The par-4 18th hole at the Dragon at Nakoma Golf Resort is called "Englightenment."
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Rating Index Rating
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4.3
203 Reviews (203)
5 Stars
116
4 Stars
55
3 Stars
17
2 Stars
8
1 Stars
7
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.3
Layout
4.5
Friendliness
4.9
Pace
4.7
Amenities
4.6
89.4%
Recommend this course
181 out of 203 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
8 Reviews (8)
5 Stars
6
4 Stars
2
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.9
Value
4.8
Layout
4.9
Pace
4.9
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
8 out of 8 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.2
19 Reviews (19)
5 Stars
12
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.2
Layout
4.3
Pace
4.6
Amenities
4.7
StaffFriendliness
4.9
84.2%
Recommend this course
16 out of 19 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Public/Resort
Par 72
Length 7015 yards
Slope 139
Rating 72.0

Nakoma Golf Resort (previously known as The Dragon at Gold Mountain) is a scenic wonder that will help golfers realize what's so special about Reno and the High Sierras as a golf destination. Challenging play team with unbelievable scenery, giving players a day on the links they won't soon forget.

Playing to more than 7,000 yards from the back tees, Nakoma will challenge even scratch golfers with an imposing slope rating of 147. With five tee settings, however, Nakoma Golf Resort has proven to be a golf course that will delight all levels of golfers, as its combination of hazards and risk-reward opportunities make it a challenge worth taking.

But the scenery doesn't end on the golf course at Nakoma, which features spa villas and other amenities for golf travelers. Add to that a remarkable clubhouse designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and you'll easily see why Nakoma Golf Resort has its own special place in the Reno and High Sierras golf scene.

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The Dragon at Nakoma Golf Resort
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Course Details

Year Built 1998
Golf Season May 1 - Oct. 31
Architect Robin Nelson (1998) Mark Miller (1998)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes
Pull-carts No

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Proper golf attire. No denim. Collared shirts must be worn at all times.

Food & Beverage

Bar, Snacks, Grill, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Accolades

Reviews

4.3
203 Reviews (203)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 27
19th Hole Scenic Views 22
Patio Dining 21
Course Challenges Include:
Elevation Changes 33
Undulating Greens 32
Bunkers 27
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 35
A Weekend Splurge 25
Advanced Golfers 25
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 34
At a Resort 20

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Great course

Great course. Very challenging. Greens are a bit rough.. Will be back again..

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 25+
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Awesome course

This was a great time on a very challenging course. Wish that the bar food was open longer but hey, the time right. I would play here every weekend if possible. Did n't see drink service on course which was disappointing. Overall this was worth the money and I will be back for sure

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Saturday Golfing at Nakoma Dragon

What a beautiful day. Pefect time to tee off was at 9:40 am. The fairways where in great shape. Most greens where great shape, but some had some bold spots on the edge of the greens. Other than this course is a must to play.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 34
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Oregon Advisor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

What great customer service

I played this course years ago, as part of a tournament rotation, and have always had it in the back of my mind as a replay. But, not living in the area, I have been unable to get back.
The opportunity finally came to be, and I jumped at the chance.
I made my reservation online, and showed a rate of $89. I booked as a single golfer, at the earliest tee time available.
The day before play, I received an email stating there was an issue with my tee time, and to call them. I was told there was a shotgun scheduled to start on holes 14-18, starting 2 1/2 hours after my time. They did not feel t would interfere with my time, but wanted to make me aware. WOW!!
On arrival, I was informed there was an issue with mold on a few of the back 9 greens, that they have been battling for some time. For that reason, the greens were rolling at about a 9.
Because of this, the rate I was charge was reduced to $50. Double WOW!
AND, I was instructed to start on hole 14, to avoid the shotgun event. TRIPLE WOW!
Loved hitting the ball so far at altitude. Perfect scenery from every hole.
Enjoy the round, enjoy the scenery

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Love this course

I always play good at this course. This year they do have some issues with greens therefore the price to play does not match the conditions. Pace of play was good because we were first out. Food has always been inconsistent. Still love this course but comes with issues that should not happen. Have been playing this course for years

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Previously Played

Course in a sad state

It’s a bummer this course had gone downhill the last couple years. They are building around this course to make it a resort destination but the greens are rotted or just plain dead. $85 on a Tuesday morning to play on greens like that? No thank you.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 14
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
2.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Precision Mandatory with questionable greens

If you can hit precise and long shots like a single digit h-cap and also fade the ball off the tee you can score. If not, it will be a long day. Approx 12 tee shots need very straight or fade shot. Lots of side hill lies and big elevation changes. Many greens had patches of dirt that would hijack your ball’s direction drastically. Many greens need to be completely redesigned/rebuilt to be playable.BTW, if someone is looking for a good salesperson at their company, check out the lady in the dragon pro shop. She was hard selling the course like it was Old Greenwood or other top course and was passionate about it!

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Fair
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

The layout and the staff can't be beat, however the greens were rough

This course will be in much better condition later in the summer. Unfortunately the greens had some severe ice damage and were running slow. That being said, I teed off at 730 by myself and cruised, the layout is unbelievable.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

GREAT Course...If you spray, stay away!

I've been hearing about the difficulty of the Dragon for over 15 years it seems, and although it has been tamed somewhat it is still a monster of a course.

Let me start by saying we were warned they had an issue with the greens due to a water main outage and funky mountain weather. It wasn't as bad as we expected as the greens were slow but not horrible.

The opening Par 5 may be one of the best/most scenic holes in Northern California, in fact the entire course is absolutely stunning.

There is some room to land the ball if you miss the fairways but it's certainly not generous. The fairways do slope but not severely enough to put the ball OB. The day we played the greens were pretty slow, and they do vary in size from very large to Pebble Beach tiny!

The staff may be some of the BEST I've ever come across. Everyone was extremely nice, helpful and had a smile. The lodge was perfect as well!

Great time, we will be back!

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
1.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Horrible greens

The course from tee to green was in decent condition, but the greens were horrible, like putting on the fairways.I really think before letting you go out they should let you know that the greens are useless to putt on. Doubt I will ever go back to this course again. The course is going downhill fast!

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
2.0
Previously Played

What happened to the Dragon

Greens were in horrible shape. Probably rolling a 5-7 on the stimp meter. Too bad- this use to be a gorgeous layout

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

The Dragon Eats

I love this course and have played it a dozen times since it opened 19 years ago. Besides a little frost delay, our round only took three hours. I lost a couple balls by hitting drives through the fairway on the doglegs from the #4 tees. One green was still frozen. Hit a perfect chip from 20 feet and the ball sounded like it landed on a wood floor. Can't wait until it reopens next year.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Very nice

Course is beautiful, in the high Sierras. Fairways are in excellent shape. Greens are showing the heavy seasonal play, but are true, and very tricky. Staff is excellent, interested in delivering a great golf experience.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
2.0
Previously Played

Not looking good

Going downhill fast! Bunkers not raked with some having water damage. Some fairways soaked and others look like sprinklers are broken. Some greens are starting to show disease. Hole 1 and 10 are in decent shape and then you start to see signs of serious struggles with tee boxes just about gone.
No beverage cart or marshals on a Saturday? After the 9th hole you have to drive all the way around to the front of the clubhouse and find the bar tender for a drink.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Memorable course

Great, interesting layout....clubhouse & holes you will remember long after round. You could see if they sped up the greens it would go back to being a brutally difficult course. Even with the slower greens from the back tees it was enjoyably very difficult without being unfair. Both women behind counter and in beverage cart were very nice, as was the bartender, made for a pleasant afternoon.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 30
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

One of the toughest!

This is my 4th time playing here. This one of the toughest tracks have ever played. Conditions are pretty good, especially after the long spring thaw! I can’t think of one thing to complain about! All the employees are friendly, courteous and helpful!!! It may be tough but it is well worth playing! Views, conditions are all very very good! Don’t miss any chance to play!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played

Course need some TLC

Played The Dragon a couple years ago and course was in much better shape. Some tee boxes were just dead grass, and front nine needed some green repairs due to dead grass areas. Some fairways on the front had a lot of clover and weeds. Back nine much better. Staff is great and accommodating although nobody pointed out pin placement. It’s a challenging mountain course to test yourself..

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great course

The staff was great, the course was in very good condition. If you think you’ve got golf figured out go play the Dragon!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
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