NOT FOUND: course review.jpgThis month I took a trip up to Reno, NV for work. As I have stated before, I always carry my golf clubs with me wherever I go. As I was driving up the hill, I stopped in Truckee for a quick bite to eat and remembered a golf course I saw a sign for a course I visited a little over 10 years ago, Coyote Moon Golf Resort. I vis- ited Coyote Moon right as it was opening and took a tour of what was set to become a true test of skill and a great enjoyment of nature. The course was not fully opened but it was definitely sce- nic and looked to be challenging. Fast forward ten years and here I am again. This time the course is one of the highest-rated courses in Northern CA, and a true des- tination golf spot. The wonderful mountain setting of the Truckee area is unsurpassed by any other, and Coyote Moon is no different.
I was met by Jarrett at the club- house and found out he has worked at the club for the entire time it has been open. He let me know the course was in great shape and would stay that way throughout their golf season. Because Coyote Moon is set in Truckee, they have an abbrevi- ated schedule of April – October. This gives the course a great time to recover from the busy season, and this year it has. The course is full of lush fairways and smooth greens that roll your ball true. A well taken care rough has allowed players to find their miss-hits, but also made it harder to hit into the greens.
NOT FOUND: course review2.jpgCoyote Moon, a Brad Bell design, opened to the public in 2000. It does have twilight and late day play specials available. There are four sets of tees that range from 5022 to 7177 yards. You must also remember that the ball travels farther in the higher elevation. I was told it was a 10 % thrust but later found out it was about a 20 % increase in ball flight.
Because Coyote Moon is a resort style course, service is definitely at a premium. The staff here doesn’t fail either. I found them friendly, courteous and always smiling and willing to help or give information.
Now for information on playing Coyote Moon – the best part of writing these articles. I played a late afternoon round and had the course almost completely to my- self. Because Coyote Moon is a resort course, the rounds are no- where near as heavy as you would see at a daily fee course, similar to Teal Bend, or a municipal course, such as Cherry Island. The ball flies high and far at Coyote Moon. I played from the back tees and used driver on all the non-par 3 holes on the front nine. My favorite is #4, which is the hardest hole on the course. It is a dogleg left that then requires an uphill ap- proach shot. You must drive it in the fairway to have any shot at the green. If you hit it too far to the left, you will be in the tree brush and have no shot, whatsoever. On the back nine, by far the most in- teresting hole is #13. It is a par 3 that measures 227 yards from the back tees. The interesting part is that I hit an 8 iron from the tee onto the green! The hole is down- hill and has in excess of 200 feet of drop. This is one shot you defi- nitely must clear your mind and trust what you are being told. It doesn’t make sense, but it works.
If you are looking for destination golf or just passing through Truckee, make an effort to stop and enjoy a round at Coyote Moon Golf Resort. The scenery is gorgeous and the golf is spectacu- lar. This is a must course for any serious golfer.