A Unique Experience on the Links

Most golfers must learn to negotiate common golf hazards, such as sand traps, water and trees. But at the Wawona Golf Course in Yosemite National Park, the real challenge is avoiding the mule deer crossing the fairway, stopping a fox from stealing your ball or concentrating on a putt with the attentive eyes of squirrel watching.

“People are often surprised to find a well-maintained golf course in a national park,” said Kevin Sleight, the Wawona Hotel’s resident golf pro. “But right on the heels of their surprise is excitement to play a game they love in such a beautiful setting.”

Founded in June 1918, the Wawona Golf Course was the first in the Sierra and remains one of only a handful of golf courses within the boundaries of a national park. The nine-hole, par-35 course measures 3,050 yards and takes golfers through meadows and fairways carved from the surrounding Ponderosa Pine and Incense Cedar trees.

Rolling terrain and a variety of challenging holes combine to offer an exciting mountain course – complete with two par fives, three par threes and four par fours. The challenging par three holes include the eighth, which has a bunker to the right of a postage-stamp sized green, and the sixth hole, which attracts all manner of forest animals. Dubbed the “Nursery Hole,” Sleight said it’s not uncommon for golfers to encounter friendly squirrels, deer, coyotes and even bears.

Another unique feature of the Wawona Golf Course is the periscope on the 349-yard fifth tee. Its main function is to ensure the players ahead are out of range before hitting the ball, but it can also help a golf strategist plot a difficult shot that includes a blind tee and uphill approach.

With scenery and views that rival even the most picturesque courses – Pebble Beach, for example – the Wawona Golf Course has become one of the most popular activities in the Wawona area. But unlike Pebble Beach, even amateur golfers, drive-through tourists and those on a budget can take advantage of the links.

Greens fees for nine holes are $14.50 per person, with electric and caddie carts available for rent. Different tee positions allow more dedicated golfers to play a round of eighteen for only $23.60, a bargain for 18 holes.

The Wawona Golf Course is located 30 miles south of Yosemite Valley on Highway 41, and is open daily from mid-April through October (conditions permitting). For more information and tee time reservations, call the Wawona Golf Shop at 209-375-6572.

Operated by DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, the adjoining Wawona Hotel complex, with its white-washed wooden buildings, green shutters and Victorian interiors, has welcomed guests to the area since 1879.

For more information, visit www.harrisonresort.com