Detailed description of Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort
Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort is a Resort 18 hole golf course located in Death Valley, California.
Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort golf course first opened for play in 1931. The course underwent a major renovation in 1997 by golf course architect Perry Dye.
Furnace Creek Golf Course is the world's lowest elevation golf course, at 214 feet below sea level. This is truly an oasis course, providing great California desert resort golf, a unique golf vacation and an ideal winter getaway. Due to the elevation of the course, slightly greater gravity and barometric pressure forces are present that add to the player's challenge. Frequent golfers have noticed a distinct difference in how the ball responds in relation to other courses at or above sea level.
Par for the course is 70. From the back tees the course plays to 6,236 yards. From the forward tees the course measures 4,724 yards. The longest hole on the course is # 5, a par-5 that plays to 573 yards. The shortest hole on the course is # 4, a par-3 that plays to 152 yards from the back tees.
Watch out for # 6, a 440 yard par-4 challenge and the #1 handicap hole on the course. The easiest hole is # 13, a 334 yard par-4.
Furnace Creek Golf Course was recently recognized by Golf Digest magazine in their list of "America's 50 Toughest Courses."
The Furnace Creek Resort is situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This is one resort with two hotels - the historic, 4-diamond, 66 room Inn at Furnace Creek and the more family oriented 224 room Ranch at Furnace Creek.
This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and an oasis with it's 18-hole golf course.
$51 (cart not included), played on Sunday, March 2012 at 6am
We came to Furnace Creek because it's the lowest course in altitude in the world plus located in Death Valley. It was cool playing here because of that. Considering its location, it was a better course than anticipated. Some very good holes, especially on the front 9. Some great scenery. Back 9 rather plane. Fairways were a little thin in spots. Grass on the greens is rather coarse, resulting in slow and rather lumpy putting. Very good outdoor snack bar.
$26 (cart included), played on Sunday, May 2011 at 10am
Been going to Furnace Crk with guys for 30 yrs, ride our motorcycles, rent clubs (decent clubs). Great ambience, not crowded, laid back. Not that hard of a course, plays longer than yardage says because of lower altitude. Because of schedules went latter this year (late May), so summer (off season); cheaper rate, greens were sanded; but my favorite, 19th hole (outside bar, bugers) that looks out over 18th hole with the Panamite range in background is one of the greatest views, was closed for the summer. Definitely go during winter season (early/Sept - early/May). Have to play it at least once in your life to say you played the "lowest golf course in the world."
$21 (cart included), played on Monday, October 2008 at noon
Inasmuch as it was still summer there (the rates went up the next week), it was in great shape & there was no one else there. I actually went back the next day from Las Vegas. The front is considerably more interesting than the back as it is further away from the facilities (i.e. much more scenic.) As I was there during the off season the snack bar was closed. I plan to go back this September. As I play here in Phoenix year round the heat wasn't really an issue. In any case be sure to bring a serious supply of water. Needless to say the trip in through Death Valley is truly spectacular.
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$41 (cart included), played on Wednesday, December 1969 at 8:00 AM
Furnace Creek provides everyone the chance to play one of the most unique golf courses in the world. The views are stunning, but more than the golf is the chance to hang out in Death Valley National Park.
I play annually in late Oct/early Nov. with a large group for a tourney.
The staff is great and the hotel very accommodating. Food and beverages are a little pricey but your in a National Park. The pool at the hotel is wonderful. Great place for the family to relax if they don't golf. Bucket list golf course.