COURSE REVIEW

Quik Peek:
Silver Oak Golf Course

By Ron Walker, TravelGolf.com Staff Writer

The "Quik Peek" series is designed to give essential information about lesser known, affordable golf courses in major population centers, in a bite-sized format.

CARSON CITY, NV-- Anyone who has driven northward from Carson City to Reno on US-395 has seen them: those inticing golf holes carved out of the Sierra foothills like some verdant bas relief.

Should you be curious enough to stop and investigate what else accompanies those dramatic holes, you will discover one of the best marriages of conditioning and value offered in Northern Nevada: Silver Oak Golf Course.

"Those holes sticking out near the highway are probably our best advertisement," remarked General Manager Millie Duncan. "They are intriguing enough to make people want to stop and check us out."

Perhaps this is why the owners of Silver Oak have eschewed most forms of promotion, in favor of good old "word of mouth" advertising. Indeed, the golfers who discover Silver Oak are often those who drop by for a unscheduled look-see, as well as those who have received an enthusiastic recommendation.

When you pull up to the parking lot at Silver Oak, don't expect to see much in the way of bells and whistles. There is no clubhouse (only a single wide trailer), no restaurant, or much else in the way of amenities. This is, thankfully, reflected in the price: the most you'll pay for a round at Silver Oak.

What do you get for your money? First off, top-notch conditioning from tee to green. Superintendent Mark D'Allesandro is in charge of insuring that the fairways are lush and putts roll true. The fruits of his labors are evident, despite the fact that winter snows accumulate every year on those hillside holes, forcing the course to close December through March.

According to Duncan, however, this a blessing in disguise. "We consider ourselves the best conditioned course in our area primarily because we close down four months out of the year."

• Course Stats • More Golf Course Reviews

Holes eleven through sixteen represent the hill-ensconced portion of the course, and are protected by massive boulders, familiar sagebrush and the occasional powerful gusts of wind. The shot values and vistas provided from these holes are outstanding; just as fun (and maddening) as they appear from the highway.

One's enjoyment of this stretch of holes can be enhanced with the realization that while you are playing golf, all those other poor souls on the highway are staring at you. Giggle gleefully at the thought if you must; I always do.

A special effort has been made to attract women and juniors to Silver Oak. Local gals who frequent this course relish the ease of play from the forward tees, as well as the relaxed atmosphere. There are also "junior" tees on each hole, and a special nine-hole afternoon rate for the youngsters.

All in all, Silver Oak is as worthwhile a track as any in the lineup of Carson Valley courses known as the "Divine Nine", and worthy of more than just a "passing glance" the next time you're in town.

KEY HOLE
#4 Par 4 435/417/378/342/317 yds HCP: 1/7

If there was ever a hole to make or break your round, the fourth at Silver Oak undoubtedly qualifies. The fairway rises gently upward from the tee box, making your drive distance a function of carry rather than roll. Be prepared to go deep off the tee or lay up, because guarding the front of an extremely shallow green is a voracious water hazard that will claim all but perfectly played approaches. Recoveries from behind the green are truly challenging.

COURSE'S BEST: #9 Par 5 559/542/507/432/385 yds HCP: 3/3

I'm a big fan of risk/reward holes, and the ninth is one of the area's best. The landing area that stretches out before you from the tee is wide and inviting; however, due to an imperceptible crest in the fairway, a huge drive is required to consider attacking a generous green encircled by water. The rule here is: if you're close enough to see the flagstick, take a shot at the green. However, approaches to this island green can cause consternation from most any yardage, and mastering the subtly sloped green is no picnic.

CARD WRECKER: #12 Par 5 522/484/460/408/380 yds HCP: 2/2

This frightening hole will make you glad you brought a cart, and wish you had "straight ball insurance." Even the longest tee shot will merely put you at "base camp" for a sharp 80' ascent to the green, along a narrow fairway that no doubt makes a fine toboggan run in the winter. Anything hit right on your lay-up (forget about reaching this green in two) disappears down a rocky slope; left is lost in the sagebrush. Take an extra club for your final assault of the green, and aim for the center of an obscured putting surface. Good luck, you'll need it.

PHOTO OP
#16 Par 3 192/169/150/121/90 yds HCP: 10/18

Depending on the tees you've chosen to play, the final par three at Silver Oak can play as gentle as a morning breeze or as rough as three-day stubble. Before you swing that club, though, take an extra moment to soak in the view; this is a gorgeous hole from every angle. Your target is a saddle-shaped green hewn out of the Sierra foothills. The putting surface is protected by a rocky outcropping to the left and a hillside to the right, which permits a gun barrel glimpse of the expansive Carson Valley beyond, a panorama which can fully be enjoyed once you reach the green.

REVIEWERS RATING: 6.70 of 10 (recommended)

COURSE LOCATION/RATES/TRAVEL INFORMATION

LOCATION: Silver Oak Golf Course is located in Carson City. From US-395 (on the northern edge of town), turn west onto W. College Blvd, then left onto GS Richards Blvd. The course is located at the end of the road.

RATES: Silver Oak offers nine-hole, junior, winter, and twilight rates in addition to their regular rates, which are good seven days a week. Carts included in all rates.

Always call ahead for details; the course is closed December through March, weather permitting.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

CLOSEST AIRPORT: RENO/TAHOE INTERNATIONAL (RNO) 27.2 mi. (N)

CAR RENTALS: ADVANTAGE RENT-A-CAR (AIRPORT)

(775) 333-6677 www.arac.com

Restaurant Recommendation

Water Wheel
4239 N Carson St, Carson City
(775) 883-7826

Just a stone's throw away from Silver Oak, on the right side of US-395 (N. Carson St.), you'll find this friendly restaurant serving wonderful Asian dishes. Two restaurants in one, a portion of the restaurant serves alacarte Chinese cuisine, while a separate section of the restaurant is set aside for a sushi bar, featuring all-you-can-eat specials for lunch and dinner. Worried about the quality of sushi in Carson City? Don't be; the sashimi here is always fresh and artfully served. Live music accompanies your meals on weekends.

Hotel Recommendation

Best Western Pinon Plaza
2171 Hwy 50 East, Carson City

Conveniently located along US-50 in Carson City (nearby Silver Oak and several other area courses), the Pinon Plaza offers southwestern styled rooms designed with the traveler's comfort in mind. Amenities include live gaming, bowling center, outdoor pool and spa. Customized golf packages are available for 2-6 people, with a choice of 13 area courses.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.