Once rated among Golf Digest's top 75 courses in the country, Ancil Hoffman Golf Course is still a top public play in the Sacramento area. The course was designed by William F. Bell of Torrey Pines fame. Opened in 1965, the par-72 golf course, which plays a little more than 7,000 yards from the tips, is an enjoyable traditional golf course in good shape with a nice variety of holes, lots of mature trees, and plenty of challenge. There are five sets of tees, starting at 4,950 yards, inviting golfers of varying levels to enjoy the layout. But make no mistake, play this from the tips, and it's all the golf course you want. Most of the holes are pretty challenging, like the the seventh, the course's no. 1 handicap hole. The par-5 is 589 yards long, and there's a ditch that runs along the left side of this narrow fairway. The shortest hole on the golf course is the 135-yard, par-3 14th, but it's not that easy because it plays uphill to a pin that's difficult to see. Two holes later the 497-yard par-4 16th begins a challenging finishing stretch. In addition to the golf course, Ancil Hoffman, which is named for a former boxer who served as a Sacramento County supervisor, also offers practice facilities that include a driving range, short-game area, and practice putting green. Lessons are also available. And inside the clubhouse visitors and golfers can enjoy the Main Event Bar & Grill, which offers a variety of American cuisine and beverages. The clubhouse can also play host to meetings and small gatherings and celebrations.