Swenson Park Golf Course opened in 1952 as a municipal facility owned by the City of Stockton. It was designed by Northern California architect Jack Fleming , an Irish-born designer whose career began under Alister MacKenzie. In 1932, John McLaren of the San Francisco City Parks Department hired Fleming as head greenskeeper for the city's courses, including the newly finished Sharp Park in Pacifica , and his design career fully took off in the 1950s, when between 1950 and 1967 he designed and built 36 courses , most of them in Northern California. Swenson Park was among the first 18-hole projects of that prolific run.

On the course

The layout is a traditional parkland routing on relatively flat ground. Swenson Park is known for its Valley Oaks, which come into play on most holes and some of which have been determined to be over two hundred years old.

Who it suits

Tree-lined fairways and several water features define the course, with the century-plus oaks protecting small, gently contoured greens.

Large open fairways are forgiving for a slice or fade, while scattered ponds and bunkers add difficulty for more experienced players.

The 18-hole Oak Course plays to a par 72 at 6,407 yards from the back tees, and the facility also includes a 9-hole par-3 executive course measuring 1,380 yards.

Lakes come into play around holes 4 through 8, and reviewers single out Hole 6 for its tee shot across the water to a partially hidden green.

Both Swenson Park and the city's Van Buskirk course host the annual Men's and Women's City of Stockton Golf Championship each summer.

The course suits walkers, beginners working through the par-3 layout, and recreational players looking for an affordable municipal round. Lower-handicap golfers will find the test in placement off the tee around the old oaks and accuracy into the small greens rather than in raw length.

Architect: Jack Fleming · Opened: 1952