   |
Genoa Lakes
Golf Club & Resort -
Resort Course
Review
By Doug Saunders, golf writer
The Resort Golf Course is just two miles north of the Lakes Golf Course and is the second championship layout that comprises the Genoa Lakes Resort collection. Originally known as Sierra Nevada Golf Ranch, it opened for play in 1998 as a linchpin for a proposed housing development. Three years ago the Genoa Lakes Golf Club took ownership to create the 36-hole golf club and resort.
The Resort Golf Course clings to Eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers a commanding view of the Carson Valley. The wide-open spaces of the site and the close proximity to the surrounding peaks make for an unforgettable setting.
The golf course was another design effort by John Harbottle III. This time he teamed with PGA Tour legend and NBC golf commentator Johnny Miller. The entire site has nearly 350-feet of elevation change from the highest point down to the clubhouse, resulting in a terraced approach to the course. The front nine climbs a ridge on a set of switchbacks that makes the course reminiscent of a stagecoach trail. Harbottle's clever design makes each hole playable with subtle elevation gains up to the 5th hole where abundant grazing land, The Carson River, and the massive peaks of the mountains spread out below.
The Resort Golf Course offers four tees and plays from 5,684 yards up front back to 7,358 yards from the tips with a hefty slope rating of 137 from the back tees. At the championship tees the course plays 6,820 yards long with a slope rating of 132. Each hole has a western theme namesake that is emblazoned onto the tee marker with several leaving a lasting impression.
After a relatively easy opening hole, the 2nd hole, Stagecoach, demands two excellent shots. This hole is an uphill 394-yard par 4. After a big drive, it's a long uphill shot to a sloping green with two deep bunkers guarding the right side. The large green is difficult with undulations running front to back, a characteristic throughout the course. The well maintained surfaces are quick but putt true.
The par 3 7th hole is a delicate downhill shot of just 118 yards from the Players Tees to a green that seems to be hanging on the edge of a cliff. The front nine finishes out with the longest hole on the golf course, Tumbleweed a downhill 618 yard par 5. This is also a conversation hole because of its design. The first thing you notice is a "W" shaped bunker in the landing area that derives its name from the honest observation, " Why is that bunker there?" This is one addition from Johnny Miller who felt that the tee shot was just too easy. Its placement forces a player to look left and right rather than down the middle on this long hole. The second shot sends a player into a split fairway with a decision to choose which side for the approach to attack the huge green protected by a pond all along the left. The hole makes you think out every shot.
The back nine has been reconfigured with five new holes to create additional view home locations, but some of the best holes were kept. The 10th is a 375-yard par 4 that plays longer with the right edge of the green protected by a stream and waterfall. The 17th is an intimidating 165-yard par 3 that plays to a green totally fronted by water.
This fun course finishes with a 440-yard par 4 with water along the entire left side. Playing this hole at sunset is a treat not to be missed.
THINGS I LIKE - This golf course still has the most impressive views of the valley and the mountains. It also has the best practice facilities in the area.
THINGS I DON'T LIKE - Call me a romantic but I thought the lost holes on the back were more enjoyable than the new holes.
Course Website | Course Map & Directions
Reserve a Tee Time | Book a Package
|
Carson Valley
Dayton Valley
Eagle Valley East
Eagle Valley West
Empire Ranch
Genoa - Lakes Course
Genoa - Resort Course
Silver Oak
Sunridge
Genoa Lakes - Resort Course
2901 Jacks Valley Road
Genoa, Nevada 89411
775-782-7700, 782-GOLF
Course Spec
Holes: 18
Slope: 137
Rating: 75.3
Par: 72
Length: 7,358
|