DarkHorse GC: Aerial
Aerial view from DarkHorse Golf Club.
GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
4.0
1563 Reviews (1563)
5 Stars
804
4 Stars
473
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
84.5%
Recommend this course
1369 out of 1563 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.2
34 Reviews (34)
5 Stars
15
4 Stars
15
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.4
Layout
4.6
Pace
3.9
Amenities
2.8
StaffFriendliness
4.0
91.2%
Recommend this course
31 out of 34 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.0
79 Reviews (79)
5 Stars
34
4 Stars
25
3 Stars
13
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
5
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.0
Layout
4.6
Pace
3.8
Amenities
2.6
StaffFriendliness
3.9
86.1%
Recommend this course
68 out of 79 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

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
1563 Reviews (1563)

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 27
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 13
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser

Traps and weeds

I have played this course a lot over the years and I love the layout, but since the new owner took over and put in the new sand traps, which they were so proud of in the beginning, they’re not in great shape now, weeds are growing in the sand traps. Weeds, all around a lot of the sand traps. Not a good look, especially for the price they charge to play out there. Also, the special they offer is smoke and mirrors. Two for $99 is nice but then they get you for an extra $15 to play the weekend.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 22
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Lost its luster

Have played at darkhorse numerous times in past 6 years. Course condition great. No ball washers or spike cleaners, no water on course,

No marshall, Slow Play took almost 5 hours. midweek. ground crew oblivious to players hitting into them . traps ok but overgrowth needs trimming, cart barriers overdone. driving range tee boxes are neglected now- No pro shop, Something has changed. Lots of homes in construction so maybe course thinking private opportunity on the horizon.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Course Does Not Live Up To Its Potential

Loved the course layout and views. Course was over-watered in and around the greens. Sand traps were inconsistent, some overgrown some good, and some wet and muddy. No pro shop. Saw the beverage cart on the third hole and never again. Water was nearly non-existent for players. At the turn there was a food truck, but the young lady who we assume was manning the truck was busy on her phone and told us if we wanted anything to get it from the beverage cart, which we never saw on the back nine.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Poor
Pace Fair
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 13
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Course falling in rankings

The staff on hand was nice. Food facilities were closed overall Course condition average Greensboro punched kind of slow and inconsistent. Worst part of the course of the sand traps a rack so much about the new sand and the reconditioning of the traps. They’ve let them go. There’s weeds in the traps weeds around the traps. The traps are very seldom right or maintained from the look of it From what the course was to where it’s at it’s gone down the ranking levels in my mind.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Best course in the NorCal Sacramento region

The new ownership have turned this course into the best location by a mile. Price is great and the course is in amazing shape. Hats off.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Loved the challenge

Great layout! Bunkers need a little more care. Fairways were good with a nice roll-out. Greens were in good shape...still can't believe that golfers can't repair their divot. Warm up on mats. Great targets on range.

GPS on comfortable carts is nice!

Take the drive up there. It's worth it!!

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

What a Let Down

Booked a 740 am tee time, guy who checked us in told me it was for 730 (he was wrong) so we didn't get a chance to warm up at all.

Then, when we forgot something in our car and attempted to drive the cart in the parking lot, the same dude screams at me and says the carts aren't allowed in the parking lot. I told him I've never seen a course not allow this before, and he said it's because people leave their carts in the lot, which I've never done or seen. What a way to start the round!

Then, on 16, the course maintenance people were working on a sand trap, their carts in the middle of the fairway. It didn't even cross their mind to move their carts so we could play the hole and not hit their carts. They finish up their work on 16, and go right to 17 and do the same thing.

Then, on 18, what looked like the course manager and a maintenance person were working on some irrigation/drainage issue in the middle of the hole, as we tried to play the hole around them.

It's a first world problem, but this was literally the worst golf experience I think I've ever had. From the rudeness and incompetence of the guy in the shop to the clueless maintenance people, this place doesn't seem like they care if you're there or not despite paying $85 to play their muddy course.

It's a shame because this course used to be a gem with an actual clubhouse. It's a great design with beautiful homes everywhere. But whoever owns it now is running it into the ground and it seems they couldn't care less about providing a good experience to golfers. I won't be returning until they get their act together.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Fair
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 226
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 100 Contributor
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 13
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 11
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful & Challenging

My title says it all. I absolutely loved this course. It was both beautiful and challenging. I can’t wait to play it again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Mayhem at Darkhorse

Brought my cousin from SD and his daughter, he hadn't played in a year and it was her first time playing so we got there early to warmup. Got to the course: no range balls.

Beautiful Top Tracer, covered range... no range balls.

Then, no carts. Carts weren't ready until 25 minutes after our T-time. We did get to witness a fight between an employee and a group that just finished.

It's not exactly the employees fault, they should just get more carts. And hire some staff to collect range balls. Problem solvd.

Conditions Good
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Poor
Pace Fair
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

A little maintenance would go a long way

Seems like bunkers haven’t been tended to in months. A little TLC would go along way. Nice lay out. Would be hard to beat if they had appropriate bathrooms and clubhouse. Range was closed as they had no balls. No on course ball washers or yardage markers. Seems like ownership is cutting corners on maintenance, facilities, and staff.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Downhill Father’s Day at Darkhorse

No range balls available—at all. I felt so bad for my cousin, visiting from out of town. He hadn’t played for a year and really wanted to hit some balls before we played.

No carts available until after our T-time. Sent out 25 minutes late… it was a rough start.

Beautiful course. But, the bunkers—which used to be so good—have turned into hard pan.

5+ hour round… not a bad place to spend time, but that is some slow play. Problem with sending groups off every 10 minutes.

Easy fixes: get a bigger cart barn and 20 more carts. Hire more staff for the range. Space out T-times. Re-sand the bunkers. Then Darkhorse will be back to its former glory!

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

I love Darkhorse

One of my favorite courses. Excellent layout, fast greens incredible experience.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played

Tough Course and Pins

Overall the course was in pretty good shape but the quality has gone down from the previous times I played there. The traps need some work and so do a few tee boxes. I was only disappointed because I know what the traps use to be in the past.

Aside from the course itself the facilities needed a little upkeep, but nothing major. Did feel a bit rushed and also backed up but I think that’s because a few people snuck out as singles earlier than they were supposed to

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

Great course away from the many people

At first view. You wonder where the club house is. But if you’re a golfer. That doesn’t matter. The range is good. The practice putting area is big. Course conditions right now are great. Rough isn’t to high. Can find balls. Greens are receptive, but quick. This course makes you think off the tee. Greens make you wonder if you’ve got the break right. All and all. Good course. Great staff. Friendly. Tough track if you’re a first time player here. But worth it.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Nearby Courses
Auburn, California
Private
4.0
2
Meadow Vista, California
Private
4.2958218945
231
Auburn, California
Public
4.106442577
97
Auburn, California
Public
2.0
2
Auburn, California
Public
4.2216969037
946
Auburn, California
Semi-Private
4.7319848293
340
Grass Valley, California
Semi-Private
4.0571976467
582
Cool, California
Private
0.0
0
Grass Valley, California
Semi-Private
3.7523219814
70
Lincoln, California
Public
4.2829597389
955
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