Carson Valley
Golf Course
Review

By Doug Saunders, golf writer

The ranch town of Gardnerville, Nevada, at the southern end of the Carson Valley, is home to a quaint 18-hole golf course along the banks of the Carson River. Rancher Red Swift, who wanted to build a course after catching the bug of the game, created Carson Valley Golf Course.

When Swift built his golf course in 1965 he was the only game in town but since then the region and the number of golf courses has increased dramatically. To remain an attractive place to play has taken vision and commitment by the recent owner, operator, and superintendent, Tom Brooks. "We needed to differentiate ourselves from the other courses," said Brooks. "What we do better than anyone is bring younger golfers into the game and make golf a more family-friendly sport."

To that end, Brooks and his wife, business partner and co-owner, Manya, have utilized the golf course's strengths: tight holes, 6,000-yards of trees, river and small greens tucked into a compact site along the banks of the river. The blend of dramatic mountain views and the large cottonwood trees form a relaxed and pastoral setting. Brooks has made great strides with course conditioning and building a reputation as an affordable family venue.

Brooks set up green tees for kids at approximately 30% of the regular forward tee yardage and the yellow tees at around 70% of the forward yardage. He paid special attention to place the new tees so that they would not interfere with regular play.

In conjunction with the new tees Brooks added a special score card for the junior players. On the cards a player doesn't count strokes but rather keeps track of how much fun they had playing their shots. (How does that work? That's a unique twist.)

Brooks also improved his driving range, then implemented junior golf clinics during the fall and early spring months that have become popular within the community. Brooks found that as more kids got interested in the game so did their parents which continues to cater to this family orientation.

"We set up special rates so that families can come and play afternoons affordably. With the special tees everyone feels as though they are playing the same game so speed of play stays consistent. We've received positive feedback from family members about the concept," Brooks said.

But Carson Valley Golf Course attracts golfers beyond the strong family orientation. In fact this layout is a charming venue to play with the giant cottonwoods and meandering river. The par 71 golf course plays from 4,684 yards to 6,020 yards from the back tees. Its slope rating is deceiving at 108 as the narrow layout puts a premium on accuracy. Going for it at all costs repeatedly leads to big numbers for big hitters.

The Carson River and its small tributary come into play on 8 of the 18 holes adding to the challenge. This close association to the river adds to the serene atmosphere. Consider the 354-yard par 4 4th hole. Players first must cross a long wooden bridge over the river to get to the tee. The tee box is tucked into a cluster of trees and the gentle dogleg hole finds the green again flanked by tall cottonwoods. In the afternoon the sounds of the river and breezes in the leaves produce a calming effect as you try to line up a putt on the undulating green.

The par 5 6th hole is another good example of how the river can affect your play. This short par five demands that you bend your drive around the trees, yet keep from dumping into he river that runs along the right side of the fairway. Water again comes into play as a tributary protects the elevated green, forcing a perfect shot if you try to go for it in 2. All in all, Carson Valley Golf Course is the perfect spot for an unexpected golf experience.

THINGS I LIKE - Seeing so many young players around the driving range, practice green, and on the golf course is an inspiring site.

THINGS I DON'T LIKE - The golf course is short and there is little bunkering so you really feel as though you should be on every green in regulation. The disappointment when you aren't is palatable.

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Carson Valley
Dayton Valley
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Eagle Valley West
Empire Ranch
Genoa - Lakes Course
Genoa - Resort Course
Silver Oak
Sunridge

Carson Valley Golf Course
1027 Riverview Drive
Gardenville, Nevada 89460
775-265-3181

Course Spec
Holes: 18
Slope: 111
Rating: 66.8
Par: 71
Length: 6,023