Sacramento is the setting for this round, with the map mirroring the real city and the ball rolling across its actual streets. The holes are built from local attractions, including the Golden 1 Center. This quick 9-hole round covers 3.4 mi on foot. Skip knows these sidewalks well, though a pigeon spends more time on the cornices than the pavement.
You will find Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento, California. It sits partially on the site of the former Downtown Plaza shopping center and is a key part of a business and entertainment district called Downtown Commons, or DoCo. This district also includes a 16-story mixed-use tower that cost $250 million. The venue itself is a publicly owned sports venue and indoor arena. AECOM served as the architect for the project, which had its inception in 2016. It is a great spot to see how the city has repurposed its central land for entertainment. I have seen plenty of crowds gathering here for the big games, and the energy in the air is always something to behold when the arena is full.
The Leland Stanford Mansion in Sacramento is a California state historic park designed in the Second Empire architecture style. While it began as a single-family detached home, its role has evolved over time to meet the needs of the state. Today, the mansion is used by the government as the official reception center for the Government of California. You can pick out how the grand design suits its current purpose as a site for formal gatherings and high-profile visitors. I've noticed that the scale of the place makes it feel more like a palace than a typical house, which is quite a sight when you are gliding past the facades. It is a great example of how a private residence can be transformed into a public asset for the entire region.
The Crocker Art Museum is an art museum located in Sacramento, California. Founded in 1885, it holds the distinction of being the oldest art museum in the Western United States. When you look at the building, you can pick out the Renaissance Revival architecture that defines its style. Because of its long history and design, the museum is a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. I've spent a fair amount of time watching people wander these grounds from the air, and it is always a peaceful spot in the middle of the city.
Old warehouses and rail yards once occupied this ground, but today you can find Sutter Health Park here. This sports venue in West Sacramento, California, was designed by the architect HNTB. Since its inception in 2000, the facility has been a hub for baseball fans, though it was known as Raley Field from 2000 to 2019. It currently hosts the Sacramento River Cats of the Pacific Coast League as their home team. Additionally, the Athletics of Major League Baseball are using the ballpark as a temporary home. Whether you are following the minor leagues or the big leagues, it is a great spot to catch a game. I've noticed the crowds here always bring a great energy to the riverside.
The California State Railroad Museum is a railway museum founded in 1981. It interprets the role of railroads in the Western U.S. and attracts 500,000 annual visitors. You can find the museum located at 111 I Street, Sacramento, California, within the Old Sacramento State Historic Park. It is a museum in the California State Parks system. This means the site is managed as part of the state's broader park network. I always find the scale of the exhibits impressive, though I prefer to watch the crowds from a safe distance up on a ledge. It is a great spot to see how the rails shaped the region, and the building itself is a prominent fixture of the historic district. Whether you are a fan of steam engines or just exploring the city, there is plenty to see here.
Let me show you the site of the Eagle Theatre. Established in 1849, this theatre building was the first permanent theatre to be built in the state of California. It was located in Gold Rush-era Sacramento and is now a California Historical Landmark. When you look at where it stood, you can imagine a structure that was originally wood-framed and canvas-covered, featuring a tin roof and a packed earth floor. It had a rough start in the early days of the city, as the theatre was flooded on January 4, 1850. I've seen plenty of fancy new stages in my time, but there is something special about the spot where California's permanent theatre tradition began.
Let me show you Cesar E. Chavez Plaza, a city park located in Sacramento, California. This urban park is named after César Chávez and provides a green space within the city's layout. While many visitors focus on the modern bustle of the surrounding area, this particular site has a long history, having had its inception in 1849. I've found that the open space makes it a pleasant spot to pause and look around at the city. Whether you are here for the history or just a bit of fresh air, it is a recognizable landmark in the local streetscape. It is the kind of place where you can really feel the passage of time while standing right in the middle of the urban environment.
The California State Legislature has called the State Capitol building home since 1869. This site is now the California State Capitol Museum, a museum located in Sacramento. It was founded in 1982, and that same year it became a property in the California State Parks system. When you visit, you can see the intersection of government and history in one spot. I've noticed the crowds usually gather around the grand architecture, though I prefer the view from the roof. It is a protected area that keeps the city's political heart accessible to everyone. You can spend a few hours wandering through the halls to see how the state has evolved over the years. It is a great place to get your bearings in the city while learning about the local laws and the people who wrote them.
You will see this museum housed within the March Fong Eu Secretary of State Building complex at 1020 O Street. As the state history museum of California, it provides a look at the region's past and present for every visitor. The institution operates as a private non-profit in partnership with the State of California, ensuring the exhibits are well-maintained. While you are walking the halls, you can pick out the California Hall of Fame and the Unity Center. I have found that the building's location in Sacramento makes it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the city center on foot. It is a great place to spend an afternoon if you want to understand how the state evolved into what it is today.
The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is built in the Renaissance architecture style. This Catholic cathedral had its inception in 1889 and is located downtown at the intersection of 11th and K Streets. It is a place of worship and administration for the local faith community. Specifically, the building is the seat of Bishop Jaime Soto. It also functions as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento. Visitors can observe the specific Renaissance details of the structure while visiting the downtown area. The location at 11th and K Streets makes it a central point of the city's religious life. As the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, it holds a primary position within the regional church hierarchy and the spiritual life of the city.