Sacramento’s Rich Native American Golf Heritage

Native American Golf History in Sacramento: A Journey Through History and Tradition on the Fairways

The Native American golf history in Sacramento, California is a rich and diverse one. The sport has been played in the region for centuries. To which Native Americans have played a significant role in its development.

One of the earliest known references to golf in Sacramento dates back to the 1850s. At that time, a group of Native Americans from the Nisenan tribe built a nine-hole golf course on the banks of the American River. The course was called “Nisenan Links,” and it is considered to be the first golf course in Sacramento.

In the late 19th century, golf began to become more popular in Sacramento, and a number of new golf courses were built. Several of these courses were located on Native American land, including the Arcade Golf Course and the Del Paso Country Club.

Native Americans also began to compete in golf tournaments in the late 19th century.

In 1898, Frank Shippen, a member of the Nisenan tribe, competed in the Sacramento Open. Shippen finished in second place, and he is considered to be one of the first successful Native American golfers.

In the 20th century, golf continued to grow in popularity in Sacramento. A number of new golf courses were built, and the city hosted several major golf tournaments, including the 1963 National Public Links Men’s Championship. As well as the 1992 United States Golf Association’s National Championship called the Public Links Women’s Championship.

Native Americans have continued to play an important role in the Sacramento golf scene. In recent years, a number of Native American-owned golf courses have been built in the area, including the Links at Rolling Hills Casino Resort and Whitney Oaks Golf Club.

Native American professional golfers have also made significant contributions to the sport in Sacramento. Notah Begay III, a former professional golfer and current television analyst, is a member of the Navajo Nation and grew up in Sacramento. Begay won four PGA Tour events during his career, and he is considered to be one of the most successful Native American golfers in history.

The Native American history of golf in Sacramento is a rich and diverse one.

Here are some additional details about the role that Native Americans have played in the Sacramento golf scene:

  1. The Nisenan tribe has a long history of playing golf. The tribe’s first golf course, Nisenan Links, was built in the 1850s. The tribe also has a junior golf program that is designed to introduce young people to the sport of golf. Teaching them about Native American culture and values.
  2. The Links at Rolling Hills Casino Resort is a Native American-owned golf course that is located in Corning, California. The course is designed by golf legend John Daly. It is considered to be one of the best golf courses in Northern California.
  3. Whitney Oaks Golf Club is another Native American-owned golf course that is located in Rocklin, California. The course is designed by two-time major winner Johnny Miller and Fred Bliss. It takes full advantage of its valley’s wetlands and creeks.

These are just a few examples of the ways that Native Americans have contributed to the Sacramento golf scene. Native Americans have played a significant role in the development and growth of the sport in the region. And they continue to be passionate about golf in our region today.

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