Nakoma Resort

They'll tell you how it used to be harder, how the greens have been softened and some troublesome trees have been removed. All true, but the Dragon is still one of the most difficult courses in the world. The reason? Nearly every hole is built on the side of Golf Mountain, which means errant tee shots and missing greens means lost golf balls. Fortunately, the local rule is to play these lost balls as a hazard, but it's still difficult to score. The upside is that the Dragon is one of the most beautiful golf courses you'll ever play. And if you're on your game, there can be no deeper satisfaction that stringing together pars and an occasional birdie out here. Plus the clubhouse, a Frank Lloyd Wright design, is one of the most unique and coolest you'll find in the USA.

I've reviewed this course before and it seems like they took my suggestions. They addressed the first and ninth greens by flattening them a bit. You don't cringe when you are on those greens now as they are no longer a guaranteed three put. The other great improvement is the removal of a tree on number six that was seemingly in the middle of the fairway at the dogleg. Also, number 15 had two trees that were where a good drive would be just short of and in your way to the green, not only is one tree gone but they took 'em both out. That is now a fun hole and a fair one. This course's playability has greatly improved over the last few years thanks to smart ownership and management.

We got a great deal and a great tee time, this course is in excellent condition and is a lot of fun to play despite how challenging it is. This course will humble any level of golfer. We played in just over 3 hours and felt like we had the course to ourselves. A very enjoyable and relaxing experience for all. This course is just about an hour from Reno and well worth the drive.

The course was in good shape overall. But greens were a bit slow. Great views from the course.

Always wanted to play this course and finally saw a very good deal on golfnow for $15.00, just had to make the drive. I am glad I did because the weather was beautiful, just a couple of people on the course in the late afternoon, pretty much had the course to myself. The greens had been aerated but they were in good shape, just a little hard to get used to speed wise. The fairways were also being plugged and raked, most had been raked already so you did get a good roll. The golf course was beautiful and very well maintained. All the work was being done on the course to get ready for winter as the course will close this weekend or before if it rains and snows in the next day or two. Very tough course but I enjoyed the course as well as the beauty and the wildlife. I don't see anyone being disappointed in this course and I personally will play it again. If you like playing different courses this would be one to play.

Beautiful course with first class facility. Staff was welcoming and very friendly. The course is as hard as any as I play. It is truly a mountain course. You play this one for fun and not necessary for the score. Unless you are a low handicapper, you will lose balls and score high. I was surprised and disappointed that on a couple of the holes, you have houses lining the fairway. On hole ten, with your drive, you actually thread the ball between a small lake and the neighbors!

This course is worth the trip from Tahoe City or Truckee. I has all the challenges of top courses and if you like elevation changes there are plenty of tees perched up in this valley. Having knowledge of the distances would help on the card but there are some helpful notes to make the first time bearable. All together if you want to play a beautiful course make a reservation anytime there isn't snow on the ground as the course is kept in great shape and the surrounding resort is growing so it won't be going anywhere.

Tough course that actually used to be even more difficult. The greens seemed to be about 2 numbers faster on the stimp meter than only a month ago. The 1st and 9th greens need an overhaul, a guaranteed 3 putt awaits you on those two unfair greens. I am sure many players have 4 putted those greens. Two trees in the middle of 15 is borderline ridiculous, remove the one on the right and that hole becomes fair, few golfers complain about difficulty but we all complain about something that is unfair. Nobody likes hitting a perfect drive right down the middle only to wind up not having a chance to hit the green. I still love the course but it needs to address the 3 issues above.

Even though this course is a 1+ hour ride from my home it is well worth it and all the more so for the low rate and fast play. I was expecting to be paired up and have at least a 4-1/2 hr round (tough tough course that does not lend itself to fast play for lot of people) I was surprised how fast I got around (3 hrs). Even had time to hit some balls at the range afterwards.

Need to play this coarse a few times, like most to stay out of trouble.
Need to use most your clubs hen u play here!

Words don't do this course justice. The course is beautiful, as is the awesome country it sits in. Although it was raining most of the round, the course was still very playable and we had it to our selves. Greens, even wet, were really quick and massively contoured. i. e., very tough. Better leave your ball below the hole, or you are in for a ride. Can't imagine how tough they would be when dry and rolling their fastest. There are a few holes with hazards that surprise, cutting across the middle of the fairway but out of sight due to the terrain. Do your homework, buy a yardage book, whatever it takes, it will save some strokes. Played it two days in a row and can't wait to go back!

A challenge course, this golf outing was particularly special due to the Frank Lloyd Wright designed clubhouse. The Dragon was challenging without being oppressive...some long par fours on the back nine and of course trees in the way on most holes made for a fun day. I had a 3pm tee time and had to skip the last two holes because of darkness, but that was because the people I was paired with were very fun, but deathly slow.

Difficult for average or below average player but beautiful course.

I played as a single in 2 1/2 hrs. Tee time was 1:30pm

beautiful condition.never saw another group all day on a sunday

What a great course. Challenging and enjoyable. One of the most beautiful courses I have ever playrd. A day later and I can still feel the course.

Played on a beautiful August weekday. Course was not too crowded. Staff extremely nice and helpful. NCGA discount made the course a bargain given the conditions. Very scenic, lots of elevation changes. Good mix of long and short holes. Course is challenging but target golf this is not Green speeds more than manageable.

Course is in great shape. Friendliest and most helpful staff I've encountered.
Not an easy course, but enjoyable to play. I will be back!

One of the most scenic courses anywhere. Nice layout, great condition, no complaints. But play from one set of tees shorter than you usually play. It's a hard course from any set of tees, and it can be a killer if you play it from too far back. This is not a place that will allow you to shoot your lowest score, but it's a lot of fun.

My husband and I decided to try The Dragon again after not playing it for 7 years. We found the staff super friendly, the course in great shape, and playing as a 2 some we finished in 4 hours. It's hard, but fun to play. Try the hot dog!!! OMG the best I've ever had.