Nestled in the woods, the Ponderosa Golf Course in Truckee offers spectacular golfing with even more spectacular scenery. Like many municipal courses, Ponderosa is not the largest course out there. What it lacks in size, however, it certainly makes up for in aesthetics and playability. Ponderosa first opened in 1961 and has been serving up rounds to the residents of Truckee since.
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“Narrow starting fairways, cleverly placed bunkersand an isolated
feel make this a course not to be missed.”
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This par-35 course runs slightly more than 3,000 yards from the longest tee boxes — not the longest course around. That doesn’t mean the course is without its challenges, though. Narrow starting fairways, cleverly placed bunkers and an isolated feel make this a course not to be missed.
When I first arrived, I was told that things were still in “early season” conditions, which of course, makes sense given the late winter and rainy spring we’ve had. With this in mind, I ventured out onto the course expecting sodden greens, unintentional water hazards and sloppy conditions. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Maybe it was just my elation at playing in such a lovely setting on such a great morning, but I found the course to be excellent. Despite the recent wet weather, the greens were surprisingly solid and the rest of the course was immaculate.
To start, the course takes you down and away from the main road and creates a feeling of being out in the middle of nowhere. For those using golf as a way to get away from it all, this is the perfect way to start things out.
Like many golfers I know, it usually takes me a few holes to get into the swing of things, especially at the beginning of the season. Given that the first couple holes are also decidedly more narrow than most of the course, this made for an interesting start to the morning. But, hey, the first drive doesn’t really count anyway, right? I have to give kudos to the designers of the course for the way things progress, both in style and direction of the course. The first few holes feature narrow fairways and challenging bunker placements that continue through the rest of the course. Because of this, you really get the feeling of being thrown into things quite quickly.
Despite the fact that Ponderosa is nine holes, I found myself wanting to make the turn and continue for the back nine. Given its proximity to town and the fact that Ponderosa has some of the least expensive greens fees around, it’s an ideal midday break, just be sure to have a good excuse for your boss when you show up late after succumbing and playing the back nine, as well.
9 holes | Par 35
Yardage | 2,556-3,022
Rating | 67.2-71.8
Slope | 108-119
Story & photos by Casey Glaubman
For more information or to book a tee time, visit ponderosagolfcoursetruckee.com or call (530) 587-3501.
