Fairgrounds Golf Course sits on the grounds of the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on Bennett Valley Road in Santa Rosa, with its nine holes routed inside the property's historic horse racing track. The original course opened in 1960 and operated for decades as a short municipal-style facility before a complete redesign brought it back as a modern practice and learning venue when it reopened in 2006.

On the course

The layout plays 1,500 yards from the back tees to a par of 29, with a course rating of 45.0 and a slope of 80. Two sets of tees allow the nine to be played as a longer eighteen, giving the round a feel closer to an executive course than a typical par-3 track. The holes are mostly short irons and wedges with two par 4s mixed in, and the flat, largely treeless terrain inside the oval racetrack keeps the routing open and walkable. A multi-station covered driving range, a large putting green, and a chipping area with practice bunkers round out the facility.

Who it suits

Fairgrounds is one of only three courses in the North Bay to hold Beginner Friendly Certification from the National Golf Course Owners Association, a designation tied to its emphasis on junior golf, group clinics, and lessons for new players. The pro shop and instruction programs are oriented around that mission, with weekly adult classes, a Junior Golf School, and individual lessons available on site.

The course suits beginners learning the game, juniors, seniors, and any golfer looking for a quick, low-pressure nine to work on iron play and the short game. Low green fees, walk-on availability, and a compact footprint make it a practical option for a weekday loop rather than a destination round.

Architect: Unknown · Opened: 1960