The Tahoe Donner Golf Course was the first 18-hole championship layout in Truckee. The front nine was designed by Roy Williams and further refined by renowned architect Billy Bell Jr., who completed the back nine in 1976. The course received a renovation by Cary Bickler in 2006 and was nominated by Golf Digest Magazine for Best Remolded Golf Course in America.
The course offers many elevation changes, granite rock formations, narrow fairways lined with soaring pines, and views of the Truckee Valley. Inside the clubhouse, golfers will find a fully stocked pro shop with equipment from leading manufacturers and The Lodge Restaurant and Pub. There is a driving range located a quarter-mile from the clubhouse, so be sure to stop there to warm up. There is also a short game area with a chipping and putting green near the first tee.
18 holes | Par 72
Yardage | 4,997-7,002
Course rating | 68.9-74.1
Slope | 127-134
Members at Tahoe Donner Golf Course claim the first hole to be the most difficult starting hole in the High Sierra. This is a long par 4 playing straight up hill. It measures 452 yards from the black tees. This narrow fairway slopes from right to left so shots down the right side will feed to the center of the fairway. The ideal tee shot ends up on the left half of the fairway, which will leave the best angle into the green. A long iron or hybrid is likely the club of choice for the second shot.
One of the most demanding tee shots found throughout the course is on hole 15, a 510-yard par 5. There is a creek that comes into play twice, hence the title, Double Trouble. Off the tee, there is out of bounds right, dense trees left, a sand trap at the end of the fairway, and a creek that must be carried. The ideal tee shot is a slight draw that carries the creek, leaving an opportunity to challenge this green in two shots.
Hole 18 is the signature hole and offers the most dramatic tee shot on the course. It is a 417-yard downhill par 4. Tee shots should be played short of the creek that is at the end of the fairway. A 200- to 225-yard drive off the tee will run down to the bottom of the hill leaving a short iron into the largest green on the course. Take note of the flag location since there can be a two-club difference between a front and back pin location.
For membership info, tee times and green fees, call (530) 587-9443 or visit tahoedonner.com.
