Kern River Golf Course
About Kern River Golf Course
Kern River Golf Course is a 18-hole golf course located in Bakersfield, California (93386). The course was designed by William F. & William P. Bell and established in 1953. From the Blue tees, the course plays to 6,435 yards with a par of 70. The Blue tees carry a slope rating of 120 and a course rating of 70.5.
Walking is permitted.
With a slope rating of 128, Kern River Golf Course is more accessible than most courses in California. It is a good choice for mid-handicappers and golfers looking for a round that does not punish every missed shot.
The course offers 7 tee sets ranging from 5,242 to 6,435 yards, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Choosing the right tees for your handicap is the single biggest factor in how much you enjoy your round.
California offers year-round golf. Winter months (November through March) are peak season with comfortable temperatures and strong demand. Summer rounds often benefit from lower rates and faster pace.
Par
70
Length
6,435
Slope
120
Rating
70.5
Course Difficulty Analysis
128
This Course
132
CA Average
113
US Average
Based on 660 rated courses in California
Scorecard
| Hole | Slp | CR | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Tot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue | 120 | 70.5 | 525 | 136 | 471 | 454 | 293 | 158 | 389 | 536 | 195 | 3157 | 380 | 233 | 359 | 335 | 458 | 369 | 386 | 223 | 535 | 3278 | 6,435 |
White | 128 | 75.5 | 514 | 129 | 458 | 436 | 283 | 147 | 384 | 528 | 180 | 3059 | 375 | 223 | 351 | 328 | 440 | 362 | 378 | 219 | 510 | 3186 | 6,245 |
White | 118 | 69.4 | 514 | 129 | 458 | 436 | 283 | 147 | 384 | 528 | 180 | 3059 | 375 | 223 | 351 | 328 | 440 | 362 | 378 | 219 | 510 | 3186 | 6,245 |
Red | 117 | 70.1 | 409 | 105 | 353 | 415 | 268 | 134 | 287 | 406 | 144 | 2521 | 360 | 130 | 337 | 316 | 430 | 265 | 363 | 206 | 402 | 2809 | 5,330 |
Red | 108 | 65.3 | 409 | 105 | 353 | 415 | 268 | 134 | 287 | 406 | 144 | 2521 | 360 | 130 | 337 | 316 | 430 | 265 | 363 | 206 | 402 | 2809 | 5,330 |
Gold | 116 | 69.6 | 417 | 120 | 359 | 347 | 270 | 136 | 312 | 416 | 148 | 2525 | 363 | 135 | 339 | 319 | 382 | 265 | 365 | 141 | 408 | 2717 | 5,242 |
Gold | 107 | 64.9 | 417 | 120 | 359 | 347 | 270 | 136 | 312 | 416 | 148 | 2525 | 363 | 135 | 339 | 319 | 382 | 265 | 365 | 141 | 408 | 2717 | 5,242 |
| Par | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 35 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 35 | 70 | ||
| HCP | 9 | 17 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 13 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 18 | 4 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 12 | 14 | 6 | 16 |
Which Tees Should I Play?
Kern River Golf Course offers 7 tee sets. Choose the tees that match your handicap for the most enjoyable round.
| Tee | Yards | Slope | Rating | Hcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue | 6,435 | 120 | 70.5 | 5-15 |
White | 6,245 | 128 | 75.5 | 5-15 |
White | 6,245 | 118 | 69.4 | 5-15 |
Red | 5,330 | 117 | 70.1 | 20-30 |
Red | 5,330 | 108 | 65.3 | 20-30 |
Gold | 5,242 | 116 | 69.6 | 20-30 |
Gold | 5,242 | 107 | 64.9 | 20-30 |
Amenities at Kern River Golf Course
Kern River Golf Course features a pro shop.
How to Book a Tee Time
Set a tee time alert on Stymie for Kern River Golf Course. Choose your dates, time window, and group size. Stymie monitors tee sheets every 5 minutes and sends instant notifications. You can also book directly through the facility website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kern River Golf Course a public or private golf course?expand_more
Kern River Golf Course is a public golf course located in Bakersfield, CA. The course is open to the public for daily fee play.
How many holes does Kern River Golf Course have?expand_more
Kern River Golf Course is a 18-hole golf course. It was established in 1953. The course was designed by William F. & William P. Bell.
What is the yardage at Kern River Golf Course?expand_more
From the White tees, Kern River Golf Course plays to 6,245 yards (par 73). The course offers 7 tee sets ranging from 5,242 to 6,435 yards.
What is the slope rating at Kern River Golf Course?expand_more
The Blue tees at Kern River Golf Course have a slope rating of 120 and a course rating of 70.5. A slope of 113 is average difficulty; this course is above average difficulty.
Can you walk Kern River Golf Course?expand_more
Yes, walking is allowed at Kern River Golf Course. Golf carts are also available.
How do I book a tee time at Kern River Golf Course?expand_more
You can set a tee time alert on Stymie to get notified when availability opens at Kern River Golf Course. You can also visit their website directly at https://www.kernrivergolf.com/. Stymie monitors tee sheets and alerts you the moment your preferred time slot becomes available.
What amenities does Kern River Golf Course offer?expand_more
Kern River Golf Course offers a pro shop.
Where is Kern River Golf Course located?expand_more
Kern River Golf Course is located at Lake Ming Dr in Bakersfield, CA 93386. You can reach them at 661-872-5128.
What is the difficulty level at Kern River Golf Course?expand_more
Kern River Golf Course is classified as above average difficulty with a maximum slope rating of 128. It plays harder than 26% of golf courses in California. The average slope rating in California is 132. A slope rating of 113 represents average difficulty nationally.
Which tees should I play at Kern River Golf Course?expand_more
Kern River Golf Course offers 7 tee sets. Blue tees (6,435 yards, slope 120) are recommended for mid-low handicap golfers. Gold tees (5,242 yards, slope 107) are recommended for higher-handicap golfers and seniors. Choose the tee set where the slope rating is closest to your handicap comfort level.
What is the best tee for beginners at Kern River Golf Course?expand_more
Beginners at Kern River Golf Course should play the Gold tees, which play 5,242 yards with a slope of 107. This is the most forgiving tee option and provides an enjoyable round for newer golfers.
What would a 15-handicap shoot at Kern River Golf Course?expand_more
A 15-handicap golfer playing the Red tees (slope 117, rating 70.1) at Kern River Golf Course would have a course handicap of 13 and an expected score of approximately 86. This is calculated using the USGA World Handicap System formula: Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope / 113) + (Course Rating − Par). Sign in on Stymie with your handicap to see a personalized prediction for every tee.
How long does a round take at Kern River Golf Course?expand_more
A typical round at Kern River Golf Course takes approximately 4 hours. Expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on pace of play, group size, and course conditions. Weekday rounds tend to be faster than weekend morning tee times.