Coyote Moon, located minutes from downtown Truckee, is truly a mountain course in every sense of the word. Tall trees, stunning views and beautifully sculpted features greet you at every twist and turn of this winding course. Not to be outdone by the scenery, the designers of Coyote Moon must have had a great time utilizing the natural, rolling contours of the hillsides and valleys that this course cuts through. It feels like every hole is more contoured and designed than the last one.
Looking down at the challenging 13th hole. | Casey Glaubman
18 Holes | Par 72
Yardage | 5,022 to 7,177
Ratings | 69.3 to 74.4
Slope | 125 to 139
When I first arrived at the course, there was something about the place that seemed different, although I couldn’t quite put my finger on just what it was. That feeling was reinforced as I drove along the first hole, admiring the views of Donner Summit through the trees. It wasn’t until the middle of the second hole that it struck me: there are no houses anywhere. This may seem like a trivial thing to those who haven’t had a chance to play here yet, but I can assure you that it’s really quite striking. To my knowledge, this is the only course of this level in California that offers this sort of solitude in a mountain setting.
[blockquote3]
“Tall trees, stunning views and beautifully sculpted features
greet you at every twist and turn of this winding course.”
[/blockquote3]
Because of its location and, in large part, because of the lack of housing development, Coyote Moon is chockfull of wildlife everywhere you turn. Chipmunks stare at you with every swing and it could be my imagination, but I’m pretty sure they were judging me every time I smacked a ball into the woods. In fact, if you look closely, you can even see an active coyote den nestled between some rocks as you go from one green to the next tee box. So, it’s not just a clever name.
Although it’s hard not to get caught up in the scenery and beauty of the place, the course itself offers some of the best golf anyone could ask for. One of the highlights of this course has to be the notoriously tricky hole 13, a par 3. As you come up to the tee, there’s a sign warning you to club down one to three clubs. This is because, as you’ll quickly discover, you’re aiming for a green that’s situated at least a few 100 yards downhill and away from you. This is definitely the first, and potentially last time, I’ve ever hit a 9-iron 190 yards. If you’re a golfer who enjoys trying out new, challenging terrain and designs, the 13th hole alone is reason to visit Coyote Moon.
When you do decide to give Coyote Moon a shot, you’ll definitely want to schedule enough time to stick around and enjoy the scenery. A relaxed atmosphere in an idyllic setting is as welcoming a place as anyone could hope.
For more information or to book a tee time, call (530) 587-0886 or visit coyotemoongolf.com.
