I recently had the opportunity to catch a little R&R in the “Biggest Little City in the World” which included time for some golf. And let me tell you, if you think breaking even at a Reno, Nevada casino is tough, try breaking par at The Dragon Golf Course located nearby at Nakoma Resort & Spa at Gold Mountain – a member of the prestigious "Small Luxury Hotels of the World."

While most golfers head southwest out of Reno towards the Lake Tahoe area, I opted for the road less traveled and drove 45 minutes northwest out of Reno towards the tiny little community of Clio, California. This area of the High Sierras is within Plumas County and seems to be one of those places where things haven’t changed much in the past 100 years or so. That is until you enter the Nakoma complex. The Gold Mountain community encompasses over 1,200 acres and is bordered on all sides by the Plumas National Forest. The area offers spectacular scenery as the High Sierra and Cascade mountain ranges meet.

The centerpiece of the development is the incredible Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Nakoma Resort & Spa – a masterpiece by any measure. Wright designed the structure in 1924. It was originally slated for the clubhouse at Nakoma Country Club in Madison, Wisconsin, however, the structure was never built and the plans were locked away at Wright’s Taliesin Complex near Scottsdale, Arizona. The building houses the pro shop, two restaurants, a gift shop and one of the finest spas I’ve ever visited. The structure is so unique and breathtaking that once you see it you’ll never forget it. At the heart of the structure is the Wigwam Room – a 120-seat dining area that entices one to linger for hours.

The 18-hole championship golf course, located adjacent to the clubhouse, is aptly named The Dragon and is perhaps the toughest golf course I’ve ever played. Their catch phrase is “Send Me Your Heroes” – and one should not take that warning lightly.

“We wanted to have something unique, like the rest of the property,” says co-owner Dariel Garner. “We brought in golf architect Robin Nelson to create a masterpiece on this spectacular land. I told him I wanted the toughest golf course in Northern California. I’m very pleased with what we have created.”

Dariel, who along with wife and business partner Peggy, has succeeded in provided a golfing experience you’ll never forget. The Dragon demands pinpoint accuracy off the tee, and a putting touch that would serve one well at Augusta National. Holes with intimidating names such as Audacity, Defiance, and Revenge, give you a clue to what lies in store.

Right from the first tee, a shot from an elevated tee box to a sweeping tree-lined fairway dotted with bunkers, golfers must give The Dragon their full attention.

The course becomes increasingly difficult as you work your way around the front nine. It’s easy to loose focus on hitting golf shots when surrounded by such stunning vistas. However, when you reach the 4^th hole, "Faith" – which plays only 320 yards from the back tees – you’ll be severely tested as you try to put your tee shot in play on this tricky little hole. If you block the ball right, you’ll be out of bounds. Anything left, and your ball will end up tumbling down a severe slope into the majestic Feather River Canyon below. To make things even more interesting, the green on this hole is extremely small and is well guarded by bunkers. Anything over the green will end up in the canyon as well.

The toughest hole on the front is the 6^th hole. A par 4 playing 456 from the tips, the hole is a dogleg left that demands a tee shot of nearly 300 yards for players to have a shot at the green. The green sits across a ravine and the second shot plays uphill. However, you must stay below the hole. The green is sloped severely back to front and if you’re putting downhill, you will probably putt your ball right off the green.

Keeping your ball below the hole becomes a necessity as you navigate the rest of the golf course. The 9^th hole is a perfect example. Although this par 4, appropriately named Perseverance, looks to be a chance for birdie from the tee, the green defends par. If you find yourself putting from above the hole, as I found out, it’s easy to walk off the green with a bogey after three putts.

As you work your way through the back nine, you’ll soon reach the 12^th hole. Named Dragon’s Gate, this hole is the “gate to hell” for most golfers. The 390 yard par 4 hole plays uphill all the way. There is out of bounds left and a deep canyon the length of the hole down the right side. But wait, that’s the easy part. The green is so severe that I actually wanted to find a stick of dynamite and blow it up! All four people in my group three-putted – including a PGA Golf Professional who putted his ball off the green and into a bunker.

The holes don’t get any easy, and by the time you’ve played 18 on The Dragon, your nerves will be frayed.

My initial reaction was that the golf course was unfair. However, I must admit, any course named The Dragon and advertises that it is looking for “heroes” has given fair warning. Bring your best, and enjoy the challenge.

Without a doubt, the golf course is difficult, bordering on unfair for the average golfer given the severity of the greens. But it’s exciting to be challenged, and with the High Sierras and Feather River Canyon providing a stunning backdrop, The Dragon will forever be etched in your mind.

Nakoma Resort & Spa is very special. World-class golf, an out-of-this-world spa, and a Frank Lloyd Wright structure that fits perfectly with the timeless landscape come together to provide a respite that will inspire you.

The facility offers various lodging options which are scattered throughout the Taliesin-planned buildings. Luxury villas are available for overnight guests (they are also available for fractional ownership). Masterfully built private homes are also available. The luxury villas range from 88 to 1,600 square feet in size, and feature romantic wood-burning fireplaces, Jaccuzi bathtubs and outdoor mountain view patios.

Prices are at a premium, but if you're looking for a treat, this is it. As it should be, you won’t find an ice or vending machines at Nakoma Resort & Spa, so plan ahead.

HOME

 The contents of this web site are copyright of midwestgolfguide.com  unless otherwise noted.
Questions editor@midwestgolfguide.com