It’s as if God himself came down from Heaven and created the perfect destination for a buddy golf trip.
The Caddy Shack at the Greenhorn Creek resort is everything you could want for a trip with the buddies for golf. But it’s more than just that – it’s a great choice for events ranging from a family reunion to a bachelor or bachelorette outing.
With the towns of Angels Camp and Murphys located close by, Greenhorn Creek appeals to the golfers and non-golfers. Those not wanting to knock the ball around can head out for an adventure in the region.
Located at an elevation of 1,500 feet at the base of the Central Sierra’s, Greenhorn is ready for year-round golf. Located below the snow line, but above the Central Valley fog during the winter, golfers can play throughout the year.
And the Caddy Shack just might be the best spot I have seen for a group golf outing. If you genuinely like the people you are traveling with, there is no better place to combine golf and social interaction than the Caddy Shack.
The facility is one of multiple lodgings on the property – there are cottages and villas available as well. Formerly a maintenance shed for the course, the Caddy Shack is now more – much more.
The five-bedroom residence, has 12 beds, ranging from queen size beds to twins. Match them up as you need. There are two rooms, with two queen beds, three extended twins in two bedrooms and two extended twins in one bedroom.
There are two bathrooms, one featuring three sinks, a shower, two toilets, and the kicker – a urinal. Yep, a urinal! What buddy trip doesn’t scream for a urinal and now, here it is.
Even the women in our group could appreciate the excitement of the men towards a urinal on site.
The second bathroom offers more privacy, and another shower.
The living room features a big screen television to go with a big comfortable couch, a pair of chairs and a table with four chairs. There is free WiFi on the property as well.
The full kitchen features a table 12 could eat – or drink – around. The kitchen comes equipped with everything you need, including cooking equipment, cutlery, plates glasses – you name it.
The fenced in side-yard, which the kitchen opens into, features a big BBQ facility, as well as horse shoe pits and an artificial grass lawn.
It’s a big BBQ that has a burner as well for additional cooking options. There is also ample seating available outside for dining as well.
The front, covered patio has ample chairs and makes for a wonderful place to start the day relaxing with coffee or end the day with a tasty beverage, perhaps a nice wine from the ever-expanding wine area the region as become.
Both night and morning, we enjoyed the porch, be it planning for the day or reflecting on the days’ activities.
What else makes it work best for a buddy facility? It’s self-contained and away from all other property guests. Be as loud as you want – there will be no complaints. There is parking right in front of the complex and once there, there is no need to get back in your car.
The clubhouse is a short walk away. When we stayed we were able to walk to the clubhouse, pick up our golf carts and head back to the Caddy Shack to load up our golf gear.
When our round was done, back to the Shack we went, dropped off our clubs and took the carts back.
If at the end of the day, if no one feels like cooking, not a problem!
Camps Restaurant – a short walk from the Caddy Shack – fits in perfectly with the region as the decor – including the statue of Mark Twain in front, completes the Gold Rush days feeling. The menu highlights local produce and regional wines, mixed in with some delicious hand cut meats and fresh seafood.
It’s a wonderful spot to get a drink as well. If wine is your choice of beverage – it should be in the area – check out the Cellar Room, a wine bar that offers over 100 different wines.
There is a Beer Garden – only open during the warmer months – that features six taps as well as a selection of bottle beer. There are two bocce ball courts also available.
Of course, when it comes to golf, the course is as sensational as the dining and lodging options.
The original course designer was Don Boos, but it was Robert Trent Jones II that made some upgrades that turned the course into a sensational round of golf.
There is fun throughout the round, starting with the par 3, No. 3, a 157-yard hole that has trouble along the left. The hole is surrounded by trees so stronger wind currents above the tree-line is a cause for concern.
No. 4 is another fun hole. At 476 yards it is short for a par 5, but considering the tee shot asks for a 250-yard shot off the tee to avoid a rock wall that cuts through the fairway, as well as dicey landing areas if you try to go further, it is a hole that plays right to the par.
The par 3, 6th hole is a wonderful golf hole. At 175 yards, it is not an easy par and with water surrounding the front, right and back of the hole, it is almost an island green. There is a bail-out area to the left and depending on the wind, it might be the best play.
No. 7 is a 481-yard par 5 that plays all uphill, but usually with the wind at your back. The real joy of this hole to me was upon reaching the green and gazing back down the fairway. Beautiful.
A course architect once told me to really enjoy the design of a course, stand on the green and look back at the tee. This is a perfect hole for that.
No. 11 and No. 13 were two of my favorite holes. The 11th is a 425-yard, par 4 that has a pair of huge oak trees that come into play. Accuracy is absolutely the key here.
No. 13 is the signature hole for the course and standing on the elevated tee on the 136-yard, downhill hole it is easy to see why. The hole is nothing more than an easy wedge down the hill, but with water guarding the right (and front, depending on pin placement) it can be a tough hole.
The real star is the view from the tee. With the big rainfall of last year, Melones Lake in the distance is full of water, a far cry from recent years. It is a stunning view and my favorite hole on the course.
The closing hole rounded out the day with a perfect finish.
I am a big fan of a closing hole being able to change the outcome of a match and a 475-yard par 5 does just that.
A big tee shot that avoids trouble affords the golfer a chance to get home in two, but even that can be dicey. There is water guarding the front and bunkers in the back, possibly giving the golfer pause in trying to go for the green with the second shot.
I have written before about the wonderful experience Greenhorn Creek is and once again, it’s not just for the golfer. The Caddy Shack offers a perfect choice to combine golfers and non-golfers alike.
For more information go to http://www.greenhorncreek.com
By Dennis Miller