DarkHorse GC: Aerial
Aerial view from DarkHorse Golf Club.
GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
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
frame.svg
AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
circle-star.svg
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.

Book a Tee Time at
DarkHorse Golf Club
Powered by GolfNow.com
Hot Deals at DarkHorse Golf Club
View more Hot Deals on

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)
The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
golf ball.svg
$120 in monthly tee time promo codes
waivedfees
12 rounds of waived fees
redeemtrophy
GolfPass Member Pricing
teetime protection.svg
Tee Time Protection

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

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Great track!

Great golf course. Haven’t been in years. Course was in great shape. No clubhouse, no bar, Hot dog stand at the turn helped.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 13
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Pristine

Hidden gem.

Great condition

Not easy but very enjoyable!

Greens are best in Sacto area nice job!

Starter was a true gentleman got us some ice and it was much appreciated!

Have a great Fall.

Hope to out there again soon!👍🥂⛳️

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

Love this course!

I drive from Roseville to Darkhorse to play this amazing course. The staff are very friendly and the course layout in the Sierra foothills is breathtaking. The course conditions are generally pretty good and in particular the greens are amazing and challenging. I try to make it out once per month but if I lived closer this would certainly be an ideal home course for me.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

DH Golf

I have played this course many times. This is the first time I was disappointed in the condition of the Tee Boxes, Fairways and Greens.

The course was loaded with overgrown weeds. The T-boxes were shoddy and had big dips. The fairways were littered with divots and no one was fixing the divots nor adding the seed mixture. The greens were not in good shape due to all of the ball marks. All golfers need to reminded at check in to fix their divots on the fairways and ball marks on the greens. This will only work if the course is cleaned up by the landscape team and the golfers help out as well.

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
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 45
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Favorite Course in the Sierra's

I love Darkhorse. It's challenging, beautiful and well maintained. I love seeing all the work being done and watching the transformation!

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

Nice course

Nice course in great condition. Play got a little slow towards the end as the group in front of us seemed to been playing a scramble and took several minutes between putts . Complimentary bottles of water at several locations on the course. Bring food as the beverage cart never had hot dogs when we saw her. Good course at a good value. Every hole was different and I used each club in my bag at least once.

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

Great course poorly maintained

I love this course but wish for $80/round they could afford to rake the sand traps prior to weekend play—than maybe people would care enough to rake them after they play—not enough rakes around traps and can anything be done about the idiots that don’t care enough about the game to fix ball marks on the greens?

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Difficulty

Difficulty level for a 13.5 handicap is a good test.

There are some excellent holes. Some holes are more forgiving than others. I throughly enjoyed the course. Playing with my brother-in-law who is a 2+ shot 75. It was great to see his game at Darkhorse.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nice layout. Friendly staff.

This course is worth the drive. Challenging but fair. Greens always in great shape. Great value and fun course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 10
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good Day

Will come back to play more! It was nice and relaxing round of golf.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

DH Review

My favorite layout, great price, beautiful area. Only negatives. Traps were solid and not raked to be sandy. Completely compacted. Several greens were pot marked with ball marks. Maybe signs reminding golfers to fix hallmarks and divots to keep course in great shape. I fixed or sanded many as I played.

Ball tracker and putting green are awesome and price and ease are super!!

Conditions Fair
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Love it!

Course was in very good/great condition. Enjoyed the course and experience. Only bummer was group in front of us playing WAY too slow. Beginners playing from blue tees. They were running about 20-30 minutes slow. We picked up on one hole and jumped them. Marshall caught them soon thereafter.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Previously Played

Beware

They will charge you if you an extra 79 dollars if one of your guys don’t show up. 3/4 showed up and they charged me 79 for the 4th be careful.

Also no Marshall, 4:50 round. Slow

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Nearby Courses
Auburn, California
Private
4.0
2
Meadow Vista, California
Private
4.2904431298
230
Auburn, California
Public
4.0986298134
97
Auburn, California
Public
2.0
2
Auburn, California
Public
4.2716975937
944
Auburn, California
Semi-Private
4.7319848293
340
Grass Valley, California
Semi-Private
4.0626189345
579
Cool, California
Private
0.0
0
Grass Valley, California
Semi-Private
3.7523219814
70
Lincoln, California
Public
4.3205326248
953
Penn Valley, California
Private
0.0
0
Lincoln, California
Private
4.6666666667
3
Golf Packages

The Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
MONTEREY, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Poppy Hills Golf Course, Bayonet Course, Black Horse Course, and Del Monte Golf Course.

The Inn At Spanish Bay Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
PEBBLE BEACH, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Inn at Spanish Bay and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Del Monte Golf Course.

La Quinta Resort & Club Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
LA QUINTA, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at La Quinta Resort & Club and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of PGA WEST - Nicklaus Tournament Course, PGA WEST - Pete Dye Mountain Course, PGA WEST - Greg Norman Course, PGA WEST - Pete Dye Dunes Course, and PGA WEST - The Pete Dye Stadium Course.

The Casa Palmero – Pebble Beach Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
PEBBLE BEACH, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Lodge at Pebble Beach and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Del Monte Golf Course.

The Lodge At Pebble Beach Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
PEBBLE BEACH, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Lodge at Pebble Beach and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Del Monte Golf Course.
Now Reading
  • Home

  • Memberships

  • Library

  • Account