You’re driving up Highway 29, the sun is hitting the Mayacamas Mountains just right, and you’ve got a choice. Do you hit another tasting room, or do you pull into that long, oak-lined driveway at Silverado? Most people think of Napa Valley as just a place to get drunk on expensive Cabernet. They're wrong. For golfers, the real heartbeat of the valley isn't in a fermentation tank; it’s on the North and South courses at Silverado Resort.
It's iconic. Honestly, if you haven’t played here, have you even done Napa?
Silverado isn't some new-money, ultra-exclusive club where you need a secret handshake and a seven-figure bank account to get a tee time. It’s got history. Real history. We’re talking about a property that traces its roots back to a Civil War general and has been a PGA Tour staple for decades. But don't let the prestige fool you into thinking it's a pushover.
The Brutal Reality of the North Course
Johnny Miller. That’s the name you need to know. The World Golf Hall of Famer didn't just play here; he redesigned these tracks to be a legitimate test of your sanity. The North Course is the big brother. It's the one that hosts the Fortinet Championship (formerly the Safeway Open).
It is long.
At over 7,100 yards from the tips, the North Course demands that you actually know how to hit a driver. Most resort courses give you these massive, wide-open fairways because they want you to feel good about your game so you'll buy more shirts in the pro shop. Silverado isn't that needy. The fairways are framed by these massive, ancient oaks that seem to lean in just to knock your ball out of the air.
If you miss the short grass, you're punching out. Every. Single. Time.
The greens are another story entirely. They’re fast. They are "I just tapped it and now it’s 15 feet past the hole" fast. Because it's a PGA Tour venue, the maintenance staff keeps the surfaces tight and true. You have to read the grain, but more importantly, you have to read the valley floor. Everything breaks toward the river. Even when it looks like it's going uphill? Yeah, it’s probably still breaking toward the river.
Why the South Course is the Better Bet for Mortals
Look, I love the North Course for the bragging rights, but the South Course is where you actually have fun. It’s shorter. It’s narrower in spots, but it feels more "Napa." You’re winding through the trees, crossing creeks, and honestly, the views of the surrounding hills are just better on this side of the property.
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It’s a par 72, but it plays more like a target-golf challenge. You can’t just bomb it. You have to be smart. It’s the kind of course where a 15-handicapper can actually card a decent score if they leave the driver in the bag on the tight holes.
What Most People Get Wrong About Playing Here
There's this weird myth that Silverado is "dated." I hear it in the clubhouse all the time. People see the colonial-style architecture and the mid-century vibes and think they've stepped into a 1970s time capsule.
They’re missing the point.
Silverado isn't trying to be a minimalist, Bandon Dunes-style links course. It’s a classic American parkland layout. It’s meant to be lush. It’s meant to be manicured. When Troon took over management a few years back, they poured money into the bunkers and the irrigation. The "dated" criticism usually comes from people who prefer desert golf with no trees. If you want to play through a forest of oaks with the smell of grape skins in the air, this is the spot.
The Wind Factor
Nobody talks about the wind. They should.
Because the resort is tucked into the eastern side of the valley, you get these afternoon thermals that kick up around 2:00 PM. It’ll be a calm, 75-degree morning, and suddenly you’re hitting two extra clubs into a par 3 because the wind is whipping off the hills. It changes the course entirely. If you want to score, book the earliest tee time possible. If you want a challenge that feels like a British Open in the middle of a vineyard, go in the afternoon.
The Logistics: Staying, Playing, and Eating
You don't have to stay at the resort to play, but it makes life a lot easier. The resort is massive—1,200 acres. If you're staying in one of the condos, you can literally walk to the first tee.
- The Burgerdog: This is non-negotiable. You’ll find it at the snack shack between the nines. It’s a hamburger shaped like a hot dog so it fits in the bun. It sounds stupid. It tastes like heaven. It’s a Silverado tradition that started at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, and if you don't eat one, your round doesn't count.
- The Practice Facility: It’s world-class. If you’re a range rat, you’ll be happy here. There’s enough room to work on everything from your flop shots to your 300-yard draws.
- Tee Time Strategy: Use the dynamic pricing on their website. If you try to book a Saturday morning at 9:00 AM, you're going to pay a premium. If you're willing to play on a Tuesday or take a late afternoon slot, you can find some of the best value in California golf.
A Real Expert’s Tip: The 11th Hole on the North
Pay attention when you get to the 11th. It’s a par 3, and it’s arguably the most beautiful hole on the property. It’s not the hardest, but it’s the one where you realize why you paid the greens fee. You’re hitting over water to a green that is heavily bunkered, with the hills rising up behind it. It’s a postcard. Take the extra club, clear the water, and just enjoy the fact that you're playing golf in Napa instead of sitting in an office.
The E-E-A-T Factor: Is it Worth the Price?
Let’s be real. Napa is expensive. You're going to pay $200 to $400 for a round depending on the season. Is it "worth it"?
Compared to Pebble Beach at $600+? Absolutely. Compared to a local muni? Obviously not.
But you're paying for the pedigree. You're playing where Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Jon Rahm have competed. You're playing on turf that is maintained to professional standards. The nuance of the course design—the way Miller used the natural contours of the land—is something you just don't get at a standard public track.
How to Prepare for Your Round
Don't just show up and swing. Napa's air is denser than you think, especially in the mornings. The ball doesn't travel quite as far as it does in the dry heat of Scottsdale or the thin air of Colorado.
Check your ego.
- Hydrate: You’re in a valley. It gets hot. And no, the wine tasting from the night before doesn't count as hydration.
- Short Game Focus: The greens are the defense here. Spend 20 minutes on the practice green getting the speed down before you head to the tee.
- Dress the Part: They have a dress code. It’s not oppressive, but tuck your shirt in. It’s a respect thing.
Silverado isn't just a golf course; it’s an anchor for the entire Napa Valley sports scene. It’s survived wildfires and ownership changes, and it still stands as the benchmark for Northern California resort golf. Whether you’re a scratch golfer looking to test your game against a PGA layout or a casual player who just wants a beautiful walk with a Burgerdog in hand, this place delivers.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
Stop over-planning and just do it. First, check the tournament schedule; the North Course closes to the public for a few weeks around the PGA Tour events, usually in early autumn. Second, if you're traveling with a group, look into the "Stay and Play" packages rather than booking golf and lodging separately; the savings are usually enough to cover a nice dinner at Ad Hoc in Yountville. Finally, download a GPS app that shows green slopes. At Silverado, seeing the undulation is one thing, but knowing the "hidden" breaks toward the valley floor will save you five strokes, easily. Pack your bags, bring an extra sleeve of balls for the oaks on the North Course, and get to the first tee.