I had low expectations when I made our reservation to play Empire Ranch. I found many aspects of the round positive. I thought the lady running the front desk and acting as starter was very informative but firm. We were busy visiting with the strangers we were paired with and she had to prod us to tee off on #1. The driving range is grass and had big targets. There is nothing resembling a flat putt anywhere on the course. The greens were in great shape and challenging. It was a good thing they were not too fast. The rough is very lush and penal. There are deceiving visuals when teeing off on many holes. Lots of water around but not necessarily in play. The setting was serene and beautiful. Lots of wildlife. Lots of geese, an eagle or three, and a coyote even loped past us through the tee box. The biggest issue is that there is very little grass in the fairways. Which might have contributed to deceiving visuals because the green stuff was the rough and the scrabble was the fairway. They wanted us to use the 90 degree cart rule but why when there are no fairways? Our overall experience was good because the setting and the company. We just had to find some grass if we hit it in the fairway. We weren't mad that we played here. I would really like the course if there were actual fairways. We would play it again but mostly as a last resort and with our eyes wide open. Forewarned is forearmed. read more

Dont take care of this place for shit. Mosquitoes and gnats EVERYWHERE. Charge extra because they're behind on taxes. Dude in the shop is an asshole, all around a terrible golf course at a terrible price! read more

My husband and I played the Morgan Mill Executive Course today. We warmed-up on the Range and then started our game. We started early and since I'm still learning, I was really happy there were only a few golfers on the course. We ended up paying $4 for balls at the range and $15 each to play. We even got a Golf Cart for free. That was cool! Afterwards, we got a few drinks from the Clubhouse and sat outside at a shaded bench, overlooking the golf course. Awesome views!! Everyone we encountered today was friendly and helpful. Looking forward to coming back soon! read more

Empire Ranch Golf Course - Empire Ranch Golf Course. - Golf Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

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Absolutely garbage course. Not maintained at all. More dirt and mud in the fairways than grass. Staff sucks too. Old lady in the pro shop was rude and the restaurant staff operate like sloths. Wish I could give it zero stars. Will never play here again. Way more to complain about but this should get the point across. read more

Staff is rude and don't communicate. Definitely need to reevaluate who they have running the course or train the staff to treat people with more respect. read more

Booked a tee time for 11:45 today. Showed up at 11:35 and went to the club house to checkin. The old man who was about 70 years old running the pro shop was very rude. He asked me where my partner was and I said he's coming in about 5 minutes. He said we play on golf time here and I said that's fine. I asked if we were being paired up with someone and he said a single but he already teed off because your late. I told him sir its 11:40 how are we late the guy must have started early. He didn't like that response and said you need to be on the tee at 11:45 and I said ok I'll head down there now but there another group teeing off right now. He said that's because your late and I stated again that its only 11:42. This staff member should not have gone to work because he clearly has personal issues and did not want to work professionally. read more

!!!!!! WARNING !!!!!!! READ BEFORE YOU BOOK BREADING GROUND FOR MOSQUITOS We arrived in the morning to play some golf. The lady at the front desk said they just had a mosquito hatch without any option of a refund. Good thing they charged us for "mosquito wipes" that don't do Anything. You think you're fine until you get to the first tee box and get swarmed like you are the last human on earth. Then it becomes a game of how fast can I drive so you don't get to many mosquitoes bites. You think you can push through it? So did we... we didnt finish the first hole with over 10 bites. No Grace from the course, just money hungry customer service. At least the young starter Offered us more bug repellent as we were leaving. You can tell he didn't want to be there either. i Just wanted to make sure people who don't do well with mosquitoes, seriously don't waste their money here. It's seriously not worth it. read more

This course needs to be closed & redone. It is in very terrible shape, fairways are trash, tee boxes aren't even tee boxes on half the course. The employees are very nice I will say, staff was very friendly and had good conversation but the course & greens are not in the best shape. Course: 2/10 Staff: 10/10 read more

Beautiful view of the course. Crazy bad club house experience they get so mad that you are trying to spend money they shake when talking to you. It was 100$ for us to golf today because my active duty friend wife came and they said they don't do anything for the military. He yelled that we missed out our 7:50 tee time it was 7:55 and we where alone on the course for 3 hours no one neer. read more

Empire Ranch Golf Course - View - Golf Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

this course is never in even close to good condition and they charge just as much as other courses near by. The driving range is nice though since they let you hit off the grass. I wouldn't recommend playing here if you are looking for a good place to go. read more

Terrible staff. Owners should be embarrassed of the older man who works in the pro shop. Acts as if he doesnt want anyone golfing on the course which is evident by what the course offers I could have put up with him if the course was nice. Terrible course, terrible carts, terrible staff. Worst course I have ever been too no doubt. read more

Really bad conditions in course . Not worth it. Decent range. Okay food slow carts. Won't be coming again

Unless you literally want to be eaten alive by mosquitoes, don't come to this course. Sure, it's a cheaper course with some decent holes. But, at what cost? We paid for 18 holes and stayed for 2 of them. My partner and I have a combined 20+ mosquito bites on us. No fun! Not worth the mosquito infestation. read more

I live in Lake Tahoe, golf is expensive and crowded even during the week. Carson Valley is 30 minutes, it is uncrowded, less expensive and a much slower pace of life. Empire Ranch is a 35$ 18 hole muni (plus 7), that is quiet, laid back and rarely busy. The people are super friendly, and a big shout out to chef Danny for accommodating a vegetarian and making a delicious veggie wrap at the turn, for $8 by the way. Ok, Golf! 3 stars for well... a few problems. The fairways are in mediocre condition meaning, part hard pan, part swamp with a few sprinklings of turf, the place is pretty torn up, but the views are spectacular of the Carson Range! Bunkers, well... they are a relic archeological site, no sand anywhere, hard pan, and weeds, I played them as ground under repair, ok, so no resemblance of bunkers. Let's talk greens! The greens ironically were in very good condition! Soft, maybe a bit too soft, and rolled true. You can see I'm trying to be positive as well as realistic. Many single golfers out today, and we could play multiple balls due to the scarcity of other golfers, that's a plus ! I could have re-played holes as well. Wind was mild which is rare for Carson valley, and a good thing because my low stinger was not in the bag. So, great people, low cost, no crowds, good greens. Crappy fairways, bunkers and standing water, mud, etc. Great people and I recommend the spinach wrap veggie sandwich. read more

Nice course. Professional staff! I'll go back. There are several really challenging holes. read more

The course is surrounded by beautiful mountains on all sides. Very picturesque with fun wildlife. We do not like that there are no garbage cans along the course which made for more littering near the bathroom areas. Plant life made it almost impossible to retrieve any lost ball after roughly a foot into the trap (it takes a lot of balls to play this course ;). The bathrooms were surprisingly neat with heaters during the cold season. We are interested in seeing the course improvements during peak season. read more

Empire Ranch Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

If I could give this place zero stars I would. Went there this evening to hit the range with my two sons. Trying to teach them the game the man running the pro shop told me I could only purchase one bucket of range balls. I asked if I could purchase two buckets so that I could teach my sons without them fighting over golf balls. He told me that I could come back and get another. I told my wife to go in there when she got there to get a bucket and he snapped at her because she was with me saying I told him only one bucket. Locked the door when my son walked by thinking he was going to walk in there. This place is a joke and wish that people wouldn't golf there. Trash customer service. read more

First time here. We were forewarned by the pro shop that the course was flooded about 2 years ago and some parts were not dried out. This course kicked our butts with a variety of challenges that kept us on our toes. We will be back next year for redemption! The staff and the tractor mowers were courteous and very friendly. You can tell that the workers are working hard to get the course back in shape. read more

I was actually quite pleasantly surprised for the price. The staff was friendly, the course was laid out nicely, and it was easy to navigate for someone playing for the first time. A few things were a bit frustrating, and I guess this is the part where you get what you pay for. First, the grass was so tall on the course and so in need of mowing, that I lost multiple balls on GREAT shots that went straight on the fairway and should have been a breeze to find. That was quite frustrating, to hit a great shot, spend a while looking for my ball in the middle of the course, only to have to play a new ball. I went through 10+ balls on the course, without hitting any truly egregious shots. And I saw tons of other people doing the same thing, riding or walking in circles, trying to find balls that should have been obvious, in very tall grass. So bring lots of extra golf balls if you play here. Another frustrating thing was that people without reservations kept cutting in. There were two guys who didn't meet any dress code and had no reservation time who cut right in front of me. When I asked what time slot they had, they said "we don't have one, whatever." So that delayed my start time and pace of play which was frustrating. The staff in the pro shop was super friendly but definitely could have used someone out on the course. Overall though, this was the best price i've ever played a round of golf for, so I feel like I really can't complain! read more

This is an update based on one round in August 2014. First and foremost the front desk staff were extremely friendly. He accommodated my requests and sent me out quickly. Despite the fact that we have some recent heavy rains the course played well. Afternoon green fees very reasonable. Glad I gave course a second chance. read more

We called the day before and made a tee time. We made it clear we had about 8 players who needed rental clubs and wanted to exceed a foursome. We drove 30 minutes from Reno, paid our green fees, and then were told after paying there were only 3 sets of rental clubs (One lefty two righty). We made the best of it by playing best ball, sharing clubs, and letting any parties behind us play through at the tee boxes. (Anyone who golfs knows that sharing clubs and/or having more than 4 per party is almost always prohibited due to pace problems). After three holes, the Pro shop employee chased us down and revoked the "special permission" to exceed a foursome. Four people shared one bag of righties, three shared the other, and thankfully the "bachelor" had the lefty all to himself. Other thoughts: - Pro shop employee could not do the math and double charged one patron. - After paying up and being told to grab our carts with clubs on them, we waited 30 minutes before walking into the employee only area ourselves to ask for clubs. - Course was in terrible shape and full of mud patches and dried up lakes, rough greens and destroyed cart paths. Although it was mid-March so end of winter could be to blame. Bottom Line: Worst golf I have ever played for an albeit cheap price of $30. Look elsewhere in Nevada for a good time golfing, spend a little extra money and you'll be happy you did. read more

So if you are visiting the area and want to play golf, play somewhere else. The course is not in the best condition. They have huge reeds and bushes which block your view. I am sure if you play the course a few times, it is easier to figure out. The staff was nice and the grass range and practive area were nice. I just wouldn't suggest playing here if it is going to be once or twice. read more

This course is nice and easy, but the greens are in terrible shape. It will be nice if they at least tell you the just irrigated. Good for $25 buck I guess. read more

Empire Ranch Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

Went here to get lunch and ended up having an amazing day playing golf! Highly recommend!

We play over Labor Day weekend. It should be the best time for conditions. We checked in and there was ambivalence in the shop. Hit some balls on the muddy unmowed range. Teed off on the worst conditioned course in my life. I am 70 and have been playing since was a kid. Unmowed fairways with GIR' s the size of Greens in the tee shot landing areas. The bunkers we're mud. The greens we're slow, bumpy with weed patches. There were fairway areas that were closed for "resending" but were weeds; not a blade of grass to be seen. We paid $25 including cart and it was not a value. Finished the round and passed one of about three staff around and they didn't ask about our day. I am sure they knew the answer from experience. If all you want to do is drink beer and don't care it might be ok. read more

Parts of the course are in great shape ( lots of rain earlier this year), but parts are a little rough due to the flooding. They are working hard to get it back in shape. Love this course, just need some time before it is back looking great. read more

This course offers great bang for the buck. The beautiful views of the eastern slope of the Sierras and the Carson River are also worthy of noting. This facility has 3 separate 9 hole courses which can be mixed and matched depending on the day. The practice range is all grass which is another rarity these days. The drive from Reno takes about 45 minutes. Empire is not a difficult course but it does offer some challenges and there are some tricky water hazards. But the ample fairways make this a great course for the beginner to intermediate player. read more

I love playing this course. Staff are friendly, courteous, helpful. Will do their best to get you on the course even at the last minute. The course looks better and better all the time. Probably not the best to talk about conditions but I always find it challenging at my level. It's great that there are actually 3 courses to choose from that keeps it interesting. Would recommend this course to anyone that wants a fun and friendly atmosphere while enjoing a round of golf! read more

I have played golf at Empire Ranch Golf Course for about twenty years and find that all the Employees are extremely helpful, friendly and polite. I realize that some of the other reviews made were not very complimentary; but what do you expect from primadonnas. The course is not in the best shape, what do you expect from the kind of flood they had in 2017, so instead of bad mouthing the course support it I am sure it will be appreciated. read more

Cheap is not always valuable. Low greens fees and great views on the course, BUT staff is rude and customer service is worse. Course not kept very well and marked very poorly. All sorts of dried up old water hazards and dead growth. An overall crude golf experience that could only have been lifted with lots of alcohol, but there was no cart-girl. I'd gladly have paid more to be elsewhere. read more

For the price Empire Ranch Golf is an excellent value. Obviously winter time you have to expect not a prime condition, but once spring sets in the course is a lot of fun to play and has always been in good condition once the winter rust wears off. Twilight rates are excellent and speed of play is usually good. Whenever we come to Carson city we always play here and are never disappointed. The 3 nines also add variety to the course and recommend you play all three if you can. read more

Horribly maintained, poor service, bad carts, opens pro shop late, no mats so if there's frost and you're first or second up you will not be practicing period(their grumpy maintenance man will remind you every 5 minutes no joke)... you also have to drive around the course to random holes from their three 9 hole courses to piece together 18 holes with a par of 68. It's not worth your time, at least until they improve operations. Too many awesome courses around. read more

Great service at check in and at bar. The course is okay- we had fun and found some holes challenging. One criticism would be that there are many areas "under repair" and these spots make it super difficult to find your ball. That said, the price is right and our group of 7 enjoyed the round. read more

Really open golf course, a great place to work on long drives, I feel like they have way better grass quality than Carson valley . Also the micro terrain makes for some tricky shots , great clubhouse and good burgers and fries, I go back all the time and it's the best deal in the valley! read more

I have nothing to say that is positive about this place. I was invited to play this course as part of a three-day tournament sponsored by Gold Dust West Casino (GDW) in Carson City. Our tournament at Empire started at 8:00 am on the third day. This place was almost completely void of long-term maintenance. The layout exhibited significant weed infestation probably from poor uneven watering practices throughout. The fairways were a mix of barren soil, dry turf and plowed soil areas. The greens were fungus ridden, bumpy and grainy with barren patches. A staff person decided to start mowing the greens at around 9:30 am. So we got the added benefit of crappy unmowed greens to start followed by crappy mowed greens to finish. I was really angry that the GDW coordinator kept this crappy black hole a secret from us. read more

Course wasn't in bad shape...but the staff were greedy....started at 9 am had to play through two five somes....and then came upon another two.....when advised the pro the only thing he could say was curious......evidently he was just trying to cram as much play as possible in............won't play there again read more

Played for the first time today, pleasant staff in the pro shop. tee off at 9:30. Play was prompt for the first nine then caught up to a fivesome on the tenth. Left the course on the 12th due to extremely slow play. anyone who puts fivesome out on the course are inconsiderate of all others players on the course. read more

Play here often. A couple years ago it was not worth the time,however what a difference now this course is in great condition and the maintenance staff is always making some sort of improvements. Its the best value in carson. If you played in the past when it was bad you should come back you won't believe the difference. read more

This course is definitely off the beaten track, tucked quietly between the Carson river to the east and beautiful custom homes set on a ridge to the west. Further west, the majestic Sierras are ever watchful from every part of the golf course. I was a little weary playing here due to the inexpensive green fees and the scuttlebutt I've heard regarding the flooding that put some of the fairways under water the last two winters. Nonetheless, as a two to three time a week duffer I decided to tee it up. My first impression upon arrival was my surprise that a golf course was even here. Though off of Highway 50 only about a mile, I felt a serenity I only get when playing courses far from big population centers. That was a good start. I checked into the pro shop and was greeted warmly by a pleasant older gent who explained the course layout since (at the time) not all 27 holes were playable due to water damage. After that I thought it wise to get supplies from Mallard's, the restaurant adjacent to the pro shop. A very friendly lady with a cool looking blonde and brown streaked hairdo set me up with cold beer and cart snacks togo. Stage 2 complete. Next stop: Driving range. I put a range token I had purchased into the ball dispenser and got a small bucket of mostly new rangers and stepped between two marked ropes on well manicured grass. Awesome since I prefer grass over mats. After my warm up I headed to an open tee box on the Blue course and swung away onto an open fairway. Boom! Regulation City baby! In fact I never noticed much flood damage on the blue course. Indeed, the greens were cut, rolled and fast. Even when I played the five holes on the red course and the four holes on the white course, which took the brunt of the flooding, overall health of the fairways and greens weren't half bad. I also noticed the holes that weren't open yet were starting to look playable again. I know that my five star rating for Empire Ranch may be blasphemous for the hardcore purists, but for the price, for the scenery and seclusion while still close to civilization, I will play here again while recommending it to my mates. I also look forward to the summer when more of the course will be ready for play. read more

We just finished playing Empire Ranch for the first time! We were concerned after reading a yelp review on here about rude staff and a bad course, but we had a tee time already booked and we were coming from Reno. What a nice experience. The head golf pro greeted us warmly and made us feel at home. The course for the dead of winter was really fun! The greens were a very sweet surpise. Actually had some speed and a pretty true roll! We WILL be back, definately!!!!! Rates we VERY affordable for the quality of the golf! read more