Sierra Sage Golf Course

A Public Golf Course Since 1967

Mike Mazzaferri

Denise Mazzaferri

PGA Golf Professionals

Cal Swanson

Superintendent

The front nine of the Stead Golf Course was built in 1960 by the U.S. Air Force for the use of military personal assigned to the Stead Air Force Base. With the phasing out of Stead Air Force Base in the middle 1960s Washoe County assumed operation and maintenance of the course, Washoe County purchased the course in 1966 and renamed it Sierra Sage.  At an approximate cost of $225,000 the back nine was added to the course in 1970.

Sierra Sage is a public golf course located 10 miles north of downtown Reno and a 20 minute drive.  The green fees are one of the most competitive in the area. Summer rates are set at $22.00 and winter rates are at $17.00 for 18 holes.   

This course has wide fairways lined with native brush, small greens, and water hazards coming into play on four holes, #2, #4, #14, and #15. Hole #2 a 150- yard, par 3, requires a drive over a small lake to an elevated green. Hole #14, a 413-yard, par 4, requires a carry of 175 yards over the lake to a dogleg right fairway, then an approach shot to an elevated, bi-level green. The irrigation system was upgraded in 1998, and holes #8 and #11 were redesigned. New greens were also installed on holes #4, #6,  and #15, the driving range was redesigned and new forward tees were added.

In 2003 a new state of the art ECS underground watering system was added to green #7. This system uses 40% less water than above ground systems and makes this the best green on the course year round.

This is a great course for beginners but still presents a challenge to all golfers. Don’t let the low green fees sway you from playing this course.

Hole #1 :          This is a par 4 with a slight dogleg to the right. The hole has bunkers coming into play on both your tee shot and approach shots.

Hole #2 :          This par 5 doglegging to the right has a water hazard coming into play on the right and sand bunkers located in both the fairway and around the green.

Hole #3 :          This straight away par 4 is protected by bunkers in both the fairway and around the green. The green slopes from back to front so keep your approach below the hole.

Hole #4 :          This par 3 is difficult due to it’s severe uphill slope and it’s greenside bunker. The green is fast going down the slope so watch out.

Hole #5 :          This hole has a severe dogleg to the left with sand bunkers coming into play on your tee shot and approach shots. The uphill slope leading up to the green can make club selection tricky.

Hole #6 :          This short par 4 is reachable in one for the big hitter. This hole is guarded by bunkers in the fairway and up around the green.

Hole #7 :          This hole is a short par 4 with a slight dogleg to the right. The green is surrounded by sand bunkers so be accurate with your approach. Watch out if your above the hole.

Hole #8 :          This hole is well bunkered and has mounds around the green . The green is rather long so watch where the pin is located when choosing your club.

Hole #9 :          Par 4 with a fairway sand bunker up the left side and two greenside bunkers. 4 is a good score on this hole.

Hole #10 :        Par 5 straight away hole with a sand bunker on the left coming into play on your tee shot. There is an OB located on the right on this hole. The green is guarded by a sand bunker. Big hitters can reach in 2 on this hole.

Hole #11 :        Short par 4 straight away hole with a sand bunker protecting the green. The green is shallow so choosing the club for your approach is important.

Hole #12 :        Par 3 with a sand bunker guarding the green. Hole seems to play longer than the yardage suggests. Par is a good score here.

Hole #13 :        Short par 4 dog legging to the right. A good drive leaves a short iron to the green.

Hole #14 :        Par 4 with a slight dogleg to the right . A water hazard on the right may come into play if you try to cut the corner. The hole also has bunkers in both the fairway and the green. Four is a good score here.

Hole #15 :        This par 4 with a water hazard coming into play on your tee shot is a slight dogleg to the right with bunkers coming into play on your approach.

Hole # 16 :       Par 3 with bunkers surrounding the green. The green is large so watch out for the pin placement.

Hole # 17 :       Straight away par 4 with bunkers surrounding the green. The hole is reachable in one for the big hitters.

Hole #18 :        Straight away par 5 with bunkers coming into play on both the tee shot and the approach. Green is reachable in two for the big hitter.

Hole #19 :        Odettes Bar and Grill..

·        Lots of gaming