Reno NV Golf & BBQ Weekend
T&L Golf, July/Aug 2008
Golf Digest, 12/10
Montreux G&CC
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off
Sparks, Nevada
August 27–September 1
A few stats hint at the enormity of this event (www.nuggetribcookoff.com), which takes place just outside Reno. The festival runs for six days, and roughly half a million people attended last year, devouring a hundred tons of ribs. Joey Chestnut, a celebrity on the eating-contest circuit, gained top honors in 2007 by putting away seven pounds in twelve minutes.
Golf
Championship Course at Incline Village
Golf in Lake Tahoe, thirty-five miles south of Reno, is an exhilarating experience. At this Robert Trent Jones Sr. classic, you can look up from your ball and admire the deep blue water and the distant mountains. Just try to keep it out of the tall aspens and pines. The Mountain Course, by Trent Jones Jr., is less taxing. $164–$174; 866-925-4653, www.golfincline.com
Old Greenwood Golf Course
The conditions are impeccable at this scenic, pine-studded Jack Nicklaus Signature course in nearby Truckee, California. $185; 800-754-3070, www.oldgreenwood.com
Staying
Resort at Squaw Creek
Although you can find lodging in downtown Sparks, it’s far more enjoyable to stay in Lake Tahoe. This resort has views you can gaze upon for hours. From $259 per night; 800-327- 3353, www.squawcreek.com
Fat Guy Research: Hit the Peppermill Reno (www.peppermillreno.com) for crashing and gambling. Party at Edge nightclub.
Other Activities
Eldorado Hotel Casino
Reno, the self-billed Biggest Little City in the World, has a lot going for it, including a thriving arts scene, but gaming remains an integral part of the local fabric. The recently renovated Eldorado is one of its finest casinos. www.eldoradoreno.com
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
Another Reno hot spot, this is the largest casino in northern Nevada. www.grandsierraresort.com
Best Bar Nearby: Fat Guy says check out Fantasy Girls Gentlemen's club, ranked #10 in North America by readers reviews on the Ultimate Strip Club List.
Reno/Lake Tahoe
My Town: Scott McCarron
Golf is one of numerous outdoor activities you can enjoy when visiting the 'Biggest Little City in the World'
By Ryan Herrington, Golf Digest
October 11, 2010
Scott McCarron first came by his soft spot for the Reno/Lake Tahoe area via matrimony. His wife, Jennifer, was a native and convinced him to move there with their family in 2001. That said, it wasn't a tough sell. "It's a great place to raise kids," says the 16-year PGA Tour pro. "There is a small-town feel and a nice outdoor lifestyle."
When the Reno-Tahoe Open was in town, McCarron began to throw a players party at his home. This past year tournament organizers took the next step and named him the event's official host.
"I'm proud to support the event," says the 45-year-old. "It's a great opportunity for me to help out and give something back to the area."
COURSES
When you come out here, you've got to hit Montreux G&CC, where they play the PGA Tour event. Maybe I'm biased, but I think it's one of the best courses we play on tour. It's certainly one of the most scenic. It's routed through the pines. You have so many holes that are just picturesque with the trees lining the fairways. It feels like the holes were carved out of the forest. Plus it has a great clubhouse and great food.
Around Reno, ArrowCreek CC has two nice courses, one public, one private. It has more of a high desert feel than Montreux. Some others are The Resort at Red Hawk CC, Hidden Valley CC and Rosewood Lakes GC. There's also an old course called Washoe GC that held a pro event in 1940s and had the likes of Ben Hogan and Jimmy Demaret play there.
If you're heading to Lake Tahoe, my favorite there is Incline Village. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. course has been redone, and it's a lot of fun to play. Any level of golfer will have a good time.
WHERE TO STAY
When I first came to Reno, the place I stayed was the Eldorado Hotel Casino. It's still where I send my buddies. They've got great restaurants and great shows...In Tahoe, there's the Hyatt Regency on the lake. It has maybe my favorite restaurant, the Lone Eagle Grille. Having a cocktail outside by the fire pit, overlooking the lake, is breathtaking.
DON'T MISS
The National Automobile Museum has a great car collection...There's a really fun amusement park near Grand Sierra Resort called Ultimate Rush Speed & Thrill Park. You can ride in race cars or try the "Sling Shot." It will definitely get your adrenaline going...The Truckee River runs right through Reno and has a lot of things to offer. There is a kayak course at Truckee River White Water Kayak Park that's a lot of fun, where you can also ride on inner tubes and rafts.
Dining:
I've got all your meals covered. For breakfast, you've got to go to PJ & Company. It's just lots of good, greasy food. For lunch, I have two favorites. One is The Grill, which is a local place right down from my house. Every time I'd walk in there, it would seem like I knew somebody. There's also The Stone House Cafe, which is fantastic. And for dinner, you've got to go to Roxy's Restaurant & Bar, which is inside the Eldorado. It's one of the best restaurants in town. Any of the steaks are fantastic.
Sports bar:
To me, one of the most fun places to go to is the sportsbook at the ElDorado. Everybody seems to have money on a game so they're pretty excited. It's fun people watching.