DarkHorse GC: Aerial
Aerial view from DarkHorse Golf Club.
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Rating Index Rating
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4.0
1556 Reviews (1556)
5 Stars
801
4 Stars
471
3 Stars
154
2 Stars
64
1 Stars
66
Conditions
4.0
Value
4.0
Layout
4.7
Friendliness
4.1
Pace
3.9
Amenities
2.7
85.2%
Recommend this course
1364 out of 1556 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.3
29 Reviews (29)
5 Stars
13
4 Stars
14
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.5
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.1
Amenities
2.9
StaffFriendliness
4.1
96.6%
Recommend this course
28 out of 29 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.0
84 Reviews (84)
5 Stars
35
4 Stars
27
3 Stars
16
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
4
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.0
Layout
4.7
Pace
3.9
Amenities
2.7
StaffFriendliness
3.9
88.1%
Recommend this course
74 out of 84 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
The course layout consistently earns top praise, with scenic views and a challenging design that rewards repeat visits. Fairways and greens hold up well, and the overall value makes it a worthwhile destination for golfers seeking quality at a reasonable price.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 7005 yards
Slope 139
Rating 74.7

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, DarkHorse Golf Club tumbles across a magnificent landscape that once served as a cattle ranch. The course incorporates a variety of elevation changes that range from subtle to dramatic. This tough layout is definitely not for the faint of heart. From short par 3s to monstrous par 5s, this course has a little bit of everything. The severely sloped greens demand accuracy and the bunkers were strategically placed to provide a multitude of shot-making opportunities. Tricky doglegs and uphill and downhill lies aren't the only challenges you'll face, there are also several water hazards that come into play throughout and an abundance of trees that make it even more difficult to navigate your ball. DarkHorse G.C. is situated 50 miles east of Sacramento and though it might be a bit of a drive to get there, local golfers consider the round well worth the trip.

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Course Details

Year Built 2002
Greens Bent Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Keith Foster (2002)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
GPS Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AMEX, Discover
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code No Denim, Collared Shirt Required

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Accolades

  • Golf Advisor: Top Courses in California (2014 #4)
  • Golf Advisor: Golfers' Choice (2014 #32)
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Reviews

4.0
1556 Reviews (1556)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 20
Watching the Game 8
Brunch 6
Course Challenges Include:
Elevation Changes 65
Bunkers 62
Undulating Greens 56
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 59
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 55
Locals 37
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 67
In the 'Burbs 16
Convenient to the City 8

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful course and layout!

The fairways were prestigious ! Great layout, the bunkers were challenging and the greens were excellent. Beautiful place to play and will be back!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Awesome Course!

Fantastic course. Tough and challenging. Beautiful layout and views! I will be back!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played

NO WATER JUGS ON COURSE

Seems negligent not to have any refill water jugs on the course in the middle of summer with temperatures, reaching upwards of 100. Try leaving your little starter box and go fill up some water on the course.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 31
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Perfect weather
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Previously Played

Really Gone Downhill

This used to be one a must play course in the area but frankly it would be hard to recommend this course to a friend. On Father’s Day Sunday I was golfing with my dad who gets out once or twice a year and when we show up a hour before to try to warm up no range balls left. On what I presume to be one of the busier days of the year to not have someone shag range balls is insane. Then after waiting and finally teeing off get down to the fairway and the cart broke down with a fault on the key screen. Call the clubhouse not once, not twice, not even thrice, but it takes four calls for them to even pick up the phone. Then get told they don’t have enough carts and have to wait for someone to finish up so I could get my cart replaced. Had to let two groups play through. The staff isn’t the most “welcoming” but with the apparent lack of employees it sure seems like the new owners gutted the place and are simply waiting to close it down. I would be surprised to learn if they had a grounds crew or greens keeper the rough was mountainous and the greens were filled with pitch marks. I had to on almost every putt walk my line and fix marks that were left for who knows how long. Won’t be surprised if this beautiful course comes to an end soon.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 3
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Letting it go

I play this course about 5 times a year. This is the worst I've seen it since the new owner had taker over. Over grown brush, course maintenance down, 98 deg day and no water out, no trash cans, no divot mix on course.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course, needs the rough cut more

I gave it 4 stars because the rough was almost as bad as USGA tournament conditions, and not player friendly for weekend golfers. Other than that it was a beautiful course.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Sad state here

Played here many times.live out of the area about 2 1/2 hours away..its gone downhill. No starter..young woman that just takes payment, very unhappy , not very welcoming. Forgot i paid for range balls..then the scan feature to get them didnt work. No starter no announcement what group is up..snack bar woman was unhappy too. Not welcoming, bev. Cart woman said course was not busy. But only saw her once on blazing hot day..screen on cart did not work...rough was a mess. Traps all had weeds surrounding them..course was mediocre condition wise..uh, not returning. Too many other better more welcoming and plessant service to go to in the area..no more

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 18
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
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