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Rating Index Rating
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3.7
301 Reviews (301)
5 Stars
72
4 Stars
107
3 Stars
58
2 Stars
36
1 Stars
28
Conditions
3.4
Value
3.6
Layout
4.2
Friendliness
4.5
Pace
4.3
Amenities
3.6
70.4%
Recommend this course
193 out of 301 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
12 Reviews (12)
5 Stars
5
4 Stars
7
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.4
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.7
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.9
100.0%
Recommend this course
12 out of 12 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.1
28 Reviews (28)
5 Stars
10
4 Stars
13
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
3.9
Value
3.9
Layout
4.5
Pace
4.6
Amenities
4.0
StaffFriendliness
4.6
89.3%
Recommend this course
25 out of 28 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
The accommodating staff consistently impresses golfers, from flexible booking changes to patient, helpful service throughout the round. The course layout stands out, with a notably challenging forest-lined back nine that rewards experienced players.

About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Style Links
Par 72
Length 6820 yards
Slope 140
Rating 73.0

Northstar California Golf Course has a unique layout that was seamlessly integrated with the rugged, wooded terrain of Tahoe. The front nine plays through a scenic, rolling valley while the back nine plays through the towering pines of the forest. The first nine holes have a classic links layout and the back nine demands precision with its tree-lined fairways and small greens. Native vegetation and scenic water hazards are scattered throughout the golf course. Strategically placed sand bunkers add another challenging element. The signature hole at Northstar California Golf Course is the par-3 15th, which requires a shot over a creek to a small green.

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Course Details

Year Built 1974
Fairways Blue Grass
Greens Blue Grass
Golf Season May - October
Architect Robert Muir Graves (1974)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - $25
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, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No

Food & Beverage

Food & Beverage

Lodging

Lodging Available

Available Activities

Swimming, Billiards
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Reviews

3.7
301 Reviews (301)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 12
Patio Dining 9
19th Hole Scenic Views 6
Course Challenges Include:
Narrow Fairways 19
Forced Carries 18
Elevation Changes 16
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 14
Advanced Golfers 11
Locals 8
This Course's Location is:
At a Resort 18
Worth the Drive 15
Near Local Attractions 11

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Very surprise

The golf course is in great shape and very affordable. Everyone was very helpful. From the moment you check in though the end of your game.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

back side great scenery

Front side a little boring back side worth the price.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

fun course

Northstar is fun course with it's two different types of 9 holes of play. Very friendly staff.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 19
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Fair weather
Used cart

Two Different Nines

This is a delightful golf course with two distinctly different nines. The front was a links style that played very difficult because of the high winds (15 -25 mph). The back nine was narrow but protected from the wind by a beautiful forest. There were many blind tee shots on the back nine but reading the scorecard hints was helpful. Great value (for the price of a single at The Mountain executive course in Incline, two played at Northstar).

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Tale of two courses

The front side is a prairie course, open yet challenging, well laid out, interesting. The back side is cut through the trees but did not have enough buildable land. Some landing area are so small you can't believe someone calls it a golf hole. There are at least four hole where you are asked to hit a 150 yard tee shot and then hit a 160+ yard shot to elevated green that you cannot see. I believe in strategic golf, but this is just not that. If you need to play here, play the front 9. Maybe they will open it up, but right now, I will pass. There are much better options in the area.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Scenic views.

Course is in great condition except there is still sand on front nine greens. The rough is tall and second cut can be challenging. Staff was excellent. Good knowledge of the course. Great views too. Bring your A game.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

northstar 2014

Course in very good condition considering time of year. Greens faster than Reno/Carson City courses. Well worth the drive!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Good time

Northstar is a great track. I booked the tee time the day before through golf now. Somehow the tee time did not get sent to the actual course because when we arrived, they did not have us on their sheet. However, the pro shop staff was extremely helpful and once I showed them my confirmation email, all was well.

As far as the actually course goes, I always enjoy Northstar. The greens were a bit slow but they rolled as true as can be. The fairways were in phenomenal condition and my wedges cut through them like warm coconut butter. I would definitely recommend this course to all.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

COURSE HAS BEEN GREAT IN THE PAST, BUT PLAYED LAST YEAR AND THEY HAD ALOT OF EXCUSES AS TO WHY THE COURSE WAS IN BAD SHAPE. I WILL NOT PLAY AGAIN!!!

NO MAINTAINENCE OR CARE IS BEING CONDE TO THE COURSE. COULD BE A GREAT COURSE OTHERWISE.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/10/2014

Most people think the course has been getting better and continues to improve. I would disregard this review, as most people recommennd the course. Green fees are 1/2 other area 18 hole courses. Fun, affordable, interesting golf

Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/10/2014

Interesting Comment? Perhaps this golfer usually plays Augusta? The course was in its best shape in years. Not sure about this review?? Read other reviews for a balanced assesment.
Course conditions are improving. Layout is unique and fun,not cookie cutter. Green Fees at 1/2 of the areas High End courses.

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Interesting course.

The front nine has wide fairways and is fairly level. The back nine has narrow fairways with lots of trees and ravines. The fairways and the greens are all well maintained. The greens reasonably soft, but very fast. Some are tilted so that a missed putt can mean a longer putt coming back.

The day that I played the course held a shotgun start. This made the play a little slower than I expected. Also, As we started play on hole number 11, we were confronted with the most challenging part of the course right away. I think we would have played better starting on number one.

All in all, it's an enjoyable course and I would gladly return.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beatiful setting, tough but fair

Excellent course, would recommend it to anyone of any skill level

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Just caught a triple bonus tee time at the last minute, what a great surpise!!!

The value and the course was a bargain. We were just driving thur Tahoe enjoying the lake and decided to look on line for a golf course close by at a reasonable rate. We found it. The course was in great shape and it was a beautiful day. We were right behind a tournament, so we waited some but joined up with another twosome behind up so we didn't have to wait at all.
The staff was very friendly and gave us lots on tips. We will be back again next year to this course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Funky course design

Tough track, you differently need to play this course a lot to know where to hit or miss your shots. Course is in good condition but a funny layout on some holes. we had 25 MPH winds so the greens were covered and I mean COVERED with pine needles. Our foursome gave up keeping score even with one of our group caring a 7 Handing cap. A second member was playing his 3rd round here and stopped keeping score?
Not a good round for any of us?

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Very pretty course.

As high handicap golfers, the course was very challenging. The course lacked one or two holes where high handicappers can feel they have a chance to par the hole. The scenery was beautiful, the wind was brutal!

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course. Staff is excellent. Will play it again.

Great time and great scenery. Would highly recommend.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course. Slow play.

Beautiful course. Super slow play on the back nine. Our twosome, was behind another twosome, who was behind a single. We waited at least 5-7 mins on every shot. No marshall in site. I would rather pay more money at Coyote Moon and not have that issue. Everything else was great.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Two Course In One

A great Tahoe challenge. The course is a throwback from the modern courses that have sprung in the area. The front is a flat but interesting layout set along the Martis Valley area of Truckee. The back is a hilly, very challenging, layout that puts a premium on hitting the ball in the right spot. It is a good value and golf day well spent.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

A nice place to play for the money in Tahoe Area

The front 9 is a great track and fairly easy, the back 9 is cut up and too many forced lay ups. Definitely 2 different types of 9's.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nice course, great pace of play

Enjoyed a Sunday afternoon at Northstar. Nice course, challenging.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Gorgeous setting. Fun and challenging.

There is not a prettier setting in Tahoe. The back nine is set in the pines, with creeks, lakes, and plenty of wildlife. The front nine is more the links style, with big sky. A very challenging course, go for the setting and don't get hung up on your score! Follow it up at their inviting bar.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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