Tee it Up in Truckee |
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| Written by Brandon Underwood | |
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Perched above the Martis Valley, the brand new Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe adds an extra dimension to "Stay and Play" packages in the region. Here's a look at a foursome of courses putting Truckee on the map. The Golf Club at Gray's Crossing The public golfer now has an opportunity to procure a tee time at this eminently playable mountain gem located in the Lake Tahoe Highlands. Designed by the team of Peter Jacobsen and acclaimed golf instructor Jim Hardy, Gray's Crossing makes for a very enjoyable round on a well-wooded layout carved into what would otherwise serve as bear habitat. The par-72 course features smooth rolling greens that invite run-up approaches. Go for the green in one on the downhill 304-yard, par-4 6th hole, one of the standouts at Gray's Crossing. Fly the bunkers on the right side and watch the ball catch the slope and trickle toward the pin. There is also an outstanding collection of par 3s, a number of which feature significant elevation drops. A well-manicured march through towering forests, Grey's Crossing should be on your "must play" list, especially now that its transitioned to semi-private status. For more information, visit www.grayscrossing.com.
Old Greenwood A Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, Old Greenwood is one of the top-ranked public courses in the state of California. Visually, this is a very attractive course, framed nicely by tall pines off the tee. However, in true Nicklaus fashion, prevelant bunkers and elevated greens will complicate second shots. Old Greenwood features a sprawling practice area with a chipping green, putting green, massive range, and a state-of-the-art golf academy. Only a few miles apart, Old Greenwood and Gray's Crossing make a great 1-2 punch for golfers looking for a "Stay and Play" package. Visit www.oldgreenwood.com.
Schaffer's Mill Club Schaffer’s Mill Club (formerly Timilick Tahoe) was recognized as the “#1 Best New Private Course in California” by GolfWeek magazine in 2008, and the accolades have continued to come in ever since. The Johnny Miller & John Harbottle design weaves its way through the towering pines as if painted with an artist's brush, with two distinctly memorable nine-hole experiences. The outward or “Meadow” nine ambles through firs, spruce and Ponderosas at the base of a ridge, while the inward “Mountain” nine showcases elevation changes of up to 400 feet, with magnificent 360° views of the Martis Valley, Lookout Mountain and the Carson Range. The par 71 course plays to over 7,000 yards and is considered by many as the finest golf course in the Tahoe and Truckee area. Schaffer’s Mill Club, which is by charter private, is currently allowing limited non-member play. For more information on how you can experience Tahoe’s best golf, visit www.schaffersmill.com or contact the golf shop at 530-582-6964.
Coyote Moon Boulders, coyote dens and a par 3 that drops more than 100 feet from tee to green make Coyote Moon one of the most compelling golf courses you can play. Rugged aesthetics and elevation changes are the hallmarks of this layout, which epitomizes what mountain golf should be about. Unlike the previous three courses on this list, you won't find any homes as you wind your way through Coyote Moon. A beautiful and upsoiled track, this Brad Bell-designed layout is a daily-fee facility, and the fourth and final marquee track in Truckee. Visit www.coyotemoon.com for more information.
Where to Stay:
The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe Where to Dine:
Moody's
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A short trip from the shores of Lake Tahoe, the California mountain town of Truckee
has crossed into the realm of golf destination with the arrival of four outstanding
courses designed to showcase the finer points of playing at elevation.
