as the General Manager.
3. Riverview Golf & Country Club ~ 18 Hole
It is the traditional golf club in the area. With it's dramatic views from the clubhouse to the traditional golf course layout it is home to many of the longstanding golfing families in the area. Home to many city social functions. In 2002 the formally troublesome greens were rebuilt to PGA specifications. The greens roll wonderfully and have gentle slopes with small but deceiving breaks. Club amenities include a Pro shop, Restaurant, banquet facilities, driving range, two practice greens, tennis, work out room and swimming pool. Facility features 6,481 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 70.5 and it has a slope rating of 123 on Bermuda grass. Designed by (R) Doug Nichols, the Riverview golf course opened in 1949.
4. River Bend Golf & Country Club ~ 9 Hole
River Bend Golf Club is a Semi-Private Golf Club right in town along the Sacramento River just south and across from Riverview. This short and level par 32, nine hole course has homes and the river surrounding it. The conditions are generally good, club amenities include tennis, restaurant with catering, pro shop, and a netted area for warming up.
This club is a shot makers dream with tight fairways and small greens. The eight and ninth holes are particularly interesting. Eight is a par 4 with a very tight area around the green water left and OB right. The ninth hole is a par three with a dramatic shot that must carry water to a well protected green with large trees on each side as you can see in the pictures above.
5. Lake Redding ~ 9 Holes
This course is flat and easy to walk. It is fairly open with only a few bunkers. Lake Redding Golf Course is located right in downtown Redding. In the summers they run night golf with glowing golf balls and cups (you must try that).
The fairways and greens are primarily Bermuda with some Poa Anna. Occasional bunkers greenside throughout the course.
6. Gold Hills Golf Club ~ 18 Hole
Gold Hills Golf Club is the only 18 hole public facility in the Redding area. The club opened in 1980 and has had multiple changes since. In it's current state it is enjoyable to play. In the last few years they have improved the playing conditions to a very nice level, at different times of the year it is equal to or better than some of the private courses in town.
7. Allen's golf Course ~ 9 Holes
Located in the southwest portion of Redding this is a short par 30 nine hole course. The fairways are primarily Bermuda with a few sand bunkers spread around the course. The most interesting portion of this course is the creek that meanders through the grounds requiring a few shots that need to carry over it. You'll see beautiful oak trees dominating the southwest portion.
8. Churn Creek Golf Course ~ 9 Hole 
Churn Creek Golf Course is a public 9 hole facility, it has a lighted 300+ yard driving range (open till 11pm in the summer) and practice putting green along with the pro shop. Food and drink are available. This traditional designed course has parallel fairways separated by large trees. There are no homes surrounding this traditional nine hole course, swing away! The surrounding area is primarily homes on acreage, but don't forget the trees they can have a large impact on your game.
The fairways and greens are primarily Bermuda grass, with the greens a bit slow and bumpy as Bermuda can be. Occasional bunkers greenside throughout the course.
9. Palo Cedro Golf ~ 9 Hole
Palo Cedro Golf Club is one of best par 36, nine hole golf course layouts in town. Originally opened in 1992 and designed by Bert Stamps.
The fairways are Bermuda and greens are Bent Grass. Occasional bunkers greenside throughout the course. Water comes into play on the first three holes and #2 is particularly interesting. A short par 4 tempts the longer hitters but water protects the front right half of the green and the entire right side of the fairway. Course facility features 3,099 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. The course rating is 35.1 and it has a slope rating of 116.
"It is good sportspanship not to pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling" - Mark Twain
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