Diamond Oaks Golf Course: Friendly track featuring classic layout

Ego-massaging golf course

Roseville, Calif. – This is one of those ego-massaging golf courses, a track that typically makes the average golfer want to return for another visit. The chance of putting up low numbers is always a possibility.

Business is typically brisk at Diamond Oaks Golf Course, an established Roseville municipal layout that has grown prettier over the past three decades. The mature oak trees give the course character and the rolling terrain provides more of a challenge than similar established courses in the Sacramento area.

Considering the course’s classic layout and the fact any level golfer can enjoy some type of success, Diamond Oaks has always been a bargain. Prior to the boom in golf course construction in the 1990s, the course was running golfers out to the first tee from sunrise to sunset, accumulating 110,000 rounds a year during the early 1990s.

The yardage is modest at Diamond Oaks, measuring 6,179 yards from the back tees and 5,885 from the white markers. The Ted Robinson-designed course has rolling hills, is wide open on many holes and the ever-present oak trees make it tight in some locations.

Staying out of the trees becomes a major priority. Keeping the ball straight off the tee can lead to many short irons approaching the greens. Of the 10 par-4 holes, only one goes over 400 yards. That would be No. 18, which measures 443 yards from the tips and is the No. 1 handicap.

The holes at Diamond Oaks are all unique, requiring real shot-making skills in some areas and also some wide-open spaces for any stray hits.

One of the favored holes on the backside is the par-5, No. 6 (465 yards). Go too far off the tee and your ball might roll off a steep cliff and into a shallow pool of water. If the drive is successful, the second shot goes over the cliff and the green might be the target. It is a hole one can eagle, birdie or also post a high number.

Another favorite is the finishing hole on the front side, a par 4 (392 yards) with an elevated green. Putting can be difficult on No. 9 hole; making par no easy chore.

Diamond Oaks is a beautiful course, a fun layout that won’t beat you up. The seasoned golfer has a good opportunity of putting up a good score and the inexperienced person can enjoy a successful round as well.