WHITNEY OAKS GOLF CLUB

The rolling oak-studded terrain thirty minutes northeast of Sacramento delivers a surprisingly demanding test that rewards precision over power. Architect Johnny Miller carved dramatic elevation changes through native California landscape, where the par-3 17th plays downhill to a peninsula green surrounded by water on three sides. Smart course management becomes essential as granite outcroppings and mature oaks frame narrow landing areas that punish wayward drives with unforgiving lies.