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 its inception in 1932, Haggin Oaks has played host to dozens of PGA professionals 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.
Today, the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex boasts two championship golf courses, a world-class teaching facility with over 15 golf professionals, more than 10 different junior, senior, group and private programs and a 100 stall, lighted driving range that includes over 100 stalls five practice greens and two bunkers. The driving range at Haggin Oaks is so popular that it stays open 24-hours-a-day during summer hours.
In keeping with the traditions of growing the game and providing the best learning environment for players of all levels, Haggin Oaks offers a more flexible, beginner-friendly golf course in the Arcade Creek layout. Here players can choose to play nine or 18 holes and are treated to a golf experience that provides fewer hazards and less difficulty than the championship, Alister MacKenzie course.
In addition to the inviting nature of the Arcade Creek layout, the complex provides a three hole academy site for use with the First Tee Program, the Special Olympics and other special programs designed specifically for golfers with disabilities.
The clubhouse and facilities at Haggin Oaks also include the largest and best-stocked pro shop in the United States. The pro shop has won numerous awards including the coveted Golf World Top Public Golf Shop Award. The pro shop offers hundreds of brands and the newest and best club-fitting available through the almost-a-year-old Players Performance Studio.
MacKenzie’s Sports Bar and Grille makes for a great place to host your outing or event. With over 15 beers on tap and 10 flat screen TV’s, Mackenzie’s is a sure hit with all the sports fans. You can come in for traditional sports pub fare and enjoy the view of the course after your round.
Also available for weddings and corporate outings, The Haggin Oaks Pavilion, and beautifully constructed Gazebo, set against the Alister MacKenzie Golf Course, has occupancy 250 people for inside seating and 144 for outside seating among the beautiful oak trees.
The history, the dedication to the game, the incredible wealth of knowledge that make up the framework at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex all combine to ensure that golfers will walk in the steps of champions–former and future! The special focus and ingenuity displayed by the staff and management team at Haggin Oaks guarantees that anyone who wants to learn the game, gain from its past and grow with its future, will get that chance.
