COPPEROPOLIS, Calif. -- Saddle Creek Resort – the gated, 900-acre Castle & Cooke community in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills – today announces it has expanded its practice facility to include Zoysia turf target greens, additional driving stations and an enhanced short game area with new chipping and putting greens.
Widely considered one of Northern California’s true championship tests of golf, and host course for the 2006 Northern California Open Championship, the Carter Morrish designed layout now features a PGA Tour-quality practice facility for use by members and resort guests. The dense, cushiony Zoysia target greens have a unique texture and contrast reminiscent of the various native grasses used throughout the course. During winter months, the dormant Zoysia set against the deep green rye grass will provide a series of well-defined targets. The new short game area – allowing for full shots up to 90 yards – offers a wide-variety of game-honing options.
“Game improvement is a major focus of our golf program at Saddle Creek,” says General Manager Bill Troyanoski. “We are excited to offer this robust practice facility to our members, guests and all outside play.”
In addition to the expanded practice facility, Saddle Creek recently completed a major bunker enhancement project, as all 99 bunkers on the 6,826-yard circuit were completely remodeled with new drainage, liners and sand. To further enhance the overall resort experience, Saddle Creek also introduced wine tasting nights in the foyer of The Lodge, and focused food and wine pairings that showcase the culinary talents of Executive Chef Richard Whipple.
The considerable re-investment in the golf course by owners Castle & Cooke has paid tremendous dividends. For the third consecutive year, Saddle Creek ranked among the Top-10 courses in California in Golfweek’s “America’s Best Courses 2006” ratings, appearing at No. 9 on the prestigious list. It was also included on Golfweek’s Top-100 listing of “America’s Best Residential Golf Courses.” The resort placed No. 40, ahead of esteemed residential courses Reynolds Plantation, PGA West, Isleworth, Hammock Dunes, Colleton River and other high-profile east coast properties. Saddle Creek was included in the 2006/07 ZAGAT listing of “America’s Top Golf Courses” and was named one of “The 101 Best Golf Experiences in the West” by Fairways and Greens.
For more information about Saddle Creek Resort, please call 800-611-7722 or visit www.saddlecreek.com .
About Saddle Creek
Designed by Carter Morrish and opened in 1996, the Saddle Creek Golf Club is framed by the Sierra Mountains and challenges players of all levels with five sets of tees, 99 crystal white sand bunkers and handful of shimmering lakes. To create an atmosphere of tranquility and isolation, Morrish devised a routing in which no two holes run parallel to each other. Saddle Creek’s thoughtful design and sublime conditioning have led to numerous national accolades, such as being rated one of the top four semi-private courses in Northern California by Golf Today and as one of the best golfing experiences in the Western United States.
Saddle Creek Resort’s diverse and award-winning real estate blends resort and residential atmospheres. Custom homesites start at $300,000 and residential opportunities range (home and lot) from the $600's to over $1 million. Boasting views of small lakes and forested hills, these picturesque homes serve as countryside retreats and as the ideal escape from the San Francisco Bay Area, roughly two hours away.
Each neighborhood is carefully planned to complement the golf course, and architectural design guidelines ensure each home is unique and blends with the overall residential theme. New custom homes are available now to fulfill the dream of a sophisticated country life. Castle & Cooke will release Quail Creek's custom homesites later this year, and Copper Glen Foothill Collection of Country Homes early 2006.
Residents and guests of Saddle Creek can also enjoy the beauty of the Quail trail with miles of hiking trails and mountain biking and nearby skiing, snowmobiling, and the nearby Lake Tulloch. Also of interest are the sports club, featuring a 3,000-square-foot facility offering yoga and aerobic classes, a large pool, kids’ wading pool and a Jacuzzi spa. The Saddle Creek Lodge features a fully-stocked bar and an extensive wine list, stunning vistas and the food of Executive Chef Richard Whipple at the acclaimed Copper Grille.
Castle & Cooke, in their goals of enhancing the overall communities where they have ongoing developments and operating facilities, are adding to the Saddle Creek Resort experience. Currently in development, the “town of Copper” will bring an exciting new dimension to Copperopolis with its traditional town square, specialty shops, boutique art galleries, restaurants and many other businesses and that complements a retail focused mixed use town that sets alongside a beautiful creek and lake.
Saddle Creek Resort, as well as Coyote Creek Golf Club outside of San Jose, is owned and operated by Castle & Cooke, Inc. that, along with its affiliated companies, has operations in over 24 states. The company’s diversified businesses include the development and ownership of real estate, leasing of transportation equipment, manufacture of brick and ownership of public warehouses. The company’s real estate developments include master planned communities such as Mililani Town on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, Lake Sherwood in Thousand Oaks, California, and Seven Oaks in Bakersfield, California. The company also owns two of the world’s highest-rated resorts on the 98% owned island of Lana’i in Hawaii.
CONTACT:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
803.547.2118 (o)
704.519.8381 (c)
ssharp@billycaspergolf.com
