As its name implies, Sierra Sage Golf Course is a venerable old track that is set on native sagebrush-covered terrain in northwest Reno near Stead Airport. The second of two courses owned by Washoe County, Sierra Sage is operated by a golf management company headed by well-known and popular Reno PGA professional Mike Mazzaferri and his wife, Denise, also a PGA professional. The layout is an old-school design, and the predominant features are small mounded greens that can be a challenge to hit in regulation. The course is open year-round weather permitting.
The front nine was built by the U.S. Air Force in 1960 as Stead Golf Course for use of personnel at Stead Air Force Base. When the base was phased out in the middle 1960s, Washoe County took over operations; the county purchased it in 1966 and renamed it Sierra Sage. The back nine was added in 1970.
The course is of moderate length at 6,535 yards from the back tees and is very walker-friendly. The Mazzaferris are known for innovation and family- and junior-friendly golf programs. The course has several other tees designed for family and junior play. Green fees are very affordable and include walking and riding options at several levels. For the younger or more adventuresome set, Sierra Sage is the only local course that offers GolfBoards, a unique new way to get around a golf course. A solo rider stands upright on the board holding his club golf bag and can choose two speeds to surf the course. Check out the course website to learn about this fun new way to play as there are registration and waiver requirements.
Sierra Sage has an excellent practice center with high-quality turf tees for hitting balls from individual stations. There are also two large practice putting greens and a two-hole practice area, which have several green side bunkers and opportunities to hit any kind of shot up to 135 yards long. A complete lesson and instruction program with many individual and group options is available. A full-service pro shop, restaurant and club room complete the golf experience at Sierra Sage. For locals Sierra Sage also offers thriving Men's and Women's Golf Clubs for tournaments and camaraderie.
