Nevada's Carson City Area Golf Scene

Region's Golf Courses Unite to Form Divine Nine

Mar 4, 2009 Connie Emerson

Though golf is a competitive game, the golf courses in Nevada's Carson City area have chosen to cooperate, rather than compete. As a result, golfers can play for less.

When combined, the courses that make up the Divine Nine offer 171 holes and more than 61,000 yards of championship golf. And, as their publicity says, they “are quickly transforming the capital of Nevada into the capital of year-round golf destinations.”

And the price is right. The "Ticket to Paradise" pass, which expires December 31, 2009, costs $295. Regular green fees for the courses range from $20 to $100-plus, depending on the particular course and season.

Carson Valley Golf Course

A cool course to play, especially on warm days, the Carson Valley course has lots of cottonwood trees for shade and the Carson River flows nearby. Established in 1965, Course amenities include a pro shop, the Cottonwood Grill (breakfast and lunch April to October), putting green, driving range and 45-minute private lessons. Green fees for 18 holes start at $25 (walking) during winter months. There are also Junior fees and Family Golf ($10 per golfer; at least one must be adult and one a junior golfer). The course is located two miles south of Gardnerville off Hwy 395 at 1027 Riverview Drive.

Dayton Valley Golf Club at Legado

This Arnold Palmer-designed course (51 Palmer Drive, Dayton) blends sculpted links-style fairways with lots of lakes and scenic views. Host of the PGA Tour Qualifying match since 1995, the course includes a driving range, pro shop, restaurant and bar. The course was established in 1991 and its 15,000-square foot clubhouse opened in 2006. Winter rates run $40 to $50, whereas summer rates range from $85 to $105 ($40 after 3 p.m.).

Eagle Valley East and Eagle Valley West

Lots of water hazards and big greens characterize Eagle Valley East’s par 72, 6,658-yard layout. It’s forgiving nature, however, makes it a favorite with long hitters. Advertised as the “Best $35 course in the U.S., the course opened in 1976.

With various elevations, Eagle Valley West is a links-style course that demands accuracy. Like its sister course, the West layout was designed by Arthur Jack Snyder, but opened 11 years later in 1987. Green fees are $50 on weekdays and $55, weekends. The address for both courses is 3999 Centennial Park Drive, Carson City.

Empire Ranch Golf Course

Built among bluffs on 250 acres, Empire Ranch (1875 Fair Way, Carson City) offers smooth, fast greens and plenty of water hazards in the form of lakes and wetlands. The 27-hole course is composed of two layouts, the Comstock and River courses – both designed by Cary Bickler. The facility also includes a pro shop, driving range, bar and restaurant. Green fees are $35-$40.

The Golf Club at Genoa Lakes and Genoa Lakes Golf Resort

Two championship courses, two miles apart provide high marks on the scorecard of the Golf Club at Genoa Lakes (2901 Jack’s Valley Road). The Lakes Course, with its backdrop of the Sierra Nevada’s eastern slope, is a links-style course designed by John Harbottle and PGA tour pro Peter Jacobson. Wetlands and the winding Carson River provide hazards for 14 of the course’s 18 holes.

The Johnny Miller-John Harbottle Resort Course challenges with mountain terrain, more than 300 feet of elevation changes, 100-plus bunkers and a waterfall hazard. Annually rated among the best courses on the West Coast by such publications as USA Today and Golf Digest, both courses’ carts are outfitted with GPS systems. Each course also has its own restaurant – Antoci’s Italian Restaurant at the Lakes and the Alpine Room at the Resort Course.

Silver Oak Golf Club

With five sets of tees, Silver Oak (1 Country Club Drive, Carson City) is a natural choice for players of all ages and skill levels. Opened in 1999, the 7,054 years, 18-hole championship course was designed by golfers Tom Duncan and Sid Salomon. The clubhouse – with fantastic views of Carson City – opened in 2005. Although green fees range from $50 to $80 for 18 holes most of the year, they’re $25 during January and February.

Sunridge Golf Club

This is one of the most challenging of the Divine Nine courses, with tight fairways, significant elevation changes and large greens (Watch out for the 150-yard, par 3 fourth hole, with water hazards along the entire length of the fairway). With spectacular views of the Carson Valley, it’s also easy to take your eye off the ball. Green fees range from $30 to $60 depending on the day and time of year.

The copyright of the article Nevada's Carson City Area Golf Scene in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by Connie Emerson. Permission to republish Nevada's Carson City Area Golf Scene in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Dayton Valley course is six miles from Carson City	Genoa Lakes course has mountain views.	Silver Oak green with rock formation.
Eagle Valley Course in spring.