I played here Saturday morning. Went a little out of the way as I headed back home, but this is a course I've always wanted to play. So glad I made the detour because I absolutely loved it! I had book... Continue »

I played here Saturday morning. Went a little out of the way as I headed back home, but this is a course I've always wanted to play. So glad I made the detour because I absolutely loved it! I had booked a 7:40 tee time, but knew there'd likely be a frost delay. The guy in the pro shop, Terry, was great and called me as I was driving in to let me know it would be an 8:30 start, but I was already on my way. The thermometer on the clubhouse showed 25 degrees when I arrived! By the time the frost delay lifted, there were a handful of groups ready, so they did a mini shotgun. They put me off on the 2nd hole as the lead rabbit by myself. It was cart path only most of the front nine, but eventually burned off. I finished 18 in about 2 hours and then went back and played the first quickly hole alongside another foursome to complete the round. Price was $55 and worth every penny. The folks inside made it sound like the course was just in OK/mediocre winter condition, but I was pleasantly surprised. Mostly green throughout and nice lies throughout tee boxes, fairways and rough. I did notice more thin/brown spots on the back nine than the front, but still pretty good considering the temperature swings they've been dealing with this year. The greens changed a lot during my round. Early on they were completely frozen, which meant hard to stop any approaches or chips but a slow putting surface. By the time they dried off, they softened up a lot more and also sped up, so it was a constant adjustment for me. Bunkers had great sand. Only condition complaint is many holes have been overtaken by Canadian geese and there's a lot of poop everywhere. This is a really beautiful course and excellent design. I can't imagine anyone not liking it. It's not super tight, but you still have to hit good shots to avoid trouble. It's not overly tricked out because trouble can be seen right in front of you and it's not hard to figure out where to aim and where you want to avoid. The main trouble is the bunkers. There are a lot of them and they have a great rugged look to make them extra intimidating. They are well placed in the fairways and near greens, so they come into play on pretty much every shot. Greens are well protected and most are elevated, so approach shots can be a little difficult to judge as a first-time player. The GPS in the carts is great to show all the details, but mine was a bit screwy and the yardages was often off by exactly 200 yards for some reason. It wasn't a big deal, though, as it was still pretty easy to judge based on the 150 poles in the fairways. A really great course that I'm sure is even better when in peak season conditions. The staff is great, the layout is excellent and the setting is gorgeous.

On a golf trip up from southern california, played twilight at darkhorse on the 17th. Was blown away by this course's layout. Every hole on the course is unique from the one before it, absolutely love... Continue »

On a golf trip up from southern california, played twilight at darkhorse on the 17th. Was blown away by this course's layout. Every hole on the course is unique from the one before it, absolutely loved it. Saw deer and wild turkey on every hole on the back 9. Condition wise, the course is not perfect, but nothing to complain about. Fairways, rough, and tee boxes were all good. Greens were medium fast, but unfortunately many unrepaired ball marks which is too bad because it was the only thing that put a damper on the round. Would definitely recommend this course to most golfers, might be a little challenging for some.

Stopped and played on 10/2/12 on my way home from Reno. Course was very green considering the early fall 100+ temps. Layout is a challenging but fair test of golf skills, many risk-reward shots. Al... Continue »

Stopped and played on 10/2/12 on my way home from Reno. Course was very green considering the early fall 100+ temps. Layout is a challenging but fair test of golf skills, many risk-reward shots. Almost every hole can be played many different ways, used most of the clubs in my bag from the white tees.

Greens had recently been sanded, but still rolled fairly true. Tee boxes were green and mostly in the shade, a great relief from the heat. Fairways were green and sharply mowed. Sand traps need a little TLC. Overall a fun quality round for the price!

Darkhorse Golf Club Review
Sacramento California Golf Course Reviews

Played Sunday 7/22, 1:30 tee time, 4 1/2 hr round; very nice layout; challenging and fair; I didn't realize how many trees are in auburn; you look out over the hillside and you feel like you're in Tah... Continue »

Played Sunday 7/22, 1:30 tee time, 4 1/2 hr round; very nice layout; challenging and fair; I didn't realize how many trees are in auburn; you look out over the hillside and you feel like you're in Tahoe. The course is in decent shape. Greens smooth, but more than a few ball mark damage; huge greens, multi tiered; fairways in decent shape, some divot damage, but not bad; bunkers had a ton of rocks, and the sand was ok... but not too many people rake... I don't get how the public can let a great track get to a mediocre condition. Overall fun course... had a good day.

Darkhorse Golf Club Review
Auburn California Golf Course Reviews

Darkhorse Golf Club is one of the more dramatic layouts in the Sacramento area with a course defined by it's rolling profile and ever present environmental hazards. Among the enjoyable features of t... Continue »

Darkhorse Golf Club is one of the more dramatic layouts in the Sacramento area with a course defined by it's rolling profile and ever present environmental hazards. Among the enjoyable features of the course is the mature growth oak trees - buyer beware if you happen to try to punch a ball through the bare branches of solid oak. Homes are spread along the fairways of over half the course, though no property is close enough to warrent special consideration unless you truly hit a shot that sucks beyond belief.

The tee boxes were level though chewed up, especially on the par threes. The rough and fairways are in their winter slumber though still are both green enough and thick enough to not hinder enjoyment and game play. Of note along the majority of fairway/rough are the environmental/water hazards which force players to consider the profile of the course in order to maintain ownership of their balls. Fortunately the rough is not thin to where balls "trickle" into mentioned hazards, but any drive off the tee that bleeds one way or another might find itself unplayable. The sand is satisfactory with enough stock and depth to play honestly. Speaking to the greens, they were in very good shape with a minimum of ball marks though were a bit tempermental in regards to speed, some rolled slow whereas others let the ball run wild downgrade (most played fast). Overall, with the balls holding their lines and no bouncing action, they play very well.

As our group of three was the first morning group onto the course, we were able to enjoy the open course in four hours. Of special notation was the proshop who offered a complimentary bucket of balls while I waited for the other group to arrive. Darkhorse certainly qualifies as a challenging course, and while it might be fun to bring your buddies out and let the loudest talker slice their way into the environmental hazards, serious golfers can take heart knowing this course is not a gimmie.

Darkhorse Golf Club Review
Auburn California Golf Course Reviews

Terrific golf course. Played first round of three day golf trip here, and found it to be one of the best values ever. Well designed course with varied and interesting holes. Well worth the very reason... Continue »

Terrific golf course. Played first round of three day golf trip here, and found it to be one of the best values ever. Well designed course with varied and interesting holes. Well worth the very reasonable green fees. A perfect stop on the way to Tahoe area. We finished the round in 4 hours. Our round was discounted to include green fees, cart, yardage guide and range balls. The cart also had GPS! The course has received rave reviews. It is, perhaps, the best course I've played for apprx $40 w cart.

Hadn't played Darkhorse since '04 so decided to try it again. Customer service is excellent...the person checking us in happened to ask if any of our group were over 60 and then promptly refunded the... Continue »

Hadn't played Darkhorse since '04 so decided to try it again. Customer service is excellent...the person checking us in happened to ask if any of our group were over 60 and then promptly refunded the difference between the senior rate and the standard rate. Very, Very Good! Cart service was excellent also and "Paula" ensured that our group had enough ice every time she came thru our group. This is a very challenging course with much trouble if you stray off the fairways. It's the type of course you need to play often to become familiar with it's foibles, especially putting these greens. The only aspect I can quibble with is the quality of sand in some of the traps and bunkers...rocks are not conducive for getting rave reviews after you feel the impact and see the blemishes on your wedge faces...the front bunker on #17 being a prime example. Replace the current mix with pure sand and you will really enhance the playability of this course.

I absolutely love the layout. But unfortunately, the tee boxes and fairways have taken a turn for the worse. The weeds on some of the tee boxes were completely out of control. Fortunately, the gree... Continue »

I absolutely love the layout. But unfortunately, the tee boxes and fairways have taken a turn for the worse. The weeds on some of the tee boxes were completely out of control. Fortunately, the greens are still in very good shape.

A must Play Course but be prepared the Greens a very Challenging. The course is located in the Auburn foothills, its fairways are tucked between ridges and small valleys. The sceenry is outstanding wi... Continue »

A must Play Course but be prepared the Greens a very Challenging. The course is located in the Auburn foothills, its fairways are tucked between ridges and small valleys. The sceenry is outstanding with lots of wild life.