If you’re driving through the Sierra Foothills and think you’ve seen every mountain track California has to offer, you might want to slow down near Murphys. Seriously. Tucked away in a gated community in Calaveras County, Forest Meadows Golf Course is one of those spots that people either swear by or swear at. It’s a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, which usually tells you two things right off the bat: it’s going to be beautiful, and it’s going to make you want to throw your 7-iron into a pond.
It's a challenge.
The course is a 9-hole executive-plus layout, but don't let the "9-hole" label fool you into thinking this is some flat, local muni where you can spray the ball wherever you want. It’s tight. Really tight. You are basically playing through a corridor of massive pines, oaks, and cedars. If your slice is acting up, you're going to be spending more time looking for Titleists in the mulch than actually putting.
The Robert Trent Jones Jr. Fingerprint on Forest Meadows Golf Course
Most people know the Jones name from massive, sprawling championship courses. But here, he had to work with the natural topography of the foothills. He basically carved these fairways out of the side of a mountain.
What’s interesting about Forest Meadows Golf Course is how it manages to feel massive and claustrophobic at the same time. You’ll stand on a tee box and see these incredible vistas of the Stanislaus River Canyon, but then you look down at the landing area and realize it’s about as wide as a two-lane highway. Honestly, it’s a shot-maker’s course. If you’re the type of golfer who just wants to grip it and rip it, you’ll be frustrated. If you can move the ball and control your distances, you’ll have the time of your life.
The greens are typically small and elevated. That’s a classic Jones trait. They’re also usually kept in surprisingly good shape for a course that sits at about 3,300 feet of elevation. Because it’s up in the trees, the air is thinner, the ball carries a bit further, and the smell of pine is everywhere. It’s peaceful. Except for the sound of your ball hitting a tree trunk, which, let’s be real, happens to the best of us here.
📖 Related: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
Why Murphys Changes the Vibe
You can't talk about this course without talking about Murphys. Most golfers who visit Forest Meadows aren't just there for the round; they're there for the town. Murphys is basically the wine capital of the foothills. You finish nine or eighteen holes, and ten minutes later, you're sitting on Main Street with a glass of local Syrah.
It creates this weirdly relaxed atmosphere. Most mountain courses feel a bit stuffy or overly "resort-y." This place feels like a neighborhood secret that happens to have world-class architecture. You’ll see locals walking their dogs near the perimeter and deer—lots of deer—just hanging out in the bunkers. They don’t seem to care about your par save.
Navigating the Layout: More Than Just a Short Course
Let's get into the actual play. The yardage might look short on the scorecard, but the elevation changes are the great equalizer. You might have a hole that says 150 yards, but it’s playing like 130 because of a massive drop, or 170 because it’s straight uphill.
The fourth hole usually catches people off guard. It’s a par 4, dogleg left, and if you try to cut the corner, the trees will eat your ball. No questions asked. You have to play it smart. Lay up to the elbow, take your medicine, and try to stick a wedge close. It’s golf as a chess match, not a long-drive competition.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you don't need a cart. Take the cart. Trust me. The trek from some of the greens to the next tee boxes involves some serious incline. Unless you’re looking for a CrossFit workout while carrying your bag, the power cart is your best friend. Plus, the carts have covers for when the mountain weather decides to get "moody," which happens more often than the local forecast suggests.
👉 See also: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
The Maintenance Reality
Is it Pebble Beach? No. It’s a community-centric course in the woods. Sometimes the fairways have a few brown spots in the heat of August. Sometimes the pine needles are a bit thick just off the fringe. But that’s the charm. You’re playing in the forest.
The staff at the pro shop are generally locals who know every break on the greens. If you ask them where the ball is going to roll, listen to them. They know that even if a putt looks flat, it’s probably pulling toward the canyon. That’s the "Calaveras Break" everyone talks about.
Pricing and Accessibility
One of the best things about Forest Meadows Golf Course is that it doesn't break the bank. In a state where a weekend round can easily north of $150, you can usually get on here for a fraction of that. They offer different rates for 9 or 18 holes (you just play the loop twice for 18, but the different tee boxes change the angles significantly).
It is located within a gated community, but the course is open to the public. You just tell the gate guard you’re there for golf, and they let you through. It feels exclusive, but the vibe is incredibly welcoming once you get to the clubhouse.
Pro Tips for the First-Timer
- Leave the driver in the bag: On at least half the holes, a 3-wood or even a hybrid is the smarter play. Accuracy is king here.
- Watch the shadows: Late afternoon rounds are stunning, but the shadows from the tall pines can make it tricky to read the line on the greens.
- Hydrate: You’re at 3,000+ feet. Even if it’s not blistering hot, the altitude and the dry mountain air will zap you faster than you think.
- The 19th Hole: The Hilltop Ultra Lounge or the local spots in Murphys like The V Restaurant & Bar are where you go to settle your bets.
The Seasonal Factor
Timing is everything. In the spring, the dogwoods are blooming, and the course is neon green. It’s spectacular. In the fall, the maples and oaks turn, and you get that crisp mountain air that makes every shot feel like it’s flying forever.
✨ Don't miss: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
Winter can be hit or miss. Because of the elevation, they do get snow. If it’s a heavy winter, the course might be closed for stretches or just be incredibly soggy. Always call ahead if you’re planning a trip between December and March.
Honestly, the "sweet spot" is May or October. The temperatures are mid-70s, the wind is low, and the course is usually at its peak aesthetic.
Final Thoughts on the Forest Meadows Experience
This isn't a course for someone who wants a wide-open, forgiving experience. It’s for the golfer who appreciates the quiet of the woods and the challenge of a tight layout. It’s about precision. It’s about smelling the cedar trees after a light rain. It’s about wondering why you didn't just take an extra club on that uphill par 3.
If you’re heading up Highway 4, stop by. Even if you only have time for nine. It’s a unique slice of Northern California golf that doesn't get the headlines of the coastal tracks but has twice the personality.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book in Advance: Use their online portal or call the pro shop. Weekends get surprisingly busy with the local crowd and tourists from the Bay Area.
- Check the Murphys Event Calendar: If there’s a major wine festival or concert at Ironstone Vineyards, traffic and parking in town will be a nightmare. Plan your tee time accordingly.
- Pack Extra Balls: This isn't an insult to your game. The forest is dense. If you miss the fairway by five yards, that ball is likely gone.
- Download a GPS App: Since it's a mountain course, yardage markers can sometimes be tricky to spot. An app like 18Birdies or a simple rangefinder will save you three or four strokes just by giving you the "real" distance to the hazards.
The course is located at 633 Forest Meadows Dr, Murphys, CA. Make sure you have your ID ready for the gate guard, and don't be surprised if the GPS gets a little wonky once you start climbing into the foothills. Just follow the signs; it’s hard to miss once you’re in the community.