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Genoa Lakes Golf Club: Resort Course
Photo: Genoa Lakes Resort Course

“This course is a must play for anyone wanting a challenge.”

Course Details: 18 holes, par 72
Yardage: 7,290
Slope: 110 to 137
Ratings: 64.5 to 75.3

By Charlie Good

This is the second part of the Genoa lakes double feature profiling the Resort Course, as well as my last column of the season.

The Resort Course opened in 1998 and was designed by Johnny Miller and John Harbottle III. It is only a short drive from its sister course, The Lakes Course, but play much differently and is designed to test every part of your game. There is more than 300’ of elevation changes, more than 100 bunkers, unpredictable mountain terrain and, to top it off, wind is usually a factor. All of that mixed with spectacular high desert views of the Carson Range and Valley make this a course a must play for anyone wanting a challenge.

The Resort offers five different tee boxes, three for men and two for women to choose from. On the day that I played, we decided to play from the Tournament tees, which brought the yardage down to 6,797 yards. The first hole is a par 4 measuring 394 yards. The fairway is large in comparison to the other holes, while the green is only guarded in the front left position. Take advantage and par this short par 4 to begin your round because what lies ahead is not so friendly.

The second hole is a long uphill par 4 that measures 447 yards. On the day that I played, the wind was gusting strong from left to right making it nearly impossible to par, especially since anything on the right side of the fairway slopes severely and will likely be thrown into the sage – out of bounds. The green is relatively well-guarded with traps in both the front right and back.

A word of advice with the majority of bunkers on this course – avoid them. After experiencing a par 5, another par 4 and a par 3, respectively, you come to the No. 1 handicap par 4 6th hole, which measures a long 478 yards. The hole affords the best views from the course, so be sure to take a moment to witness the beauty of the Carson Valley and Range before tackling this monster. To have a chance at par, your tee shot will need to carry at least 250 yards and land just to the left of the menacing grouping of fairway bunkers to the right of the fairway. Trust me, the margin for error on this hole is small if you want any chance at a decent score. On your approach to the green, use one less club than you think in order to have the ball run on the green, which is heavily guarded by traps on both the left and right.

After surviving the toughest test on the course, you are given a reprieve for two holes before coming to the par 5 9th hole. On your tee shot, make sure to avoid the bunker in the middle of the fairway that will likely claim a victim in your group. This hole plays entirely downhill and is littered with bunkers on both sides of the hole. This is a makeable par hole as long as you avoid the water that guards the left part of the green and are able to read this tricky green.

The back nine begins with the par 4 10th hole measuring 401 yards and is lined with water on the right side of the narrow fairway that requires accuracy with every shot. The green is large and forgiving, but is guarded on both sides by bunkers, as well as water on the right. The course keeps coming at you with the next hole as the longest par 3 on the course measuring 208 yards. Wind will likely be a large factor on this hole and will require an accurate tee shot to a well-guarded green. Make sure to stay below the hole or a bogey or worse will be a reality. If you are nearing the end of your round and thinking that this course has yet to test certain parts of your game, believe me when I say that the final two holes will.

The par 3 17th hole is just 165 yards, but the green is nearly surrounded by water. The green is large, however, three putts are the norm, not the exception. The finishing hole is the downhill par 4 18th hole that littered by bunkers on both sides of the fairway, as well as water lining the entire hole on the left hand side from the beginning of the fairway to the green. Even with a long and straight drive you will face a risk/reward second shot that will bring the water and bunkers into play.

Overall, this course is in great condition, especially given the time of year. Between the spectacular views and the challenging layout, this course will likely be a legitimate test for any golfer.

Amenities
Genoa Lakes has a full-service Pro Shop that offers the latest equipment from the top manufacturers and fashions. This course has natural grass driving range with incredible views along with areas to practice your chipping, putting and sand play. The clubhouse resembles a mountain retreat, complete with rustic wood tables and sweeping views of the Carson Valley below. Dining options include the Alpine Room or for meetings or banquets the Sierra Woods or Mountain View Room. This course is offering a great local rewards program for anyone living in the area (Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Reno, Carson City, etc.)

Take Highway 28 to the junction of Highway 50, and take Highway 50 to Carson City. At the bottom of Spooner Summit, turn onto Highway 395 South. Turn right onto Jacks Valley Road and travel for 5.5 miles to the Resort Course entrance or 7.5 miles to Lakes Course and turn left onto Genoa Lakes Drive. If you reach the town of Genoa, you have gone 1 mile too far. For tee times, call (775) 782-4653 or visit www.genoalakes.com.