History

If the century-old heritage oaks at The Haggin Oaks Golf Complex could talk, they’d tell remarkable tales of players who have become household names in the golf world and once teed it up at this Alister MacKenzie masterpiece – names like Sam Snead, Jimmy Demaret, Toney Penna, Walter Hagen, Al Geiberger, & George Archer. Haggin Oaks is the track where the legendary Ben Hogan won his first professional check–$350.00 for third place– in the 1938 Sacramento Open. Gene Sarazen, The Squire himself played here in the 1935 Sacramento Open, finishing eighth and taking home $72.00 for his efforts. Since 1932, Haggin Oaks has played host to dozens of PGA professionals. Players like Bill Glasson, Natalie Gulbis, Annika Sorenstram, Jim Dent, Johnny Miller and Bob Murphy have contributed to the storied history here. Ken Venturi won the 1950 California State Fair Championship here before going on to win 14 times on the PGA tour and moving on to the broadcast booth. Even the great Byron Nelson participated in the Sacramento Open at Haggin Oaks. 2008 is 75 years of storied history that continues to unfold and build with each passing year.

But the fantastic history of Haggin Oaks is made even better by the non-professional celebrities who have taken part in one or more of the myriad charity events and clinics hosted at the Haggin Oaks complex where the focus is as much on community and player development as it is on championship golf. Over the years, stars like Bing Crosby, Babe Ruth and Bob Hope have contributed to the celebrity while teachers like Hank Haney and Butch Harmon have helped thousands of students learn the game of golf.