COURSE REVIEW

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Riverside Golf Course
Rolls out Red Carpet

By Ray Brewer, Senior Staff Writer

FRESNO, Calif. – The folks at the Riverside Golf Course have a one track mind.

But, for area golfers, this philosophy might not be that bad.

The 71-year old course has a simple motto: “built by the public, for the public and priced for the public.”

Now that’s quality golf.

Adding icing to the cake is the fact that Riverside isn’t your stereotypical public course. Rather, it has classic design and is kept in top-notch condition, giving golfers the sense that they are on a newer, more private links.

“It’s a very challenging course,” general manager Adam Pohll said. “We are set on rolling terrain, so there isn’t a flat spot on the course.”

Riverside, affectionately known as the “Big Muni,” is owned by the city and has been long recognized as one of the finest public layouts in California’s Central Valley.

It’s a par-72, 6,425-yard course with a course rating of 70.1 and a slope of 121.

When it comes to green fees, other courses are hard pressed to match Riverside. A round of 18 runs just $13 on the weekdays – not even a dollar per hole – and $15.50 on the weekends.

The facility is set on the stunning San Joaquin River as the course features tree-lined fairways that stretch over the rolling terrain. One of the main reasons why the course is a challenge is because of its small green – guarded by bunkers on seemingly every hole.

Historically speaking, the course was constructed in 1939 as a Works Progress Administration Project with the City of Fresno.

The course was designed by the legendary W.P. “Billy” Bell, who also had a hand in developing the layout for the Riviera Country Club and Stanford University Course.

And to this day, it is still a solid course.

• Past California course reviews

Pohll says hole No. 10 is the best Riverside has to offer. It’s a 424-yard, par-4 that forces the golfer to hit the ball straight. You tee off from the top of the bluff and hit down towards the river – hopefully not into the river. The river guards the left side of the fairway and trees line the right side, so there is extra importance on a straight first shot.

Riverside also plays host to the Fresno City Championship – a premier amateur event – annually on Memorial Day weekend, attracting over 350 players.

Riverside Golf Course
7672 N. Josephine
Fresno, California 93722
559-275-5900

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.