Hole 9 at Dayton Valley is just one of many reasons to plan a Divine 9 golf getaway.

10) Signature holes 9 and 16 at Dayton Golf Club: Daunting and not for the weak, the par 4 hole 9 and the par 3 hole 16 can make or break a golfer’s scorecard. Hole 9 is the toughest on the course where water stretches down the left side. To get to the green, with the illustrious clubhouse in the background, you have to hit over water. Hole 16 is a scenic par three shot over water with a wide but not-so-deep green. This hole has sunk many golf balls over the years and swelled many egos for those fortunate enough to land their ball on the green.

9) Signature Hole 18 at the Genoa Lakes Course: Surrounded by a stunning Sierra Nevada backdrop and set against a traditional golf club house, this 441 yard par 4 is a dog leg left and a shot over water to the green. Those who par this hole at the end of their round can almost hear a cheering gallery providing for a great crescendo to one of the finest courses in Northern Nevada.

8) The Resort Course at Genoa: This course is seasonal and well worth the after-winter wait. Built for power and distance, the Resort Course cuts into the rugged Sierra Nevada foothills, just two miles from the Lakes Course. Johnny Miller and John Harbottle III were the driving force behind this course, which offers wide open spaces and spectacular high desert views. More than 300 feet of elevation changes, more than 100 bunkers, unpredictable mountain terrain, afternoon breezes and a waterfall challenge players to a crash course in championship golf.

7) Year-round golf at Carson Valley Golf Club: While most Divine 9 courses are open year round, Carson Valley has the distinction of being one of the oldest courses in the region to do so. With 300-plus days a year of sunshine, taking in the back nine in winter lends itself to a stunning setting of a flowing Carson River, snow-capped mountains and naked cottonwood trees. The scene is so vivid you sometimes forget that it is 40 degrees outside.

6) Slaying the greens at Sunridge Golf Club: This Carson City course is where the short game skills come in handy. When you’re not faced with water on half of the holes which call for absolute precision, the greens are sloped in such a way that you wonder how Phil Michelson would handle the multiple breaks.

5) Silver Oak Golf Club‘s signature 15th hole: Situated alongside the Sierra Nevada which affords scenic views, the terrain varies in undulation. Some parts are mostly level and others offer some slight hills. Hole 15, a 200-yard, par 3, features a panoramic view of Carson City and a narrow entrance to the green.

4) Eagle Valley Golf Course (East): The East Course 18 is located at the base of the Sierra and the golf course offers vistas and views that complement the high desert setting. The layout is wide open, making it perfect for some of us who spray our shots now and then. There are some long holes, some bunkers but it is a forgiving course.

3) Eagle Valley Golf Course (West): This scenic course winds through the Carson City foothills in a unique area where sage brush laps the greens. The links-style layout features an interesting variety of holes that provide a formidable test for even the most advanced players. Several water hazards are strategically placed. The dramatic elevation changes in the rolling landscape also require forced carries, offering a true risk-and-reward experience.

2) The call of the wild at Empire Ranch Golf Course: This Carson City course is situated along the Carson River and sheltered between the bluffs on 250 acres of land where cattle once grazed. “The Ranch” as locals refer to it, offers players plush tee boxes and smooth, fast greens. Lush fairways wandering through environmentally protected wetlands will challenge the low-handicapper, but at the same time, play fairly for the higher handicapper. Five sets of tee boxes allow any players to enjoy their day at Empire Ranch.

1) The Divine 9 translates to a No. 1 golf destination: Numbers don’t lie. You’ll find 9 courses less than 40 minutes apart: That equals 70,000+ yards for all levels of play across 171 holes of traditional and Scottish-style layouts (Palmer, Miller, Jacobsen, Harbottle), plus 11 partnering hotels, more than 20 restaurants (casual to 4-star), 24-hour casinos and many more after-golf options.

Late winter/early spring golf includes huge discounts and pristine conditions at Silver Oak and the other Divine 9 courses.

At Carson Valley Golf Course winter fees are in effect through March 11 with $30 rounds with a cart, $24 for 9 holes or $30 for unlimited twilight play after 2 p.m. After March 11 the spring green fees kick in, with $30 rounds of golf for walkers, $40 with carts or $20 and $26 for 9 holes and twilight fees begin at 3 p.m. for as many holes as you can play for $20 walking or $30 with cart. Junior golf season begins April 13.

The Lakes course at Genoa is in excellent shape. A round of golf at Genoa is running $49 for public play and $39 for locals. The Resort course is looking at an April 1 opening date. Spring golf rates haven’t been determined but we’re sure it will still be a bargain.

Meanwhile, Empire Ranch Golf Course continues its winter rates through March. Play the most golf for the best price, with 27 holes and a cart for $40 or $30 if you’re walking or play 18 holes for $30 with a cart or $15 if you’re walking.

Nestled against the beautiful Sierra Nevada in northwest Carson City, Silver Oak Golf and Event Center’s 18-hole championship course has ideal winter playing conditions. Their off-season rates continue through March, with Monday through Sunday green fees at $25 for 9 holes, $30 for 18 holes or $25 if you’re a member of the Acorn Club. Their 2013 spring green fee schedule will be announced soon.

Eagle Valley East and Eagle Valley West courses are experiencing ideal winter conditions with spring play officially beginning April 1. Winter rates for the east course are $30 for 18 holes with cart or $22 if you’re walking. The West course (18 holes and cart required) is $35.

Winter rates at Sunridge Golf Club continue through mid-April with spring rates kicking in April 15. Right now green fees are a bargain at $30 with a cart. Spring golf rates will continue to be a bargain at $35. Given Sunridge’s famed water holes and high desert doglegs, play always proves a challenge for golfers regardless of the season.

Dayton Valley Golf Club continues its winter season with green greens and sweeping fairways. The PGA Tour Qualifying Course is considered the most optimal course in Northern Nevada for winter play, which continues until April. Sunday through Thursday golf at Dayton is $30 a round and $35 on Fridays and Saturdays.

How many of the Divine 9 courses have you played this winter?

With more trees than any other Carson Valley Golf Course, every hole could be considered a signature one. The cool rush of the Carson River, the natural shade of its century-plus century old cottonwood trees and the longest golfing season in the area gives the Carson Valley golf course a unique character unlike anywhere in Northern Nevada.

Opened in 1965, Carson Valley Golf Club is a longtime favorite for locals, value-conscious visitors, families and beginners. Its accolades are impressive. It has been voted Carson Valley’s Favorite Golf Course since 2003 by the readers of the Record-Courier newspaper; was named Nevada Golf Course of the Year 2007; received the Player Development Award in 2006 and was chosen as the 2006 Carson Valley Tourism Business of the Year.

The 18-hole par 71 features a 111-slope rating and is 6,020 yards from the Blue tees. Tight fairways, water hazards and small greens call for careful strategy that rewards the smart player with a strong risk-reward factor for the longer hitter.

The course takes you over the Carson River on several occasions so whatever is lost in long-hole yardage is made up by the challenge of the river. You get to hit across water nine times over 18 holes.

Because of Northern Nevada’s climate, winter golf at Carson Valley brings many company with tournaments and outings throughout the season.

For more information or to book a tee time call (775) 265-3181 or visit the website.

Whether you’re in town for business and looking to get a round in at one of the Divine 9 courses between meetings or are traveling with your spouse or significant other, off-the-course lodging can be found at the foot of the Sierra in Minden, Nev., at the Carson Valley Inn.

The hotel is a magnet for golfers participating in area tournaments or corporate retreats and offers a number of golf packages that combine lodging, food and receptions for any size of golf group. The closest courses to Carson Valley Inn are Genoa Lakes Golf Club and Resort and Carson Valley Golf Course.

The main casino-hotel offers 150 hotel plush rooms, 38 deluxe rooms and 10 suites. There’s also a 74-room Motor Lodge and adjacent Carson Valley RV Resort that has 59 sites with shower rooms, pet area, full hook-ups and a laundry facility.

Carson Valley Inn guests can enjoy free WiFi, free use of a Business Center and free use of the indoor pool area which also includes two glass-enclosed hot spas and a fitness center room, both with mountain views.

The Carson Valley Inn provides 24-hour dining in Katie’s Country Kitchen and exceptional values for dinner in CV Steak, a Nevada-style steakhouse. Job’s Perk provides early-morning coffee plus snacks, baked good and beverages through the day.

If you pulled off some lucky shots on the golf course, you can continue your streak on the Carson Valley Inn casino floor with plenty of table games, slots, a sports and race book, poker room and free live entertainment nightly in the Cabaret Lounge. The casino-bar has more than three dozen HDTVs that feature the Golf Channel and national and international TV sporting events.

Group golf packages of 20 or more feature an arrival night reception and final night award banquet. For groups of 8 to 20 people CVI provides dinner in CV Steak. If you are planning a group retreat, CVI staff arranges golf, accommodations, food and beverage functions and non-golfer activities.

What more could you ask for during your Northern Nevada golf getaway?

What golf gift will your Valentine be getting?

An elegant sweetheart dinner at Genoa Lakes will be held on Valentine’s Day in the Banquet Pavilion. Treat your Valentine to a delicious meal and entertainment in a romantic setting. Genoa’s pre-fixe dinner for $49 includes your choice of starters: crab cakes, bruschetta, prosciutto wrapped asparagus  soup or salad: shrimp and lobster bisque or wedge salad; main course: miso glazed salmon served with rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables, fresh herb butter crusted filet mignon topped with a porcini mushroom sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and season vegetables or wild mushroom ravioli with a vodka cream sauce; and dessert: creme brulee or tiramisu. Call (775) 782-6644 Ext.249 to RSVP or email.

Empire Ranch Golf Course will host its annual Valentine’s Day dinner inside Mallards Restaurant. Lovers can treat themselves to a menu of savory bacon wrapped fillet, shrimp scampi, fresh squash medley, parsley potatoes and an elegant semi fredo with fresh berries for dessert. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m. The cost is $35 per person. Reservations should be made by Feb. 7. Call (775) 885-1019.

Dayton Valley Golf Club is also planning a Valentine’s evening with dinner inside the clubhouse. Start with a a wedge salad with blue cheese, cherry tomatoes and bacon before moving onto the main course of bacon wrapped filet, fingerling potatoes, seasonal vegetable medley and dinner rolls. And make sure you save room for a personal red velvet cake for dessert.

Carson Valley Golf Course will host a Valentine’s tournament on Saturday, Feb. 16. A 10 a.m. shotgun start will kick off the day. $35 covers the golf, cart, $10 prize fund and soup. What could be better than a day of golf with your Valentine? Sign up by email or by call the pro shop (775) 265-3181.

For other Valentine’s Day related romance or lodging specials deals check out Eagle Valley Golf Course, Silver Oak Golf and Event Center, Sunridge Golf Club and the Divine 9 lodging partners.

How will you spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart?

Carson Valley Inn gets the party started early with a Saturday, Feb. 2 Tailgate in the parking lot from noon to 4 p.m. The event features live music, food and drink specials, drawings and a chance to meet former NFL players.

Drawings will follow the party at 4:30 with the chance to win up to $5,000. Former NFL players scheduled to appear are Fred Hawkins, UNR and Oakland Raiders; Glen Carano, UNLV and Dallas Cowboys; Conrad Dobbler, Wyoming and St. Louis Cardinals; Phil Vilipiano, Bowling Green and Oakland Raiders.

On the Big Game day catch the pre-game hoopla and all the action on more than three-dozen HD televisions with served-at-your-seat Bar Bites snacks and plenty of betting opportunities at the Sports and Race Book.

Casino Fandango in Carson City will have a wide range of Big Game activities and promotions, food and drink specials and Sports Book betting opportunities lined up.

Adjacent to Casino Fandago is Courtyard by Marriott which is offering its exclusive Fan Package through Feb. 3. Book a room and receive $50 toward your next 2-night weekend stay at Courtyard, 15% savings on your NFL purchase of $100 or more at NFLShop.com and a late checkout (as available).

For other Big Game-related fun or lodging specials deals check out the Carson Nugget, Gold Dust West, Hampton Inn and Suites in Carson City and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Carson City and Minden.

Where will you catch the Big Game?

Dayton Valley Golf Club‘s annual Big Game clubhouse party has been a tradition for years. The day-long party features contests, a chili cook-off, raffles, huge buffet, drink specials, high-definition flat-screen TVs, stereo sound system, dancing, and mountains of chicken wings. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. where Dayton Valley features a chili-cook-off with some of the best cooks from the area filing in to cook up pots of chili for fans to enjoy.

The party continues with parlay betting, raffles, and a chip-off on the golf course. For a buck a shot, golfers can take aim at a small swimming pool from 40 yards out. Whoever gets the closest will win (prizes to be determined).

The buffet line begins at 3 p.m. and features an all-you-can-eat menu featuring chicken wings, pizza, egg rolls, chili and salad for $12 a person. The party is first-come-first-serve (no reservations needed). However the party area does fill up fast so it is advised get there early. For more info or to sign up for the chili cook-off call (775) 246-7888 ext. 4.

Enjoy some golf before the first snap. Carson Valley Golf Course will be hosting a Big Game Tournament. Teams will be formed to represent the AFC and the NFC for the 10 a.m. shotgun start. $35 covers the golf, cart, $10 prize fund and soup. Sign up today!

Genoa Lakes Golf Club and Resort festivities begin at 3 p.m. with pizza, wings and quesadillas and cocktail, beer and wine specials. There will be raffles every quarter for prizes from the golf shop the chance to buy $1 and $5 tickets for cash prizes. Call (775)782-GOLF (4653) for more information.

Empire Ranch Golf Course in Carson City will once again pull out all the stops for its annual Big Game clubhouse party with raffles, contests, buffet, drink specials and a grand prize giveaway of a 2013 annual golf pass.

The party begins with the 3:30 p.m. kickoff. Drink specials include $2 domestic drafts and $3 imports. The big buffet promises “everything chili cheese” with game day favorites such as: hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, chips, chicken wings, veggie trays and dessert. The cost is $12 for adults, $10 seniors and free for kids 5 and under. Seats fill up fast. Call ahead for reservations, (775) 885-1019.

Check other Divine 9 courses for additional Big Game deals:  Eagle Valley Golf Course, Silver Oak Golf and Event Center and Sundridge Golf Club.

Carson Station has just what you’re looking for to complete your golf getaway.

Whether you’re looking for a day of 18 holes and a night’s getaway with your spouse, significant other or are considering a corporate retreat, the Carson Station has lodging packages designed to meet your needs.

The Station staff will book tee times for you at any of the Divine Nine courses as well as set up golf outings for you and groups of up to 100. Call (800) 501-2929 for more info or email.

With recent remodels done to every room, guests at the Carson Station can kick back and relax in style. Room size varies depending on what you want, book a single cozy king-size bed or a full-on suite. Rooms come with wifi and 40-inch flat screen televisions, so when you’re not out playing golf, you can keep up with work (only if you have to), catch up on the latest news or watch a movie in comfort.

Hearty, home-style breakfast, lunch and dinner are a short walk from your room at either the Station Restaurant or inside the Snack Bar. After a day of golf, who doesn’t crave a savory meal? Prime rib dinners are the mainstay featured at the Station Restaurant but their menu offers daily specials for any appetite.

If you like fried chicken you’re in luck. The Station Restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat bonanza of fried mashed potatoes, gravy and veggies for only $7.99 Monday through Fridays. Be sure to save room for dessert, featuring five-layer chocolate cake, homemade pies and ice cream.

With your golf game either ahead or behind you, try your hand at some gambling in the casino with more than 300 slot and video poker machines and live Keno. Watch live games and place your bets inside the Cal Neva Sportsbook. Take in an adult beverage or two and listen to live bands that perform most weekends on the raised stage inside the Cabaret Lounge located near the casino floor.

Will you stay at the Carson Station on your next Divine 9 outing?

Ruth Schnabel held the winning raffle ticket in a contest sponsored by Duncan Golf Management, owner of Dayton Valley and sister courses Wolf Run Golf Club in Reno and Tahoe City Golf Course in Tahoe City.

The two-month contest was valued at $3,300 and people could enter as many times as they wanted for $1 per entry. According to Dayton Valley Head Pro Rick Vaughan, 825 tickets were sold.

Hole 16 at Dayton is one of the many scenic courses Schnabel will be able to play through 2013.

Dayton Valley has fun events scheduled for the start of the new year. Try the Fantasy Golf contest beginning Thursday, Jan. 10. For $20 you can pick one player in each regular season tournament on the PGA Tour who you think will win. Entrants are encouraged to get their picks to Head Professional Rick Vaughan every week by email or phone (775) 246-7888 x704 prior to the start of each week’s PGA tournament. Each entry will collect earnings based on picked player’s performances each week. Earnings will be added week to week to determine winners at the end of the year. New this year to Dayton Valley’s Fantasy Golf contest will be a separate pot for the PGA majors.

Like to sing or just listen to people sing? Belt one out at the first Karaoke Night of the year Thursday, Jan. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the bar. Dinner and appetizer specials will be available with the kitchen opened until 7 p.m.

A “Pick A Hole Tournament” exclusively for members and guests will be held on Jan. 26, with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. The cost is $15 per person entry fee and $25 green fee if applicable. Call the golf shop to reserve your spot (775) 246-7888 ex. 1.

Make sure to check back regularly for fun events going on at Dayton Valley and the other Divine 9 courses.

Will 2013 be better than 2012?

Empire Ranch Golf Course will hold its annual East Coast-style New Year’s Eve Dinner and Party at Mallards from 5-9 p.m. Dinner features Jerry’s famous slow roasted prime rib, roasted rosemary red potatoes, bacon almond green beans and enjoy dipping your favorite treats in a flowing fountain of chocolate for dessert. Music by Dwight Millard and One Gigibit Band plus dancing will cap off the evening. The cost is $32 per person and includes a glass of champagne when the ball drops on the East Coast. Reservations required.

Dayton Valley Golf Club will hold a New Year’s Eve Celebration, at the Clubhouse beginning at 6:30 p.m. with no host cocktails followed by a buffet-style dinner beginning at 7:30 p.m. The dinner menu includes assorted appetizers, Caesar salad, fresh rolls, chicken sautee, pork tenderloin, seasonal vegetables, rice pilaf and dessert. After dinner put on your dancing shoes for live music by the Ridge Riders. The cost is $30 per person.

Elsewhere in Carson City, Carson Station is hosting a New Year’s Eve party featuring the music of Jeffrey James and the Wanted. The party begins at 8 p.m. Start with dinner at the Station Restaurant before the party and book a room inside the Station’s newly remodeled rooms for convenience.

Casino Fandango rings in the New Year with a “Party Like There’s No Tomorrow” party. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. with party favors and a champagne toast. The music of Soul Experience will provide the entertainment in the Cabaret Lounge and there will be a $1,000 cash balloon drop at midnight. Partygoers can take in first class lodging at the Courtyard by Marriott just a few steps away.

Gold Dust West New Year’s Eve festivities include gaming specials, bowling, a live DJ, party favors and a champagne toast. There will be $100 E-cash giveaways hourly Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to midnight and dining at The Grille, Olé Olé Restaurant & Cantina and the Snack Bar.

Ring in the New Year with an evening of fine food, libations and the jazz styling of vocalist Bar­bara Baxter at Café at Adele’s in Carson City. The evening’s menu will feature favorite entrées from past years, as well as several seasonal dishes. Res­ervations are recommended.

How will you say “hello” to 2013 in Carson City?