Castle Oaks Golf Course was a very enjoyable track to play thanks to it's nice variations in it's design. The front 9 plays on flat terrain that is reminiscent of oak dotted pasture land, the back ni... Continue »

Castle Oaks Golf Course was a very enjoyable track to play thanks to it's nice variations in it's design. The front 9 plays on flat terrain that is reminiscent of oak dotted pasture land, the back nine rolls through the hills through thicker oak brush and other growth. Some holes are super wide and forgiving, a few play a bit narrow, many play alongside marshy environmental hazards. Be advised the slope on the scorecard seems to under represent the true challenge of the course as there are ample opportunities to lose golf balls while on the course.

On 4/9/12 the course was generally in good shape though I did notice some things that might irk some players. The tee boxes were in nice level shape, some of the par three boxes were chewed up but all other boxes were nice. The fairways were in fine form, not a bare spot was noticed while playing our round. Both the fairways and the rough seemed a bit on the long side even though there was plenty of grass clipping clumps about - they either don't cut very close or the grass is really growing this spring! The big !!! I noticed was that the sand traps, all of them, had pea size to inch long rocks within the sand. While the sand plays deep, when the sand splash comes onto the greens it deposits these pea sized rocks onto the putting surface, thus putters beware. The greens were OK, bumpy as all hell as the aeration has yet to fully grow back in. Though not exactly the biggest detriment, the greens are the weak spot in this otherwise fine course.

Overall impression is that this is a well taken care of course featuring some very nice holes on a fun layout. It's apparent that the land around the course had designs of becoming a housing subdivision, however this transformation hasn't taken place due to the downturn in the housing market. There are some homes along the course, mostly on the back nine, and the environmental hazards to lead me to offer my personal opinion that the slope for this course is understated, it should be higher. When my buddy comes in from Texas next month, this course is a leading candidate for our one opportunity to play a round, I'll look forward to playing this again.

Castle Oaks Golf Course Review
Ione California Golf Course Reviews

With little outside the area, this gem is one of the areas best kept secret. Once used to highlight a housing development, this course utillizes the local wetlands with creeks. The layout design fea... Continue »

With little outside the area, this gem is one of the areas best kept secret. Once used to highlight a housing development, this course utillizes the local wetlands with creeks. The layout design features a variety which creates a bit individuality compared to other courses in the area. The condition of the course is very good except in the rainy season, which leads to a lot of soggy spots near creeks and ponds. Of course, the summer unleashes the fast greens but typically hold well placed shots. The rough is what you would expect, long and deep in places which leaves a disctinct difference of the fairway, which, for the most part lush, with the exception of sand filled divots infiltrate the each fairway. The greens are fast but are fair that roll true. The sand is probably the biggest issue on the course but is not uncommon these days because of the economy. Play is down and fluffy, white sand is a luxury even with upscale courses.

I played this course on April 9, 2011. The course was beautiful. The greens had been aerated about two weeks, so determining speed of putts were difficult. The fairways were in excellent conditions... Continue »

I played this course on April 9, 2011. The course was beautiful. The greens had been aerated about two weeks, so determining speed of putts were difficult. The fairways were in excellent conditions, and the bunker were playable. The staff at the course was great, and the bartender was agreat help with inofrmation about the area. This course is a Must play.

This is our only local course. It has always been just a shade pricy. The entire course is always in good condition. The only negative for this course is it has the WORST bunkers in the area. The ... Continue »

This is our only local course. It has always been just a shade pricy. The entire course is always in good condition. The only negative for this course is it has the WORST bunkers in the area. The onging joke is if you need road gravel you can always get a truckload out of the bunkers at Castle Oaks. The people who work on the course and do all they can to improve it. If you play this course you will be happy as it is fun, chalenging, and it makes you think. But stay out of the sand.

Castle Oaks is a fun course. I've played it many times and it's almost always in great shape as was the case this past weekend. There are some challenging tee shots including the signature 18th hole... Continue »

Castle Oaks is a fun course. I've played it many times and it's almost always in great shape as was the case this past weekend. There are some challenging tee shots including the signature 18th hole which gives you two options. There's a lake straight away so you can shoot out to the right (safer play) which leaves a longer approach or go left to a narrow finger leaving a short approach. Truely a risk reward hole. There are many other fun holes as well. The practice area is robust with a grass driving range, a chipping area including a bunker, and a larger putting green. The clubhouse is small, but there's a decent restaraunt connected to it. Try this course and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I always do.

Castle Oaks lives up to it's reputation of being a player friendly track. If you choose the tips your long iron play better be on spot. As with many courses this time of year you better find the fai... Continue »

Castle Oaks lives up to it's reputation of being a player friendly track. If you choose the tips your long iron play better be on spot. As with many courses this time of year you better find the fairway as the rough is thick and ready to close the clubface down in a hurry. I have played this course many times and can find a new challenge each time simply by switching tee boxes. It is in overall fantastic shape. Make sure to be warmed up as the first three holes can make or break your round. Go as far left as possible past the first oak on the right side (150 yards out) to assure the final oak is not in harms way. The greens are true especially in the morning: don't read too much into them. Stay below the hole on the back nine, missing long could cause a 3 jack.

Played on 3/19/2010. Got on for 20 dollars with golfnow.com. First time playing Castle Oaks and thought is was a nice course. Liked the back nine better than the front. Conditions were good. I was not... Continue »

Played on 3/19/2010. Got on for 20 dollars with golfnow.com. First time playing Castle Oaks and thought is was a nice course. Liked the back nine better than the front. Conditions were good. I was not crazy about the sand used in there bunkers as previous posters have mentioned. All in all it is a solid track with nice scenery and a good variety in the holes. For the price I paid it was a steal. Would definitely return.

Great course, the sand traps are the only problem at this course, They contain a huge quantity of rocks. This has been a problem with this course for years. The only complaint I have ever heard fro... Continue »

Great course, the sand traps are the only problem at this course, They contain a huge quantity of rocks. This has been a problem with this course for years. The only complaint I have ever heard from other players is the sand traps. The course drains well in inclement weather and it is always in good shape otherwise.

I play this often, last played 10/30/08, The course is always in very good shape, the only problem this course has is the sand traps, losts of rocks and little sand. I would still give is 4 out of 5 s... Continue »

I play this often, last played 10/30/08, The course is always in very good shape, the only problem this course has is the sand traps, losts of rocks and little sand. I would still give is 4 out of 5 stars.