Reno, NV (Sports Network) – The mini golf mecca in the Graeagle area of the
northern Sierra Nevada can satisfy the most ardent links desires. Beautiful
courses set in stunning scenery can be had individually or in stay-and-play
packages that can range from two nights to five, from two golfers to 40.

Graeagle is an unincorporated community of about 5,000 on Highway 89, about 60
miles north of Lake Tahoe. For those flying from the east, the best entry
point is Reno, from which it is just over an hour’s drive north along Highway
395 that crosses into California, and that leads to Highway 70 into the
Portola-Blairsden-Graeagle area.

The trip takes you from high desert to pastoral settings ranging from dense
forest to expansive pastures and meadows. It is a mountain experience
(elevation is about 4,500 feet) without the congestion of the Reno or Lake
Tahoe areas.

The actual town of Graeagle came about as a lumber operation; the company
simply moved its camp to where the trees were. The company went out of
business, but the town slowly grew. It’s not remote as much as expansive -
there isn’t a stop light in town. Just small businesses in a collection of
shops in red cabins (former lumber mill worker housing) along the main drag, a
gas station, restaurants and a whole lot of golf.

The Graeagle Golf Course is an open-to-the-public facility that plays along
the Feather River on the front nine and then delves through thick fir stands
on the back. It stands as one of the best unknown public courses in the state.

But what makes this area so compelling as a golf destination is that four
other courses are within 15 minutes of the Graeagle course. For group golf
excursions, the epicenter is Plumas Pines Resort, just north of Graeagle by
about five miles. This real estate development has plenty of cabins, villas,
homes and even large “premier” homes that are available to visitors in
vacation packages.

A visit to the Plumas website (http://www.plumaspinesgolf.com/) brings up
plenty of options. “Consider that just a start to what you want,” said head
pro Brandon Bowling. “We can customize any stay. That’s what we like to do.”

For example, Bowling offered rhyming packages like, “play, stay, dine for two
oh nine,” meaning $209 per person. With a peak-time green fee starting at $95,
the deal includes cart, range balls and full meal.

Longboards is one of the best restaurants in the area with a first-rate wine
list. And few places offer the panoramic view overlooking the first three
holes of the course, with the Feather River as backdrop.

Bowling also brought up a week-long golf academy package that includes three
hours of instruction per day, followed by an afternoon round of golf. Each day
focuses on a different aspect of the swing, from driver to short game, and
then it’s off to the course to put the lessons to the test. The deal includes
breakfast, lunch and dinner every day and accommodations for $800 per person.

“It’s perfect for groups,” Bowling said. “We have groups from four to 40 take
this, and they find it be to great fun. Everything is here.”

Other courses:

For those who prefer more variety, package deals are available through the new
Graeagle Golf Tour that features Plumas Pines, The Dragon, Whitehawk and The
Grizzly. The last three have been built in the last 15 years and bring myriad
challenges to go along with stunning beauty.

About five minutes south of the Graeagle is Whitehawk, a Dick Bailey-design
that many consider the best course in the area. It meanders from meadow to
forest, and each hole is a unique experience. Peak green fees start at $95.

To the east along Highway 70 near the old railroad town of Portola is The
Dragon. This course originally designed by Robin Nelson is undergoing
renovation, a necessity considering it was intended to intimidate golfers,
hence the name. Nonetheless, it brings memorable challenges, and the Nakoma
clubhouse is a Frank Lloyd Wright design, and worth a trip just to see it.

Further east is Grizzly Ranch, a Bob Cupp-designed course that offers
startling views of various mountain peaks. For all the beauty, however, it has
to be said that “The Grizz” offers a challenging stretch of opening holes in a
spectacular setting.

These four courses are available on customized lodging packages. In peak
times, a foursome can stay for three nights and play all four courses for less
than $2,500, which breaks down to about $620 per person.

Put another way, lodging and golf at four different, beautiful challenging
courses comes down to just over $200 a day. Note that this package after
Oct. 1 brings the four-course total to $289, but doesn’t include lodging.
Visit http://graeaglegolftour.com for more information.

Also, for those who plan on playing golf in the Reno area, two courses are
within easy driving distance of the airport. Lakeridge Golf Course is a Robert
Trent Jones Sr. design that is known for its signature hole – No. 15 – a 240-
yard downhill beauty to an island green. It offers Reno skyline views and a
spine-chilling challenge to reach the green.

North and a little east of downtown Reno, in the town of Sparks, is D’Andrea,
a layout that features severe slopes and regular road crossings to get from
green to tee. However, it’s hard to argue against the views over Reno toward
Mt. Rose. Fees for those last two courses range from $45 to $85.

To the south of Graeagle along Highway 89 by about 50 miles is Truckee, where
four highly regarded courses – Coyote Moon, Old Greenwood, Shaffer’s Mill and
Gray’s Crossing – are all open to play by the public. Fees range from $50 to
$150, depending on the time of day.

The Sports Network