Bartley Cavanuagh is the youngest in the City of Sacramento’s family of great golf courses. Architect Perry Dye, a member of the world-renowned golf design family, put to use all the design principles that won him acclaim to create excitement that will test skilled players while remaining accessible to those still growing in the game — the result is a fun and affordable round of golf!

There are some fun holes to experience. One of the favorites here arrives at No. 6. This par-4 only measures 330 yards, but is rated the fifth toughest on the Perry Dye layout. Because a large lake makes cutting the corner nearly impossible, club selection off the tee is crucial. Hit too far left and you land in the lake. The second shot could easily land in water as well.

Accuracy is the real issue, because anything short typically winds up wet. And one more thing to factor in at No. 6: the green is huge, making for some challenging two putts, which can easily turn into three.

At the ninth, a 400-yard, par-4 comes along. Water runs down the right side the entire way, making this a long, nervous journey home. Maybe that’s why it’s rated as the toughest hole. The fairway has a waste bunker as well.

The backside has some fun holes, too. At the par-3 12th, make sure you carry the water, which runs up quite close to the green, which is 143 yards away. Choices arrive at the next hole, a mere 289-yard par-4. What to hit off the tee at No. 13 is what makes this hole a challenge. Some daring golfers might even pick driver.

The 15th hole is rated as the second toughest on the course, a par-4 that goes 445 yards. The major challenge here is just getting to the green in regulation. It takes two good shots.