Get Ready for Golf Season!

By Will Apotheker

Golfing in the Sierras is an unparalleled experience for die-hards and newcomers alike, but the one downside is that the seasons may be unpredictable. The ramp-up often creeps up on golfers. So, if you have not been able to get out and play a few rounds over the winter in warmer climates, it’s time to get your game dialed in. I sat down and spoke with Tahoe Donner’s Head Golf Professional, Jeff Hwang, about how to hit the ground swinging once the course opens on May 23rd – Book a Tee Time Today!

Q: What have you guys been doing to get it ready for the season?

Jeff: I must say the course is in the best shape coming out of winter for quite some time. Some of that is just luck –  the elevation at our course means we get snow when other areas get rain and sleet. But a big part of it is also the work of our crew. Ram, our golf course superintendent, and his team were out there all winter long, shoveling snow and taking care of the greens. So, we’re in pretty good shape.

Q: What’s the first thing golfers should do to get ready for Golf Season?

Jeff: It may sound simple, but the first thing you should do is check your gear. Are your clubs in good shape? Is it time for an upgrade? Do you have all the supplies you need in your bag? If you like to walk the course, it’s especially important to make sure you clean out the bag and it’s light enough to carry around. Are your shoes in good shape? After that, just get out there and get some swings in. Our driving range will hopefully open on May 16, so come on out and hit some balls. Just shake that rust off so you are ready to go.

Q: How do you know if you need new clubs?

Jeff: Every year, clubs get a little bit better. That doesn’t mean you should run out and buy a new bag every year. But when it comes to drivers, particularly, they get better every year. The industry standard is that the avid golfer replaces their driver every 3-5 years. So, if your driver is a few years old, and you buy a new one, it will be a significant upgrade in technology. Irons and woods –  it’s a little different. That technology doesn’t move as fast, so it just comes down to feel. If you like what you have now, keep them. And if you’re not sure, you can always come down to the Golf Shop and demo some new clubs. We have the latest Callaway clubs. Tahoe Donner members can try them out for free.

Q: What if I need a little tune-up before the season starts? How do I get a lesson?

Jeff: Booking a lesson is pretty easy. Just give me a call, shoot me an email or swing by the shop once we are open, and I will assign you to one of our instructors. We always have a few, but the two main instructors are Dan and Molly. Dan Dagenhart lives, breathes, and sleeps golf. He’s been golfing his whole life and is really passionate about the game. Molly Springmann is also fantastic. She’s an LPGA Class A Golf Pro. She runs our junior program but also gives instructions. You can sign up for one of our adult clinics. We also offer private lessons for solo golfers or groups. So we have a lot of options for people.

Q: Any last words of advice?

Jeff: We have a shorter season here than warmer climates, so you’ll want to make the most of it. You don’t want to spend the first month figuring out how to play golf again. We’ve got a few weeks before our course opens. The driving range will be open soon. Get out there and get after it.

One last note: We’ve upgraded our tee time reservation system to ForeUp for an easier and more streamlined booking experience. Please visit this page to learn more and to book your tee times.