Golf Tip

Bocce Ball Court Hours

May 8 am-6 pm* Tuesday-Sunday

June 8 am-7 pm* Tuesday-Sunday

*May play until dusk if in possession of own bocce balls

Please note: There is a grooming rake/brush located on the outside wall of the golf shop. Bocce balls and scoreboards may be checked out from the golf shop staff during operating hours.

All Somersett residents are welcome to play the Championship Country Club Course six times per year per the SOA/Country Club agreement (you may schedule a tee time four

By Stuart Smith – PGA Director of Golf

It’s spring – time to play the Canyon 9. What is the best way to control distance from short range to the green?

1. First, you must understand the distances you hit the ball with all of your wedges in your bag on a full swing. A player more than likely has at least three wedges. I carry four. The distance you should learn is CARRY distance. Once you chart those distances you have a starting point. You must use all your wedges in your bag – not just a Pitching Wedge. Your Gap, Sand, and Lob Wedges provide distance control in and of themselves. If they are 4 degrees difference it will equate to +/- 10 yards per club. When you are charting your wedges, you want to make 1/2 shots, ¾ shots, and full shots with all of your wedges. Take note of your trajectory as well – certain clubs and trajectories will be better with different green types and pin locations.

2. Your tempo for a less-than-full shot is 2:1. (Full swing is 3:1) This puts the emphasis on a positive strike through the ball and encourages a complete finish. To practice this, recite a two-syllable word on the backswing and a one-syllable word on the through swing (you have to recite at the same speed though). Example – AP-PLE-PIE or PIZ-ZA-PIE

3. Control distance with length of backswing. This, with adhering to the 2:1 tempo, will allow you to start seeing different distances without hitting the ball “easy” or “hard.” A shorter backswing will be slower than a longer backswing, however, they should take the same amount of time. Your times and twice you may play as a guest of a member). Each resident may book up to a foursome of players at our accompanied guest rate of $125 per player. This includes green fee, driving range usage, and golf cart. We take tee times for Somersett residents four days in advance at 775-787-1800, Ext 2.

Somersett residents have both complimentary & fee-based access to the country club Driving Range. We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. The range is available Tuesday through Sunday and is closed to all activities on Mondays.

In season (mid-April through October) there is no charge for residents to hit off the matted surfaces. Most of the time this through-swing will reflect this as well when reciting the one-syllable word. A longer backswing will equate to a faster through swing whereas a shorter backswing will equate to a slower through-swing. Consistent tempo will lead to better distance control with your wedges. will be on the north side of the driving range. However, on rare occasions we will be on mats on the south side and you will be welcome to utilize that side. Our service attendants will provide shuttle service, or you are permitted to walk to what is the back of the driving range. We do not allow private carts access due to the one lane path traveling back and forth. The golf balls will be staged there for you.

4. Benchmark a couple of backswing lengths with all your wedges and chart what carry distances you are getting. This will help you take it to the course.

5. Limit the weight transfer on less-than-full shots and keep more weight on your lead foot. This will ensure that you get a good clean strike of the ball. I like to hit shots as if my feet have grown roots into the ground. I may even twist my knees outward as I address the ball to get a little tension between the ground and feet/lower body.

6. Make sure you hinge your wrists on the backswing. This will help the club travel down through the ball.

7. Lastly, you still must turn your chest through to the target. If you are accelerating the club through the ball with a 2:1 tempo you will be successful with this. Remember – the ball gets in the way of the club head. There is no need to hit at the ball.

Always work to improve your skill set. If your skill is where you want it – Enjoy!

Need help? Our professional staff at the country club is anxious to get you on your way to better golf. You won’t find a more experienced teaching crew in all of Reno. Give us a call at 775-787-1800, Ext 2.

Turf tee: Somersett residents may also access the turf tee. The $15/person fee must be paid in advance at the golf shop. Be sure to present your receipt to the range attendant. You MUST pay the $15/person fee in order to use the putting and chipping area – no exceptions! Accessing the turf tee and practice areas without paying the fee will result in lost privileges for the remainder of the current season. Juniors MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Men, please remember our simple dress code of no denim, no jogging suits, collared golf shirts and caps worn forward at all times. For women, no denim, no jogging suits, no spaghetti strapped tops, bare midriffs, or short shorts are permitted. Proper footwear such as golf shoes or tennis shoes is required.

Saturdays May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17 11 am – 12:15 pm

$20/clinic

RSVP 4 days prior to clinic

3 min; 12 max

Engage in the game of a lifetime – GOLF. We are here to get you ready to play. Building on the success of last year’s well-received Learn to Golf Program, Rob Dugan and the country club’s other PGA professionals will instruct this beginner/intermediate class. Whether you are a former golfer looking to dust off your clubs and brush up on your fundamentals OR someone eager to learn for the first time, this is a great program. A typical session will include clinic-style instruction as well as time for individual assistance. Over the course of each month, we will cover all aspects of the game including full swing, putting, short game, and on-course playing instruction. This program will run through the season with a projected end date of Sept. 30. Please sign up with the golf shop staff at least 4 days before clinic time. The golf shop may be reached at 775787-1800, Ext 2. We are all excited for the 2023 golf season!

Every Sunday of summer, May 28-Sept. 3, 6:30 pm | Club members only | Free Join us for family pool time and fireside s’mores. The fire will be lit from 6:30 until 8:30 pm. Available while supplies last. This event is not open to Sierra Canyon residents.

Friday, June 9 | 7:30-10 pm

Club members only

Bring your water floats and watch either “Jaws’’ or “The Sandlot” from the Play Pool during our outdoor community movie night! The slide will be shut down and the pool deck will be for eventgoers only. This event is open to everyone - not just kids. Free. This event is not open to Sierra Canyon residents.

Saturday, June 10 | 11 am start 16-team bracket | $10 per team (teams of two)

Compete and have fun with your neighbors in this informal tournament! This tournament will be single elimination, with a prize for 1st place and 2nd place. Brackets will be displayed around the courts and will be updated after each game. This is a great opportunity to meet other members of the community who share your love for the game of pickleball. Team sign-ups will begin on May 8 on ACTIVENet. Sign-ups are limited, so secure your spot early! This event is not open to Sierra Canyon residents.

Saturday, June 17 | 5-8 pm

For our first Music of the Green of the season, we are excited to welcome The Blues Monsters to our outdoor stage on Hole 1 of Canyon Nine. The band with its monster horn section was voted the #1 blues band in North Lake Tahoe for 7 years running. With their combination of R&B, funk, jazz, and Chicago-style blues, they are sure to get everyone up on their feet and dancing!

We will also have guest food trucks and the camaraderie of your Somersett friends and neighbors. This event is free and open to ALL Somersett residents.

Saturday, June 24 | 11 am shotgun start (please arrive a few minutes early to allow time to go to your starting hole) $35 per player | Sign-ups start May 20. Single-player entry.

Join us in celebrating Somersett’s wonderful Par-3 Canyon Nine Golf Course with this fun tournament. Check out all the new course improvements and enjoy the day with your fellow neighbors. This will be a stroke-play event with Closestto-the-Pin contests on 3 separate holes. Winners of the tournament and Closest-to-the-Pin contests will receive prizes.

Drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the event and after play, participants will enjoy a meal from Somersett’s Poolside Cabana.

Sign-ups begin on May 20 on ACTIVENet. Spots are limited, so reserve your spot early! This event is open to all Somersett residents.

BBQ Night

Friday, June 30 | 6-9 pm

Club members only

Enjoy this adult-only evening at the pools and spas and watch the sunset while sipping a glass of wine. You will also enjoy a tasty BBQ and great entertainment. We will provide beer, wine, and soda. Tickets are $35, which includes everything - food, drinks, and live music.

Parents, no babysitter? No problem! We will have a program for children in the Sports Court at the same time. The price for this will be $12 per child. This event is not open to Sierra Canyon residents.

Fourth of July Bash

Tuesday, July 4 | Club members only 12-4 pm

Join us poolside as we celebrate the red, white, and blue! Enjoy tunes from a DJ and games for all ages, including water volleyball and water basketball. Please note, the Club closes at 6 pm