Third and final round today was at Toiyabe (formerly Thunder Canyon, formerly Lightning W Ranch). This was another Groupon deal that ended up being about $35 and change each after a 20% off promo code... Continue »

Third and final round today was at Toiyabe (formerly Thunder Canyon, formerly Lightning W Ranch). This was another Groupon deal that ended up being about $35 and change each after a 20% off promo code. The staff was great here, letting us know they had a big tournament earlier in the day and it wasn't open golf as usual. However, they were happy to still make sure we got out as efficiently as possible. We teed off around 4:40 and the pro shop guy drove us out to the 12th tee to start because that's where the tourney shotgun gap was. Super nice service here. Any groups ahead of us finished by the time we completed the 18th, so when we made the turn back to the front it was wide open and we zipped around the rest of the way. Total pace around 2.5 hours. Conditions here were pretty similar to Somersett as the summer turf comes in. Overall good with some fluffy sections, some thin spots and some patchy areas. Rough had good grass coverage with lumpy ground underneath that could really provide some difficult lies. Bunkers good. Greens very nice. Firm-ish, but receptive enough and rolling well at medium/fast speeds. Smooth putting surfaces. This again was a different kind of golf course than the earlier rounds we played today. More of a gently rolling meadow style with some nice mountain backdrops and a much more forgiving layout overall. Lots of water and little hidden creeks cutting across, so pay attention to the GPS. Pretty windy here, as well, so that added some challenge. Friendly staff and solid course.

Passing through Carson Valley stopped to play Toiyabe semi-private vs previous Thunder Ranch CC for 40. At 3:30 hit included range and practice green but didn't venture over to chip/sand area that lo... Continue »

Passing through Carson Valley stopped to play Toiyabe semi-private vs previous Thunder Ranch CC for 40. At 3:30 hit included range and practice green but didn't venture over to chip/sand area that looked really nice then off in cart with GPS, club'n ball wash, ice chest & provided water. Everything very green even a bit too wet in a few areas that were marked to avoid driving through. Tees, fairway and greens (no marks!) carpet smooth with 6 set tees and several extras to rotate. Easy out of one trap with thick reddish brown sand which looked to the normal of all. Course was empty at that time so round was quick. Didn't stop at 19th although members appeared to be using large clubhouse or late rounds as a few cars were still in lot. Has to one of the best courses in the entire area will play again.