DarkHorse GC: Aerial
View of a green from DarkHorse Golf Club.
GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
3.9
1534 Reviews (1534)
5 Stars
791
4 Stars
461
3 Stars
153
2 Stars
63
1 Stars
66
Conditions
4.0
Value
3.9
Layout
4.7
Friendliness
4.1
Pace
3.8
Amenities
2.7
83.0%
Recommend this course
1343 out of 1534 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.1
22 Reviews (22)
5 Stars
10
4 Stars
7
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.2
Layout
4.8
Pace
3.9
Amenities
2.7
StaffFriendliness
4.1
90.9%
Recommend this course
20 out of 22 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.9
83 Reviews (83)
5 Stars
35
4 Stars
22
3 Stars
17
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
7
Conditions
4.0
Value
3.9
Layout
4.7
Pace
3.8
Amenities
2.6
StaffFriendliness
3.9
84.3%
Recommend this course
70 out of 83 reviews
Read Reviews

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

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+
waivedfees
10 rounds of waived fees
golf ball.svg
$120 in tee time credits
teetime protection.svg
Tee Time Protection
redeemtrophy
Redeem GolfPass points

Reviews

3.9
1534 Reviews (1534)

Reviewer Photos

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
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 Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Most unprofessional staff I’ve ever encountered at any golf course

The two young make attendants working the reservation desk were the rudest, most condescending, unprofessional staff I’ve ever encountered ever of all the golf courses I’ve ever played. I’m a senior and have played many. I reserved as a single and requested a cart due to knee issues. I requested this in my reservation which was made in advance. Had to wait until 5 minutes before my tee time to be told I wasn’t getting a cart but had to share one with a stranger- other player. When I asked why I couldn’t get a cart the attendant said we don’t have any more carts, you have to ride with a player with the same tee time as you but there was a cart sitting right there. They have that cart to another single who’s tee time was after mine. So apparently there were carts but the attendant didn’t want to give one to me. After I questioned him why he told me there weren’t anymore carts when there was a cart for a player with a tee time after my tee time, he told me “ you aren’t playing, I’ll refund your reservation fee. In the many years I’ve played many courses all over I’ve never had an experience as miserable as this. Apparently they have enough business there that they tell players to leave. With that said they don’t need my business and won’t be getting it.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Range

Range balls are terrible. Course conditions great.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 20-24
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Cold weather
Used cart

Frustrating for high handicapper

Beautiful layout that is well-maintained. Fairly difficult course for your average golfer. Second cut extremely thick and although the pebble beach sand in the traps is beautiful some of the greenside bunker’s are extremely difficult to get out of. Course is best suited for low handicappers.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 54
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Worth the drive

Warm up at the range then be prepared to have fun on a great course. Sand traps are tough. No hardpan in these things

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Perfect price for what you get

This course is incredible. The views alone are with the greens fees. Wildlife in the area adds to the scenic nature of the course, and most of the water is easy to avoid. The yardage book is great if you don't know the course, very informative. Worth the drive and every penny.

Value Excellent
Played On
Reviews 19
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great Springtime Conditions

The course was in great shape. The greens were running quick & true. The fairways hag grass & the rough was a bit challenging. Really a good day of golf.

Conditions Excellent
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
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

No amenities

Fine course. No food! Greens roll nice tough to read

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

This course is a local treat

As an Auburn resident I play Darkhorse as much as I am able to. It’s a fantastic and challenging layout. The bunkers are superb and drain well. There is nothing not to like about this place. It is all about the golf and not much in the way of amenities. No pro shop or restaurant but that’s what I like about it.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 6
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great Course needs trash cans

One of the best looking and kept courses ive ever played on almost perfect other than the trash on the ground (beer cans in a pile at two or three holes). They need to pick up the trash if they refuse to provide trash cans no excuse only bad thing about the course and the range prices are crazy

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

I like the condition of the course however their golf carts could use renewal no windshield on a cart kind of crazy. Also no garbage cans on any of the holes so people just put their garbage in a pile on the ground. Also no ball cleaners hopefully they’re investing in this stuff in the future. The range balls at $20 for a large bucket kind of a rip off as well never paid that much in my life.

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

Going to the beach!

DarkHorse is a great golf course with each hole guarded with multiple sand traps. The average golfer will be in these traps regularly! The course was in great condition and the views and surrounding properties are beautiful. BBB Bring your beachwear and a sand wedge!!!

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
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful day

Fantastic course! In superb condition. A pleasure to all the senses.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Walked
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Nearby Courses
Auburn, California
Private
4.0
2
Meadow Vista, California
Private
4.2591107124
216
Auburn, California
Public
4.2154471545
93
Auburn, California
Public
2.0
2
Auburn, California
Public
4.3162926725
920
Auburn, California
Semi-Private
4.7319848293
340
Grass Valley, California
Semi-Private
4.056291187
568
Cool, California
Private
0.0
0
Grass Valley, California
Semi-Private
4.0417112299
67
Lincoln, California
Public
4.271732031
939
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.

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.

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 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