👋 First time here? This guide shows you exactly where to park, buy balls, and start hitting.
- Address: Ancil Hoffman Golf Course, 6700, Tarshes Drive, Carmichael, Sacramento County, California, 95608, United States
- Real Grass
- Covered Bays
- Public
Ancil Hoffman Driving Range
Vibe Check
Scenic / Views
Serious Practice
Family Friendly
Vibe Notes: Serene, peaceful, nature-sanctuary vibe. Reviewers consistently describe the course as beautiful, scenic, and full of wildlife (deer, coyotes, turkeys, geese, owls). Reddit and Google reviews emphasize the challenging but fair layout, mature oak trees, and American River Parkway setting. Described as ‘Sacramento’s hidden gem’ and ‘favorite walking course.’ The vibe is more traditional/serious golfer-oriented compared to casual driving ranges. The Main Event Bar & Grill with Friday Night Patio Music adds a social/relaxed element. Regulars describe a tight-knit community feel with an active golf club (AHGC) that holds 26+ tournaments per year.
Crowded
sometimes
Anxiety Score
baseline
Typical Attire
semi_strict
Description
Ancil Hoffman Driving Range is attached to the Ancil Hoffman Golf Course is a distinguished public golf facility owned and operated by Sacramento County, located at 6700 Tarshes Drive in Carmichael, California. Nestled along the scenic American River Parkway adjacent to Ancil Hoffman Park and the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, this course has been a Greater Sacramento Area favorite since opening on May 15, 1965.
The Driving Range features a unique overhead shade structure that provides protection from sun and rain, allowing golfers to practice in various weather conditions. This covered structure is a notable amenity rarely found at public courses. The range offers two types of hitting mats – a tight lie option and a thicker, softer lie mat – catering to different practice preferences. Grass hitting areas are available on weekends when conditions allow.
- Putting Green
- Chipping Green
Features
Driving Range Pricing
Call Pro Shop
Public / Private
Public
Surface Type
Real Grass
Google Star Rating
4.5
Facility Condition
Good
Typical Attire
Semi-Strict
Lights at Night
No
Lights at Night
No
Covered Bays
Yes
Covered Bays
Yes
Technology
None
Golf Technology
None
Pro Shop
Yes
Golf Lessons
Yes
Golf Lessons
Yes
Club Fitting
Yes
Club Rentals
Yes
Club Rentals
Yes
Attached Golf Course
Yes
Holes
18 Holes
Vibes
Scenic / Views, Family Friendly, Serious Practice
Vibe Notes
Serene, peaceful, nature-sanctuary vibe. Reviewers consistently describe the course as beautiful, scenic, and full of wildlife (deer, coyotes, turkeys, geese, owls). Reddit and Google reviews emphasize the challenging but fair layout, mature oak trees, and American River Parkway setting. Described as 'Sacramento's hidden gem' and 'favorite walking course.' The vibe is more traditional/serious golfer-oriented compared to casual driving ranges. The Main Event Bar & Grill with Friday Night Patio Music adds a social/relaxed element. Regulars describe a tight-knit community feel with an active golf club (AHGC) that holds 26+ tournaments per year.
Your First Visit (Step-by-Step)
Parking
Drive to 6700 Tarshes Dr, Carmichael, CA 95608. Enter through Ancil Hoffman Park. The golf course shares parking with the park. The main parking lot is adjacent to the clubhouse. Note: As of 2025, parking was reconfigured due to the Ancil Hoffman Park Repaving Project – spaces were reduced to half the golf course lot plus an adjacent area on the river side. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. Carpooling is encouraged. The parking area accommodates approximately 200+ cars for golf and park use combined.
Parking Lot → Walk to Main Clubhouse → Enter Pro Shop (purchase range balls from staff) → Exit Pro Shop → Walk to Adjacent Covered Driving Range (short walk, facilities are clustered together) → Find open hitting station under overhead shade structure → Choose mat type (tight lie or softer lie) or grass if weekend → Practice! (Putting greens and chipping area nearby for short game work after range session)
Buy Balls
Step 1: Park in the main parking lot adjacent to the clubhouse. Step 2: Walk into the pro shop (located in the main clubhouse building, 2,186 sq ft facility). Step 3: Purchase range balls from the pro shop staff at the counter. Step 4: Receive your range balls (specific dispense method – bucket hand-off or token for machine – to be confirmed by calling (916) 482-3813). Step 5: Take your range balls and walk to the covered driving range area adjacent to the clubhouse.
How You Get Balls
staff
Find a Mat / Bay / Grass Spot
1. Arrive and park in the main parking lot (enter via Tarshes Dr through Ancil Hoffman Park). 2. Walk to the main clubhouse building. 3. Enter the pro shop and purchase range balls from staff at the counter. 4. Receive your range balls (method varies – confirm with pro shop). 5. Exit the pro shop and walk to the adjacent covered driving range area. 6. Find an available hitting station under the overhead shade structure. 7. Select your preferred mat type (tight lie or thicker/softer) or grass area if available on weekends.
After obtaining your range balls, walk to the driving range which features an overhead shade/covered structure. Find an available hitting station under the covered area. Choose between the two types of mats available (tight lie or thicker/softer lie). On weekends when conditions allow, grass hitting areas may be available. Face downrange and begin practicing.
Ancil Hoffman Golf Course, 6700, Tarshes Drive, Carmichael, Sacramento County, California, 95608, United States
Still unsure? I'll help you pick the easiest first-time range.
Use the Beginner Guide pages to filter for mats, covered bays, low pressure vibes, and clear instructions.