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Think Nevada and Las Vegas comes to mind. Maybe it’s time to think again. The northern part of the state — particularly Reno-Sparks — has maintained a quaint feel while undergoing a surge in population. “I think travelers to this area will find the resort-quality amenities and services they find in Vegas, but we have the added lure of being literally minutes from Lake Tahoe, which is known around the world,” said Drew Yardley, director of memberships for the semi-private ArrowCreek Country Club, just outside downtown Reno. “We’ve got all the gaming, dining and show options that they have in Las Vegas. And, we’re a golf mecca and an outdoor recreationist’s dream.” Here’s a look at some of the courses in the Reno-Sparks area: ArrowCreek Country Club, Reno ArrowCreek features two distinctive course layouts. The par-72, 7,455-yard Challenge Course is a Fuzzy Zoeller-John Harbottle III design that, with a rating of 76.0 from the back tees, is officially tougher than the Stadium Course at PGA West. The combination of deep and sod-wall bunkers, more than 1,000 feet in elevation changes and thick rough tests good players, but four other sets of tees help average golfers walk away with their dignity intact. The par-72, 6,937-yard Legend Course designed by Arnold Palmer isn’t as brutal, but narrow fairways, rock outcroppings and tree-lined Thomas Creek put shot-making skills to the test. Both courses offer marvelous views of the Sierras and the expanding skyline of downtown Reno. (775) 850-4653 or www.arrowcreekcc.com. D’Andrea Country Club, Sparks Carved out of foothills and desert canyons seven miles east of downtown Reno, this Keith Foster-designed par-71, 6,849-yard course has some of the best views of Reno and the eastern Sierra Nevadas. While the rolling terrain and undulating greens make the layout a challenge for low-handicappers, five sets of tees reduce the yardage to as much as 3,271 yards for other players. There’s a hint of newness across the property, which opened in 2000. The 20,000-square-foot clubhouse is only four years old, and includes the Bighorn Grill. Two years ago, a private golf school opened, augmenting the course’s fine practice facility. (775) 331-6363 or www.dandreagolf.com. Wolf Run Golf Club, Reno Lou Eiguren and John Fleming spearheaded the development and design of this beautiful course. The 7,000-yard, par-72 layout has some of the finest greens in the state and is fun to play. There aren’t a lot of trees on the course, and with an elevation of 5,000 feet, well-struck balls fly farther into the never-ending sky. Countering the effects of the elevation are a number of uphill shots and sloping greens, which puts some definite bite into the drama of Wolf Run. (775) 851-330 or www.wolfrungolfclub.com. LakeRidge, Reno Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this par-72, 6,715-yard course isn’t long, but it has been testing shot-making skills and imaginations since 1970. Lush landscaping and trees dot the layout, and the course can be exciting to play, particularly the more hilly back nine that features one of the most hailed holes in Nevada: the par-3 15th, where players tee off 140 feet above the water and hit to an island green. From the tips, the shot is 239 yards to the middle of the green, and when the wind kicks in, all bets are off. (775) 825-2200 or www.lakeridgegolf.com. |
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