{"id":1397,"date":"2014-06-15T18:19:13","date_gmt":"2014-06-15T18:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/theaposition.com\/jaystuller\/?p=1397"},"modified":"2014-06-23T13:26:24","modified_gmt":"2014-06-23T13:26:24","slug":"nakoma-has-the-wright-stuff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/jaystuller\/golf\/personalities\/1397\/nakoma-has-the-wright-stuff","title":{"rendered":"Nakoma Has The Wright Stuff"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"The<\/a>

The teepee like spires of the Nakoma clubhouse are distinctive on the Sierra skyline. Photo by Vance Fox<\/p><\/div>\n

On an elevated ridge surrounded by Sierra pines is a large structure topped by cedar and copper towers shaped vaguely like Native American teepees, which at initial glance seems an incongruous apparition in this relatively remote and sparsely populated section of Northern California\u2019s Plumas County, about 45 miles north of Truckee. \u00a0But a closer look at the 27,000-square foot building, with stacked slabs of natural stone and low-ceiling passages leading to a soaring central room with a massive four-sided fireplace, brings familiarity to anyone remotely conversant with American architecture.\u00a0 The clubhouse at the Nakoma Golf Resort and Spa<\/a> was clearly designed by the one and only Frank Lloyd Wright.<\/p>\n

How it got here, more than 40 years after the colorful architect died and nearly 80 years after he sketched the plan, is a tale as interesting as the evolution of Nakoma\u2019s golf course.<\/p>\n

Designed by the late Robin Nelson and opened in 2001, the par 72 track runs through the pines and up and down rocky terrain that sits above a gorge carved the rushing white water of the Feather River. Called The Dragon and originally marketed as \u201cThe Toughest Course in California,\u201d it indeed brought in players determined to tackle a Targaryen beast.\u00a0 Smoked like the bad guys on Game of Thrones<\/i><\/a>, few returned. \u00a0Now greatly softened – – with wider fairways, bunkers more amenable to escapes and with less severe slopes on greens – – The Dragon plays like a proper resort course, challenging and yet inspiring fun.<\/p>\n

The clubhouse is still the resort’s main anchor, and features an expansive outdoor patio that overlooks the Sierra, the forest and the Feather River far below.\u00a0 Its Wigwam Room<\/a> restaurant serves nouveau American cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, on varying schedules depending on the season, and the building includes an indoor heated current pool, a fitness room, steam room and offers spa services including massages, facials and nail care.\u00a0 Along the 10th<\/sup> fairway are 12 Villas, all of which echo the clubhouse\u2019s architectural style.\u00a0 In studio, one and two-bedroom configurations, the Villas provide overnight accommodation for public guests and members of Nakoma\u2019s Residence Club.<\/p>\n

A Chippewa word meaning, \u201cI do as I promise,\u201d Nakoma therefore calls to mind of a native American encampment. \u00a0Taken together, the facilities are a complete stay-and-play alternative to the more crowded resorts near Lake Tahoe.<\/p>\n

Dusting Off The Old Plans That Look Futuristic<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The towering fireplace and vaulted ceiling in the Wigwam Room is the breathtaking heart of the Nakoma clubhouse. Photo by Vance Fox<\/p><\/div>\n

In 1923, Frank Lloyd Wright developed the basic concept of a clubhouse for a golf course in Madison, Wisconsin.\u00a0 It was never built, and the plans remained in a drawer for nearly eight decades. Nakoma\u2019s original owners purchased the plans from Wright\u2019s legacy organization, Taliesin Architects<\/a>, a Scottsdale, Arizona firm that descended from Wright\u2019s one-time apprentices.\u00a0 Like so many of the architect\u2019s designs – – including Fallingwater and the Marin County Civic Center – – the Nakoma building reflects the surrounding landscapes, acknowledges a specific history and culture, and yet looks timelessly futuristic.<\/p>\n

All graduates of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture – – which has campuses at the original Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin, and Taliesin West, in Scottsdale, Arizona – – Wright\u2019s disciples oversaw the construction of the clubhouse.\u00a0 They also developed the designs of The Villas<\/a>, also in Wright\u2019s signature style and something of a Native American motif.<\/p>\n

For example, each Villa wraps around a central stone fireplace, just like the main room of the clubhouse.\u00a0 (Each Villa also features a private patio, hot tub or indoor sauna, and bathrooms with spa tubs and walk-in showers.)\u00a0 The roofline of the main clubhouse is in a geometric shape, and includes stained-glass windows inspired by Native American shapes, which cast color light on the stone-clad interior walls.<\/p>\n

Although Nakoma\u2019s founders got the buildings right, today\u2019s owners – – the Schomac Group<\/a> from Tucson, Arizona – – has made much needed changes to the golf course.\u00a0 Robin Nelson, who died of ALS in 2012, would very much approve.<\/p>\n

The superlative designer intended to fashion a pleasing resort course for what originally would serve residents in a private planned community. The original owner believed that a brutal course, marketed with the tag line, \u201cSend Me Your Heroes,\u201d would entice golfers from around the world.\u00a0 Although Nelson had help from LPGA Hall of Famer Patty Sheehan, the owner\u2019s desire took precedence during construction, as is true for nearly every architect in the golf business, however famous.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The 10th green at Nakoma poses clear risks and rewards. \u00a0Photo by Vance Fox<\/p><\/div>\n

Nelson never had the chance to meet the new owners, but in e-mail correspondence with me a year before his death, expressed approval of the softening.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a beautiful course,\u201d he wrote.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever they can do to make it more pleasurable for golfers will be a testament to hard work and dedicated people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rest in peace, Robin, because the player friendly course now more accurately reflects your design principles.\u00a0 Golfer will challenge The Dragon, and come back for another shot many more times.<\/p>\n

The Residence Club at Nakoma<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

There is much more to Nakoma than golf, the clubhouse, spa and the Villas.\u00a0 There are cycling trails throughout the property and nearby activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking and fishing.\u00a0 In the winter, skiing, snowshoeing and other related sports are close by.<\/p>\n

The costs here are eminently reasonable.\u00a0 Green fees range from $50 to $95 per round, while juniors paying only $35 on weekdays and $45 on weekends.<\/p>\n

One can also purchase an interest in The Residence Club at Nakoma<\/a>, or RCN, to attain a lifetime of lodging and golf privileges.\u00a0 Club members received frequent and flexible lodging during each high season, winter and summer. It not only has the advantages of vacation home ownership, but the amenities of a resort, a superb golf course and hotel services.<\/p>\n

Indeed. RCN members also receive concierge services, including housekeeping and grocery shopping while staying at the Villas, and more.\u00a0 Prices on equity fractional ownership of the Villas and Residence Club start at $49,750 and top out at $89,625, with annual membership fees ranging from roughly $5,600 to $6,600 per year.\u00a0 For more information call 800-284-8820, or click on www.residenceclubatnakoma.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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