
Darkhorse Course
Darkhorse Golf Club



About this course
Darkhorse Golf Club sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Auburn, California, approximately forty miles northeast of Sacramento. Designed by Keith Foster and opened in 2007, the course occupies rolling terrain characteristic of the Gold Country region, where elevation changes and native oak woodlands shape the playing corridors. Foster, known for his restoration work at classic American courses and for designs that emphasize strategic variety, created a layout that works with the natural contours rather than imposing dramatic earthmoving on the landscape. The routing moves through transitional foothill terrain where fairways bend around mature oaks and seasonal drainage patterns. Elevation shifts provide visual interest and create approach shots that play uphill, downhill, or across slopes. The design incorporates multiple teeing grounds to accommodate different skill levels while maintaining strategic interest for accomplished players. Bunkering tends toward natural, irregular shapes that echo the surrounding topography. Darkhorse operates as a semi-private facility, offering both member and daily-fee play. The course serves golfers throughout the greater Sacramento region and attracts visitors exploring the Auburn area's recreational offerings. The property includes practice facilities and a clubhouse suited to the foothill setting, providing amenities consistent with contemporary Northern California golf developments that balance accessibility with quality course conditioning and design integrity.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in CA
Quick facts
- Location
- Auburn, CA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 2002
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Keith Foster
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,005 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.5/138
- Course Vaults score
- 8.1
Getting there
The journey to Darkhorse Golf Club begins at Sacramento International Airport, a straightforward forty-five-minute drive northeast into the Sierra Nevada foothills. As Interstate 80 climbs gently from the valley floor, the landscape shifts from flat agricultural plains to rolling oak-studded terrain, the air growing crisper with each mile of elevation gained. The final approach winds through Auburn's historic Gold Country roads, where remnants of California's mining past give way to the secluded ridgeline setting of Darkhorse - a modern sanctuary perched dramatically above the American River Canyon, its arrival as understated as its views are commanding.

FAQ
Common questions about Darkhorse
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Darkhorse has a Course Vaults score of 8.1 out of 10 based on 20 logged golfers.
Darkhorse was designed by Keith Foster.
Yes. Darkhorse is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Darkhorse is 72.
Darkhorse plays 7,005 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Darkhorse is 138.




