The Links at Squaw Creek is a par 71 roller coaster of a mountain course set in the heart of Olympic Valley. This visually stunning and environmentally responsible championship golf club traverses alongside the plush accommodations of the Resort at Squaw Creek.
Alex Green
18 Holes | Par 71
Yardage | 5,097 to 6,931
Slope | 125 to 140
Rating | 68 to 72.8
Completed in 1990 and designed by famed golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. – well known for plotting punishing layouts around the globe – it plays a solid 6,931 yards from the back pads and boasts a daunting slope rating of 140 from those respective tees. Four different tee positions entertain golfers of all handicaps.
Commendably designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the course rests amongst a vast habitat of protected wetlands and resident wildlife. With the explicit motive of preserving its purity, the links are maintained in an organic fashion without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Consequently, the lime-green, rolling hills pop with vibrant patches of dandelions and alpine wildflowers.
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“The terrain is host to deep roughs, mature pine trees and off-camber fairways.”
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The course starts at around 6,200 feet above sea level before zigzagging its way up and down the hillside above the valley. The terrain is host to deep roughs, mature pine trees and off-camber fairways. Systematic climbs, steep descents, blind shoulders and puzzle-like greens are all surprisingly manageable with a slow approach and contemplative club selection. Finding shade from the sun and shelter from the wind is most achievable on the front nine.
The ample aesthetic of the territory begins to show its teeth as you drop onto the valley floor and tee off into a backdrop of snowcapped-Sierra peaks. Likewise, the “links” characteristics of the grounds commences here in the meadow as much of the back nine is composed of narrow sectional fairways surrounded by deep and damp native landscapes, fully exposed to the elements and unforgiving to mishits. Connected by way of weathered, wooden, dock-like cart paths, each hole sits isolated and untamed. While this stretch of the course is far less riddled with obstruent trees and geographical haphazard, it sustains its authority with an unwavering summons of obligatory carries, creek and pond whirlpools and methodically placed pothole bunkers. Accuracy is of utmost importance and directly related to scoring kindly. Bring some extra golf balls in case you happen to lose your game toward the finish.
There are putting and chipping greens onsite for your short game, as well as warm-up nets to fine tune a full swing before teeing off; club rentals are available if needed. Ask about afternoon and twilight rates, private lessons, group clinics and golf season passes.
To book a tee time or for more information, call (530) 583-6300 or visit squawcreek.com.
Story & photos by Alex Green
