Swing into spring value at Divine 9 Golf Courses

In Carson City and Carson Valley, golf courses are vibrant green, fairways lush and putts are rolling smoothly at Divine 9 layouts – the golf season is here and the big winter a distant memory.

The nine courses that represent the best in golf between Lake Tahoe and Reno provide a variety of challenges and some of the best golfing rates and lodging packages for visitors. With more than 70,000 yards of spectacular golf terrain, the Divine 9 courses have earned the reputation as being affordable, challenging and rewarding experiences among golf enthusiasts worldwide

High desert and open valley courses comprise the Divine 9: Genoa Lakes – Resorts and Lakes Courses, Dayton Valley, Eagle Valley East and West, Silver Oak, Sunridge, Empire Ranch, Carson Valley. Each boasts a distinct personality and look depending on the set of tees with features that include meandering rivers and creeks, sagebrush-lined fairways, elevation changes, generous fairways – and tight ones, too.

Here’s what’s new at Divine 9 courses or visit www.DivineNine.com for links to each:

— Carson Valley Golf Course: The oldest course in the area is also one of the most popular with families, seniors and beginners. Spectacular Cottonwood trees and the Carson River throughout provide a scenic backdrop and relaxing atmosphere. New features include tee boxes designed for all levels of play at the nationally award-winning, 18-hole course in Gardnerville, Nev. There’s a $10 rate for family play from 4 p.m. which includes a cart. Lesson and clinic options include Women’s and Junior clinics along with private and individual lessons available with package pricing.

— Dayton Valley Golf Course: Moving into a second season under new ownership, Dayton Valley Golf Course, a PGA Qualifying site since 1995, will roll out a slew of value-driven offers including weekend green fees of $45. The course’s newest promotion provides monthly membership with unlimited access to Dayton Valley and Wolf Run Golf Club. The club has also added a First Tee Program and golf development programs for all ages and abilities. Noted for some of the best greens anywhere, the layout includes the challenge of water on numerous holes.

— Eagle Valley East and West Courses: Carson City's wildly popular municipal courses may be even more so with the “50 Club,” special local rates and benefits for folks within 50 miles. Membership includes a free round of golf upon enrollment along with merchandise and driving range discounts, beverages and advanced tee times. The East Course is recognized for its generous fairways and the opportunity for birdies while the West Course is noted for its target golf and challenges of barrancas and forced carries on numerous holes. Quick greens are a staple at both.

— Empire Ranch Golf Course: This 27-hole Carson City course celebrates its 14th anniversary with value-added savings and events including free rounds of golf. Three nine hole courses provide players a choice of challenge or friendly golf. Various membership cards are available for the occasional or more serious player at great value.

— Genoa Lakes: Set against the scenic eastern slope of the Sierra, the links-designed Lakes course has received rave reviews since its 1994 opening as one of Nevada’s finest. The championship layout has water on 13 holes and spectacular views. The Resort Course takes players along lush fairways with bordering lakes, ponds, natural grass and sagebrush. New at the Genoa Lakes Resort Course for 2011 is a season pass that provides unlimited golf for $99 per month ($799 for the season) from April through November.

— Silver Oak Golf Course: Specials, events and online bookings greet golfers this year at this 18-hole championship Carson City golf course. Five sets of tees, fast greens and various elevation changes provide views of the Carson City area. Silver Oak also joined the Executive Women’s Golf Association to promote and support women’s golf.

— Sunridge Golf Club: This course demands a premium on accuracy. It features tight fairways, challenging side hill and downhill lies, elevation changes, large greens and water – 26 acres worth. Numerous strategically placed ponds dot the landscape, most offering high rewards for high risks. No. 4 is a 150-yard par three that must carry water the entire length, making club selection crucial and the view daunting. One pond is not enough for the par 5 fifth hole — the drive, layup and pitch to the green are bordered to the right by water.

Noted designers, architects and professional golfers are affiliated with many of the courses including Arnold Palmer at Dayton Valley Country Club, Peter Jacobsen and John Harbottle III at Genoa Lakes Golf Club and Johnny Miller and John Harbottle at Genoa Lakes Resort.

The Divine 9’s member lodging partners include Carson Valley Inn, Best Western Carson Station, Hampton Inn & Suites, The Plaza Hotel, Hardman House, Gold Dust West, Carson Nugget, Holiday Inn and Courtyard by Marriott – all feature golf packages for individuals and groups. Information on deals, packages and other Carson City/Carson Valley activities are available at: www.DivineNine.com.

To enjoy each course, The Divine 9 offers its “Ticket to Paradise,” golf all nine properties for just $265, a 50 percent savings. The pass is valid throughout 2011 with play any time after 12 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, excluding holidays, with scheduled tee times available up to 72 hours in advance. The “Ticket to Paradise” is also transferable, making it a flexible gift idea. With only 40 tickets left for the 2011 season, golfers need to act quickly to ensure they get one of the most coveted golf deals around.

Story provided by: the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau