The Chico metro area is home to some of the most challenging public golf courses in Northern California. These courses offer a thrilling experience for avid golfers with their unique layouts, strategic hazards, and scenic views. Here, we rank the five most difficult public golf courses in the region, listed from least to most difficult, followed by an honorable mention for those looking for an extra challenge.
5. Lake Oroville Golf & Country Club
Lake Oroville Golf & Country Club
Location: Oroville, CA
Hardest Tees: White
Yards: 1993
Slope: 110
Rating: 62.2
Lake Oroville Golf & Country Club offers a scenic and challenging round of golf with well-maintained fairways and greens. The course provides a pleasant experience for golfers of all skill levels, despite its shorter length.
4. Bidwell Park Golf Course
Location: Chico, CA
Hardest Tees: Blue
Yards: 6363
Slope: 126
Rating: 70.4
Bidwell Park Golf Course, set in the natural wilderness of Upper Bidwell Park, features a front nine in a parkland environment and a back nine in the foothills. This municipal course offers a fair yet challenging layout, making it a favorite among Northern California golfers.
3. Table Mountain Golf Club
Location: Oroville, CA
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 6690
Slope: 122
Rating: 71.4
Table Mountain Golf Club, designed by Louis Bertolone, features a flat terrain and well-maintained greens. The course’s signature 16th hole, surrounded by water hazards, provides a memorable challenge for golfers.
2. Tuscan Ridge Golf Club
Location: Paradise, CA
Hardest Tees: Turquoise
Yards: 6434
Slope: 129
Rating: 71.5
Tuscan Ridge Golf Club provides a challenging round with its well-designed layout and beautiful scenery. The course is known for its excellent conditions and friendly staff, making it a popular choice among local golfers.
1. Bidwell Park Golf Course
Location: Chico, CA
Hardest Tees: Blue
Yards: 6363
Slope: 126
Rating: 70.4
Bidwell Park Golf Course, set in the natural wilderness of Upper Bidwell Park, features a front nine in a parkland environment and a back nine in the foothills. This municipal course offers a fair yet challenging layout, making it a favorite among Northern California golfers.
Honorable Mention: Skyway Golf Park
Location: Chico, CA
Hardest Tees: Red
Yards: 629
Slope: 102
Rating: 52.1
Skyway Golf Park offers a shorter but challenging round of golf with well-maintained fairways and greens. This course is perfect for golfers looking for a quick and enjoyable round.
Whether you’re a local golfer or visiting the Chico area, these courses offer some of the most challenging and enjoyable golfing experiences around. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to test your skills on these premier public courses.


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