Golf courses California Stevinson Stevinson Ranch Golf Course, CLOSED 2015

Stevinson Ranch Golf Course, CLOSED 2015

2700 N Van Clief, Stevinson, California, 95374
Type: Public
No. Holes: 18
Architect: John Harbottle (20)
                      
Add Course Image

Detailed description of Stevinson Ranch Golf Course, CLOSED 2015

Stevinson Ranch, is a Public, 18 hole golf course located in Stevinson, California.

The Stevinson Ranch golf course first opened for play in September 1995. The course was designed by John Harbottle III and George H. Kelley. The course is a throwback to the early days of golf architecture in America, importing the character and traditions of the great Scottish Links courses.

Stevinson Ranch was site of the 1996 and 1997 U. S. Open Qualifying. The readers of Golf Digest awarded it 4 1/2 Stars out of a possible five for the overall golf experience. Only Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill of Pebble Beach rated higher in California.

Many acres of existing wetlands have been preserved and utilized as natural hazards, blending the natural terrain and native grasses with a links touch. There are various ways to play each hole in adherence to the risk-reward theory of design. Sand, water, hollows and native grasses securely guard each green. Stevinson Ranch is a par-72 layout that plays to 7,205 yards from the back tees for a course rating of 74.3 and a slope rating of 140.

A state-of-the-art practice area is offered on site.

Stevinson Ranch, once ranked the No. 5 public layout in the U.S. by readers of Golf World magazine closed Saturday, 18 July, 2015. 

Stevinson Ranch’s closure ended a 20-year run as a popular destination golf course. A canal traverses the course and historically provides water for the course and adjacent landowners. For the first time in 125 years there’s no water flowing through the canal.

Stevinson Ranch owner George Kelley used rye-grass when he opened Stevinson Ranch in 1995. That’s a decision he came to regret, because rye-grass requires 40 to 50 percent more water than hybrid Bermuda. “It was a combination of economics and lack of water, basically,” Kelley said of the decision to close. “In retrospect, if I knew then what I know now, I would have planted hybrid Bermuda.”

This course has been reviewed 31 times
Golf Course ranker Photo
Sebastopol, CA

Do Not Recall (cart included), played on Tuesday, January 2006 at 6am

So this is really a nice course, in good condition and it rewards good play. I will never return however due to an employee standing on the green and watering while I'm facing him with a 2 foot putt for eagle that I subsequently left an inch short out of frustration. The worst birdie of my life.

Would travel: 30-60 Miles, Not Vacation Worthy
Bottom line:
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Ambiance, No Houses on Course
Staff
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 016751
Golf Course ranker Photo
Stockton, CA

$21 (cart included), played on Sunday, August 2011 at 10am

Links type course. Front nine more difficult that back nine. Front nine one must place his shots carefully to avoid hidden hazards. Managed to score in mid-80's and know I could do better now that I know where not to hit. I would not mind playing this course again, however its is a bit far to drive. Pro Shop Staff was very nice and cart person was available often. There was plenty of Range balls.

Would travel: 10-20 Miles, Not Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Average course for the area
 
Condition of Course, Price, No Houses on Course, Pace of Play, Staff
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 015471
Golf Course ranker Photo
Hilmar, CA

$21 (cart included), played on Tuesday, July 2011 at 4pm

I have played this course in every condition imaginable; over 3000 times in the last 16 years. I have witnessed golfers having their best day and even more so, golfers having their worse day. The level and type of golf offered here is way beyond most golfers' experience. Playing a course devoid of trees, yet needing to shape the ball leaves most people scratching their heads. One thing you don't see or hear is that the course isn't fair. Choosing the "right" shot out here is as important as making the shot. If you are in the wide fairways, then you have a good lie. If you miss the fairway, be prepared to look for your ball in "native" grasses and bushes. Oversized greens are surrounded by aprons which putt as good as most greens and can gobble up extra strokes faster then the tee box. Without good distance, approach shots might leave 90 foot putts. The greens have subtle breaks which can be tough to read and speed of putts is always the key to a great round. The bar and grill staff is the best around and always has been. The appeal here is great golf in all kinds of conditions. Deals on green fees can be had almost year round and the great course condition varies little. The practice facility has conditions much like the course and a new teaching facility is being built this summer.

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Layout, No Houses on Course, Staff
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 014855
Golf Course ranker Photo
Fresno, CA

$21 (cart included), played on Thursday, June 2011 at noon

Beautoful course especially at the special price.

Would travel: 60-120 Miles
Bottom line: I would play again, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Layout, Price, Ambiance
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 014476
Golf Course ranker Photo
Turlock, CA

Member (cart included), played on Thursday, November 2010 at 8am

I have played courses all over the west and this ranks up there. It is challenging and never boring. The greens are like lightening right now. Keep it in the fairway boys.

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Best course in the area, Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Pace of Play, Staff, Pro Shop
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 012323
Golf Course ranker Photo
Atwater, CA

Member (cart not included), played on Wednesday, September 2010 at 6am

great coursse

Would travel: 30-60 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, No Houses on Course, Staff, Pro Shop
Pace of Play
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 012262
Golf Course ranker Photo
Saratoga, CA

$41 (cart included), played on Sunday, May 2010 at 2pm

This site is REALLY remote. We played it because we had already driven 1.5 hours to the middle of nowhere, and the course was only 45 minutes farther. It could be a good course but not a great one. The day we played there were no range balls (collect your own) and no water in the jug at the range. Course conditions were just ok; greens had many unfixed ball marks. Roughs had not been touched in years. Flat wetland ambiance is not my idea of an attractive location. There is just enough mounding to make most of your long shots go out of sight and be hard to find. There were hidden hazards where it looks like fairway, and I had to walk 75 yards ahead to locate the green and the flagstick for my approach shot at one hole. There are no views to speak of, and we had PLENTY of time to look for them. The guy at the counter told us the course was pretty empty and to go out when we pleased. The course turned out to be packed and dead slow. I almost left after a 3-hour front nine. I started timing my waits at the tees: 8 minutes at #11, 7.5 minutes at #12, 5 minutes at #13, etc. All day we would hit a shot, watch four shots in front, wait a few minutes, hit another shot. Not fun. There must have been a severe bottleneck about 3-4 groups ahead. There were no marshalls on this busy Sunday afternoon. There were free beer and oranges at two stations out on the course. Water and a reasonable pace would have been much better.

Would travel: 20-30 Miles, Not Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Ambiance
Ambiance, Pace of Play, Staff
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 010362
Golf Course ranker Photo
Oakdale, CA

$36 (cart included), played on Monday, April 2010 at 10am

THIS COURSE DAY IN AND DAY OUT IS ALWAYS IN PERFECT CONDITION EVEN AFTER A GOOD RAIN!! DRAINAGE IS TIP TOP!!

Would travel: 60-120 Miles
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Pace of Play, Staff, Pro Shop
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 009997
Golf Course ranker Photo
Cressey, CA

$36 (cart included), played on Friday, April 2010 at 2pm

Great!

Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Best course in the area, Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Ambiance, No Houses on Course, Pace of Play, Staff, Clubhouse, Pro Shop
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 009992
Golf Course ranker Photo
Palo Alto, CA

$41 (cart included), played on Saturday, March 2010 at 10am

Great course, wonderful staff, pleasant experiences

Would travel: 0-10 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Layout, Price, No Houses on Course, Staff
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 009863
Golf Course ranker Photo
Turlock, CA

$41 (cart included), played on Saturday, March 2010 at 8am

Stevinson Ranch is always in excellent condition. The practice facilities are first class. Wind can be a factor in the afternoon, especially on the final holes. Stevinson recently ran some excellent specials that were well received. Great Course.

Would travel: 30-60 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Price, Ambiance
Pace of Play
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 009683
Golf Course ranker Photo
Modesto, CA

$41 (cart included), played on Sunday, January 2010 at 10am

A very good course

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Price, Pace of Play, Staff, Clubhouse, Pro Shop
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 009351
Golf Course ranker Photo
Merced, CA

Do Not Recall (cart included), played on Sunday, October 2009 at 6am

One of the best public courses in the US, maybe the best.

Would travel: 30-60 Miles
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 008732
Golf Course ranker Photo
Denair, CA

$61 (cart included), played on Sunday, January 2006 at 10am

While the course is in excellent overall condition it is beginning to show its age with some spots dying out in the rough particularly around the greens. with the economy right now means cutting costs i wish the greenskeeper would address some of these spots. you expect to be in tall grass if you miss a green but not a bare spot surrounded by lush tall grass. even though the greens are among the some of the purest you will putt you will encounter many unrepaired pitch marks. it is a pity that most golfers don't take the time to find and repair these. when the greens are set up for a tournament full of good players they are pga tour quality. it is hard to find truer rolling greens

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout
Pace of Play
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 008598
Golf Course ranker Photo
Turlock, CA

$46 (cart included), played on Friday, September 2009 at noon

Would travel: 30-60 Miles, Not Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Best course in the area, Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Pace of Play
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 008533
Golf Course ranker Photo
Kingsburg, CA

$46 (cart included), played on Saturday, July 2009 at 6am

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Ambiance, Pace of Play, Staff, Clubhouse, Pro Shop
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 008062
Golf Course ranker Photo
Turlock, CA

Member (cart included), played on Monday, August 2009 at 2pm

Would travel: 20-30 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, No Houses on Course, Staff, Pro Shop
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 007961
Golf Course ranker Photo
Foster City, CA

Guest (cart included), played on Tuesday, January 2009 at 6am

You won't believe the conditions of fairways and greens. If you've never played on non-poa greens, you have to go here and see what it's like to putt on firm, smooth surfaces. The fairways offer terrific hitting surfaces from edge to edge. It is difficult, especially if windy. Some bunkers are very penal. Too bad it's not closer to a mjor population center, or at least a major highway.

Would travel: 20-30 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again
 
Condition of Course, Layout, No Houses on Course, Staff
Difficulty
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 007599
Golf Course ranker Photo
Modesto, CA

Member (cart included), played on Sunday, June 2009 at 4pm

GOOD TO GO

Would travel: 60-120 Miles
Bottom line: I would play again
 
Condition of Course, Ambiance
Food/Bar Facilities
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 007067
Golf Course ranker Photo
Merced, CA

$46 (cart included), played on Friday, April 2009 at noon

Great, fast, large greens. Be prepared for 3 putts. Fair course if you are hitting solid shots.

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Layout
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 006718
Golf Course ranker Photo
Fresno, CA

Do Not Recall (cart included), played on Sunday, March 2009 at 10am

When the wind blows it is all you want! Ireland or England in the middle of nowhere in the USA. Have to keep ball on the ground and course lets you do that.

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, No Houses on Course, Staff
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 006629
Golf Course ranker Photo
Modesto, CA

$21 (cart included), played on Thursday, January 2009 at 2pm

Course always plays differently, depending on time of day, wind conditions, etc. Lots of varying pin placements. Makes it fun no matter how often you play it.

Would travel: 30-60 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Pace of Play, Staff
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 006148
Golf Course ranker Photo
Manteca, CA

$46 (cart included), played on Saturday, January 2009 at 8am

One of the best ever.

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 006054
Golf Course ranker Photo
Denair, CA

$61 (cart included), played on Saturday, January 2009 at 8am

I play this course as much as I can. I just love to play this course.

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Ambiance, Staff
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 006043
Golf Course ranker Photo
Modesto, CA

$61 (cart included), played on Thursday, October 2008 at noon

shot value is very important here..On some holes the drive is most important, but on 12 holes, it's the shot to the green that makes or breaks the round...very tough for a double digit handicapper, but worth the trauma if you want to know how good you really are...

Would travel: 30-60 Miles
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Staff, Pro Shop
Difficulty
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 006041
Golf Course ranker Photo, Todd Lafferty
Pleasanton, CA

Guest (cart included), played on Thursday, April 2006 at noon

Stevinson will make you hit every club in your bag and think through every shot. The wind can be brutal, but five different tee boxes allow for a challenge for all levels.

Would travel: 30-60 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, No Houses on Course, Staff, Clubhouse, Pro Shop
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 003818
Golf Course ranker Photo
Modesto, CA

(cart included), played on Wednesday, June 2008 at 10am

AWSOME BUT TOUGH IN THE WIND....

Would travel: 0-10 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Ambiance, No Houses on Course, Pace of Play, Staff, Clubhouse
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 003280
Golf Course ranker Photo
Madera, CA

$76 (cart included), played on Saturday, May 2008 at 10am

Great golf course, period. The wind can blow pretty good, but in that it's a links style course, that adds to the authenticity. Designed and built by a player for players. Bravo!

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Not Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Layout, No Houses on Course, Staff
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 002864
Golf Course ranker Photo
Modesto, CA

$61 (cart included), played on Thursday, May 2008 at 10am

This course will test your game.......and if the wind is blowing.....

Would travel: 20-30 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, No Houses on Course, Staff, Clubhouse, Pro Shop
Price
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 002714
Golf Course ranker Photo
Turlock, CA

(cart included), played on Tuesday, March 2008 at noon

Remote location but beautiful layout. Large fast greens and good fairways. Five tee loacations for a variety of difficulty.

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Ranks with the best in this price level
 
Condition of Course, Layout, Price
Clubhouse
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 001903
Golf Course ranker Photo
Turlock, CA

$46 (cart included), played on Wednesday, June 2007 at 2pm

Beautiful savannah type course. Has the best three finishing holes I've seen.

Would travel:
Bottom line:
 
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 000199
4.5/5
Based on 31 reviews
ForeTee
Download the App
Free – Google Play Free – App Store
Get it Get it
Nearby Golf Courses
Turlock Golf & Country Club,Turlock, California,  - Golf Course Photo
Turlock, California
Rancho Del Rey Golf Club,Atwater, California,  - Golf Course Photo
Atwater, California
Forebay Golf Course,Santa Nella, California,  - Golf Course Photo
Forebay Golf Course 19.23 miles
Santa Nella, California
Merced Golf & Country Club,Merced, California,  - Golf Course Photo
Merced, California
River Oaks Golf Course,Ceres, California,  - Golf Course Photo
Ceres, California
Dryden Park Golf Course, Modesto, California,  - Golf Course Photo
Modesto, California
Discussion about this course
No User Comments