The front nine is set in meadow-like terrain, which reminds me of the old “Bonanza” television series. I pictured Ben, Hoss and Little Joe Cartwright riding through the pines and sage with great panoramic views of the Carson Range. The course was definitely challenging from the blue tees, but more so from the fairways into the greens than off the tees into the fairways. The tee shots appeared more visually intimidating than they actually were in reality, due to wide landing areas that were often not visible from the tee box (a true “members’ course” advantage). We did, however, find some of the native areas off some of the tees, but often played out of the scattered sage bushes. I can’t speak to the roll and speed of the greens, as they were not yet “cut to putt,” however, one can get a definite sense of how beautiful they will be next Spring when they are prepared for play.

The back nine, is very different. First, the #10 and #11 holes climb up to a plateau of 6,200 feet in elevation. There, you remain for the next five holes. Overall, this plateau is more defined by elevated tees, elevated greens, pocket greens and rock outcroppings. Then, the par 4 17th hole provided a dramatic drop down to a lake-protected green. The finish was a very dramatic 600-yard 18th hole, which sports a zig-zag creek that cuts back and forth in between landing areas, defines the early left side and then finally collects in a lake that protects the front right side of the green.

The back nine surroundings were more wooded with big “specimen” pines. The native areas seemed more in play but not that tight to the fairways. The topography is more varied and interesting. The mountain views are more dramatic, but more “corridor-like” at the end of fairways, or as a back drops behind the greens. Offering more drama, overall, the back nine seemed to also present more pitching and chipping situations, including a more frequent use of the sand wedge, than the front nine offered. Getting out the bunkers seemed relatively easy, due to the high-silicate sand and low profile edges, however, many of the holes presented a complex of bunkering (i.e., clustering and tiering) near the greens, versus a single bunker style.

By observation, we took note of the generous placement of the forward tees and the lack of forced carries. We contrasted that with a look back to the “tips” and remarked about the significant difference to the blue tees, not only by distance, but by the angles and the carries. The blues handed us every bit the challenge we needed.

Overall, as a rusty 18 handicapper, I felt the course had tempo even with the variety of design and it was very enjoyable. Whereas, my 9-handicap partner thought the front played harder and the back nine easier than expected. His overall reaction was “let’s do it again!”

As Membership Director, I am always concerned about how “tough” the course looks to our prospective members. I walked away extremely pleased to see the course play so well — very friendly, rather than intimidating. I now liken the Timilick course to the feeling you get when comparing the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra — the Rockies seem to nash their teeth at you, whereas, the Sierra seem to invite you in — a fitting feeling for a club that considers itself to be the Tahoe area’s “most inviting club.”