By Thomas Lester ·
18 Holes | Par 71
Yardage | 5,394-7,010
Slope | 126-139
Rating | 68.7-72.9
Schaffer’s Mill Golf Course first opened in 2008 as the Timilick Country Club, but the course was a victim of the economic crash shortly after its opening. Fortunately, the property was saved by Dallas, Texas-based real estate development firm New Martis Partners. They re-named the course, infused fresh capital and made plans for a clubhouse. The name Schaffer’s Mill pays homage to Truckee’s founding father, George Schaffer, whose mill site is located down the road from the gate house.
The course was designed by John Harbottle and Johnny Miller and features majestic views of Martis Valley, the Carson Mountain Range and the ski runs of Northstar. The first nine is located in a meadow and is fairly flat, while the back nine climbs hilly terrain and features many elevation changes. It is a par 71 that measures just more than 7,000 yards from the black tees. There is a fantastic, all-grass driving range, a chipping green with a sand trap, and a large putting green located outside the bar and grill.
Hole 3 is the first par 3 on the course. It is downhill and measures 180 yards from the black tees. There is a lake protecting the green on the right side and three bunkers on the left. The green slopes from left to right, so be sure to favor the left side with your tee shot. Most players will be hitting a short to mid iron into this green due to the elevation change.
The No. 1 handicap hole at Schaffer’s Mill Golf and Lake Club is par 4 hole 9. It measures 480 yards from the back tees. Driver off the tee is the play to a fairway that is relatively easy to hit. The difficulty is in the second shot. Most players will be hitting a mid to long iron for his or her approach into a green that is guarded by a couple of pot bunkers and a large lake on the left side. This green has many undulations so be sure to play your approach to the correct portion of the green.
One of the best finishing holes in the Tahoe area is the 605-yard par 5 18th hole. The view down the 18tth fairway looks up at Lookout Mountain. The tee is set back among numerous pines making the shot difficult to the eye. This is just an illusion created by the designers because the fairway is large and open. Avoid the stream along the left. Hit a hybrid for the second shot left of the pond that protects the green, which will leave a wedge into the green.
For membership information and questions, visit schaffersmill.com or call (530) 582-6964.
