DarkHorse GC: Aerial
Aerial view from DarkHorse Golf Club.
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Rating Index Rating
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4.0
1564 Reviews (1564)
5 Stars
804
4 Stars
474
3 Stars
154
2 Stars
64
1 Stars
68
Conditions
4.0
Value
4.0
Layout
4.6
Friendliness
4.0
Pace
3.8
Amenities
2.6
84.6%
Recommend this course
1370 out of 1564 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.2
35 Reviews (35)
5 Stars
15
4 Stars
16
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.3
Layout
4.6
Pace
3.9
Amenities
2.8
StaffFriendliness
4.0
91.4%
Recommend this course
32 out of 35 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.0
80 Reviews (80)
5 Stars
34
4 Stars
26
3 Stars
13
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
5
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.0
Layout
4.7
Pace
3.8
Amenities
2.6
StaffFriendliness
3.9
86.2%
Recommend this course
69 out of 80 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
1564 Reviews (1564)

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 17
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great conditions, dodgy brakes on the carts

The course was in top shape and it was a beautiful day with very few players. We started at 2:20 and finished well before the sun went down.

The downside was the brake lock on the carts would not hold the carts from rolling on any hill more than moderate in steepness - and it's a hilly course. It was downright dangerous until we realized we have to find a level spot or turn the tires so the cart is against the curb and can't roll away. Someone is going to get hurt sooner or later. Both our carts had this issue. There was no one around when we finished so it wasn't reported. It didn't a affect our golf game, it's more about being aware. Have fun!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Usually fun

Nice course with lots of potential, too bad the owner likes to yell at people.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 27
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Dark Horse Golf Club was wet, but playable.

It has been years since I last played here. The course and green were in good shape. It is too bad there is not really a club house. We encountered a range ball delivery, so we could not practice before our round.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 55
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Greens aren’t normal

The greens are some of the funniest I’ve played. Pin placement makes you read the green and second guess yourself. Have fun

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Good game!

Was a good day. The course was a little damp in areas but not too bad. The pace of play was good but did get a little congested around the fourth hole. We took a bit of a break after the ninth hole which seemed to help. We had a party of three.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 27
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Always a chalange

Everything was good the course the weather and the sand traps can ise a little more sand but was all good.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

perfect spring day

18 holes with good friends what more could we ask for? For someone to monitor the pace of play in the golf cart ahead of us who were 30 mins at the turn behind schedule. At least 2 full holes in front of them put a damper on an otherwise great day - great course and tough greens. Next time i would request the senior card to be able to drive 90 degrees to balls as the hills were a little more than i can take!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Challenging course.

Beautiful but challenging hilly course with numerous hazards (sand/streams/vegetation). No ball washers and very limited potable water available. Carts were comfortable and included GPS and Bluetooth speakers.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Nice greens

A gem tucked away in the Auburn hills.. The greens were rolling great considering it’s in the middle of Winter. The course overall is in great shape.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Breathtaking course

Absolutely amazing course. Well taken care of, the views and the shots you’ll get to take are worth three times the money. The only complaint was the staff was rude and not helpful in getting food and drinks.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Fair
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Major challenge, excellent layout…Don’t expect to eat anything

Course is a great layout and in good condition. Expect to have to hit targeted shots on every hole. Bunker placement in fairways takes driver out of the hand a lot. Biggest downside is the food and drink service. No deli or restaurant…no clubhouse…can’t take carts to your vehicle. There is a beverage cart running around sometimes. Wouldn’t expect this from a course this nice. Kind of a major letdown. Eat before you go

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
First Time Playing

Overrated

The course is very beautiful, but honestly that's the only decent thing about the place.

The amenities are terrible they have zero ball cleaners on their holes.

They have one little snack shack with minimal options and closes early. Most golfers felt very entitled to a public course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
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