Black Oak Golf Course Top 100 Review

Black Oak Golf Course is a nine-hole layout located in Auburn, California, nestled in the Gold Country foothills just under two miles from Interstate 80 and Route 49. Designed by architect John Walker over twenty-five years ago, the course measures 3,163 yards from the tips and features two par 3s, five par 4s, and two par 5s.

The course is characterized by manicured fairways, generous landing areas, and distinctive tiered Poanna greens. Bold oak trees frame the layout, with over one hundred trees planted during improvements and approximately a dozen removed to enhance fairway definition. The signature hole is the scenic par 3 fourth hole, a 131-yard shot over water.

Black Oak has undergone considerable evolution from its original condition, including removal of intrusive rocks, addition of concrete pathways, and construction of a driving range. The course accommodates golfers of all abilities and maintains a pace-of-play policy enforced by on-course marshals. Its elevation—described as "above the fog and below the snow"—makes it popular with travelers between the Bay Area and Tahoe, establishing it as a regional destination for nine-hole golf.