DarkHorse GC: Aerial
Aerial view from DarkHorse Golf Club.
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Rating Index Rating
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4.0
1558 Reviews (1558)
5 Stars
802
4 Stars
472
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
85.3%
Recommend this course
1366 out of 1558 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
31 Reviews (31)
5 Stars
14
4 Stars
15
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
96.8%
Recommend this course
30 out of 31 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.0
84 Reviews (84)
5 Stars
35
4 Stars
28
3 Stars
15
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
4
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.1
Layout
4.7
Pace
3.9
Amenities
2.6
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
1558 Reviews (1558)

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 month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Needs a league

Darkhorse is a great golf course. Needs a mens league!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/08/2023

We have one. Call the Pro Shop and we will put you in touch with them. We also have a ladies' league. 800.775.2299

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Amenities

Disappointed that there is no walk in golf shop and no place to get food or beer and sit down

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/08/2023

The Clubhouse is located on the golf course not next to the check-in kiosk. Sorry about that.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hb9QJjthc39BhDe16

https://darkhorsegolf.club/clubhouse

Played On
Reviews 28
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Quite the Beast

I'm ot the golfer this course was designed for. There had been a heavy rain two days prior and the soft fairways and extremely lush rough stripped away any roll found in summer.

I literally was not strong enough to get out of the rough on half my missed fairways. Although the course played from the Blue tees is not long the trajectory for tee shots is critical due to elevation changes.

The soft greens were receptive and rolled true and very fast.

Good luck.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 7
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Perfect weather
Used cart

Taking the Darkhorse out for a ride

The course is hilly with a lot of undulation in elevations. Its challenging, but OK if you have a little course knowledge, which we did not. Its enjoyable and in good condition. Greens were challenging, but in good condition.

No clubhouse which was disappointing, but the course is Beautiful and Challenging.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 64
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Fair
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Great Course

I have always wanted to play this course but is about 2 hrs from home. Decided to play an evening round on my way home from the Bay. Really happy I played because it was a fun round. Got paired up with another 2 great locals that made the round that much more enjoyable. Course is in great conditions for the time of year. Would definitely play it again and would definitely recommend it to any caliber of golfer.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Great course in the area

I had come here after recommendations from a friend for months. We finally booked and made the drive out from Reno, and this was definitely worth the trip.

There was enough variation in hole layouts and greens that it never felt dull playing here. Tons of risk/reward opportunities if you can place it, but also plenty of playable areas if you decide to either lay up on a par 5 or tee with something shorter than driver on most holes. Toward the latter half of the round, you get a lot of really cool changes in elevation and some great views for pictures and memories. Nothing beats hitting a 300+ yard drive down a 50+ foot drop from some of those tee boxes.

You'll definitely want to be at least semi-competent off the tee and every variation of above feet/below feet/uphill/downhill lies, as this course has it all over the fairways and especially in the rough if you don't get it where you need off the tee. There were also plenty of hazards and forced carries that I wouldn't recommend a high handicap come to play. My wife tagged along and ultimately decided against playing since we knew she wouldn't have a good time here.

Toptracer range for warmup was great and helpful in finding my distances with the change in elevation. The clubhouse is more like a small check-in shack with a restroom attached, and they had a hot dog stand at the turn that made grabbing a snack quick and easy. One thing my wife did note was that restrooms were spaced a bit far apart. I'd imagine topography makes it tough here, so it was better than nothing having at least a couple on the course.

One downside for course conditions, though I know it's only seasonal, was that the greens were recently punched within the last few weeks, so there were a lot of dimples and bumps for putts even as short as 5-6 feet. My friend insisted they're usually in perfect condition, and I presume they may have punched a little early before it warmed back up late in this summer/fall.

Altogether, this course was a great play and worth the trip out. We will likely come back within the year to play again, and I recommend most golfers (mid handicap and better) come try this one out.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Darkhorse

Guy at main desk was rude and running late, There were no staff at 1st hole checking tee times, group jump in front of us, Had to wait on at least 5 holes for lawn maintenance. Won’t go back

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Awesome Course

Course is always in great condition, beautiful scenery and one of my favorite lay-outs around the area. 10 out of 10, EXCEPT for “clubhouse”. They don’t have one. They don’t have food except for a hotdog stand , which may I add is absolutely exceptional. But they don’t sell golf balls, barely have anything to drink where you pay etc.. for a $90 round, you expect everything to be on point so PLEASE get a clubhouse. You have everything else going for you except that

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/08/2023

We've got you covered now. Just opened 11.1.2023. Next time drinks on us.

The Clubhouse is located on the golf course not next to the check-in kiosk

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hb9QJjthc39BhDe16

https://darkhorsegolf.club/clubhouse

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 1
1.0
First Time Playing

Never mentioned that the greens were aerated until getting to the green of the first hole. Never again.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Poor
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 10
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Greens deep punched

Greens were deep punched 3

Weeks ago and have still not recovered! Normal unraked sand traps! Pro said they rake twice per week? Overall course maintenance is disappointing!

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

needs help

The course has a great setting but the conditions and maintenance are not up to par. Tee boxes are scruffy, not mowed, soggy and full of divots. Fairways were over watered and had numerous un marked cart/vehicle damage. Fairways needed more consistent mowing. Bunkers needed weeding.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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