Looking for a stunning and challenging golf course in Carmichael, CA? Look no further than Ancil Hoffman Golf Course, designed by the legendary William Francis Bell. In addition to its breathtaking scenery, the course offers a wide range of amenities including a Pro Shop, driving ranges, on-site dining, and a Friday night music series called “Friday Night Patio Music!” Ancil Hoffman is also home to a Tuesday Ladies Club that plays year-round and is a member of the Pacific Women’s Golf Association (PWGA) and NCGA. Applications for membership are available in the Pro Shop!
About the designer
An extremely talented and prolific golf course designer, Bell built nearly 200 golf courses during his lifetime – most of which are located throughout the western United States, and also on some islands in the Pacific Ocean. William Francis Bell was the son of William Park Bell – both of whom were noted golf course architects who designed almost a dozen projects together and were often referred to as Billy Bell, Jr. and Billy Bell, Sr., respectively.
Even after his father died in 1953, Bell Jr. kept the company name as William P. Bell and Son and now considered as California’s original family of golf course design. William F. Bell’s work focused on designing courses in the Sacramento area during the 1950s and 1960s. He designed Ancil Hoffman Golf Course in Carmichael, Valley Hi Country Club in Elk Grove, and North Ridge Country Club in Fair Oaks during this time.
Information about the Golf Course
Hoffman is a beautiful golf course with lots of trees, making it a picturesque spot for runners, nature-lovers, and anyone who wants to take a casual stroll or have a picnic. It’s also perfect for horseback riding, playing Frisbee, or napping in the shade of an oak tree!
This Ancil Hoffman Golf Course is packed with great features:
• Accessible – perfect for everyone
• Family Friendly – ideal for a day out with the kids
• Free Parking – no need to worry about finding a spot
• Parking Available – plenty of spaces available
• Pet Friendly – bring your furry friend along
Hoffman goes 6,794 yards from the tips, earning a 72.8 rating and a 128 slope. More golfers hit from the white tees, which run 6,434 yards (slope 124). And the red tees are quite the test for the ladies at 5,954 yards as it is a challenging course.
The first hole on the front side is a modest 348-yard par 4. If you can hit your ball down the middle and avoid the ducks, you should be able to get a birdie putt.
The real test begins at the No. 2 hole, a narrow par-5 that spans 531 yards. If you can manage to land the ball without ending up in the trees, the only thing left to worry about are the traps on either side of the hole. Many of the other greens follow a similar pattern. Be prepared to hit your best shots on holes six through eight. The third most difficult hole is No. 6, a long par-4 (421 yards). The main challenges of this hole are its distance and Hoffman’s typically tight fairways.
The seventh hole is the course’s number one handicapped hole, and it’s not easy. A ditch runs along the left side of the fairway, making it difficult to hit.
The 14th hole is a unique challenge – an uphill par-3 that appears to be tougher than it actually is. At only 112 yards, this hole requires a blind shot to the green, which is flanked by traps on three sides and an out-of-bounds area in the back. The key to this hole is choosing the right club.
Take a walk to the 15th and catch a glimpse of the former governor’s mansion. Many of California’s most notable governors resided here while conducting business in the state’s capitol. The property is currently up for sale and is no longer serving as the governor’s getaway.
No. 15 is a 318-yard par-4 that’ll put your skills to the test. As with the previous hole, club selection is key. Hanging your shot out to the right side will give you a shorter approach but going left will make the journey much more difficult.
The final test on the No. 18 hole (a par-5 at 515 yards) is more forgiving than the previous hole, as it opens up more on the second shot. This is typical of Ancil Hoffman’s style – good shots are essential, but bad shots aren’t left penalized.
