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the past year as more elements of Mar- tis Camp come together, the owners and their extended families are embrac- ing that idea.” Martis Camp is the creation of

the Arizona-based DMB Associ- ates and the Highland Management Group, which previously developed Forest Highlands in its home state and the Lahontan property that sits adjacent to the Camp. Following the land’s purchase, it took six years for the developers to work through issues with Placer County officials and environ- mental groups, the latter of which were concerned about the Martis Valley’s ecologically sensitive 45,000-acre wa- tershed. After DMB/Highlands made a few accommodations on the number of home sites and a local appreciation for the creation of construction and permanent jobs emerged the legal and regulatory barriers evaporated. “This used to be privately owned

land that was used for ranching and timber harvests, with little or no oversight,” explains Johnson. “Today, thanks to how we handle run-off from the golf course and the rest of our land, the water that flows out of the property in Martis Creek is cleaner than when it comes in. We decided early on not to fight over environmental issues, but instead have a working partnership with several local regulatory agencies and are committed to maintaining a healthier and fire-resistant forest. There are migratory corridors running through the property, and we like to think that it’s good for deer, bear, coy- otes and the occasional bobcat to have room to move through.” Martis Camp enjoys close ties with

28 NCGA Golf SPRING 2010

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its neighbor, Northstar-at-TahoeTM resort. This winter, a number of guests staying at the newly opened Ritz Car- lton hotel learned of Martis Camp, ar- ranged a tour and then become owners. Working in partnership with Northstar, Martis Camp opened a high-speed lift from the heart of the community to the top of Lookout Mountain, a decision that has added great value to both. “Getting the lift gave us direct access to incredible skiing alongside our won- derful golf experience; making Martis Camp a true four-season destination,” explains Johnson. Fazio’s dramatic course design,

which takes great advantage of natural elevation changes and stunning vistas, has earned Martis Camp rave reviews in golf architecture circles. While stretch- ing to some 7,700 yards from the tips, members play a 6,616-yard course, which because of the altitude is more like 6,300 yards at sea level. With classic bunkers that are largely invisible when one looks back at a fairway from the green, an assortment of risk and reward shot values makes Martis Camp a fasci- nating course in the Sierra. And yet, there is so much more to

Martis Camp than golf, snow-shoeing and skiing. The property includes an 18-hole Dick Bailey Putting Park, roughly 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, a large and well-stocked fish- ing pond and sporting fields for bocce ball, croquet and lawn bowling. Tennis courts, with both clay and hard surfaces,

are planned for the near future. And when the Camp’s Family Barn opened last summer (with the Camp Lodge still under construction) it quickly became the community’s social center. To simply list what’s available in the

incredibly spacious red Barn is to miss the experiential magnet that routinely draws 100 to 200 members and their guests on weekends and holidays, and more for the series of summer concerts held at the Barn’s amphitheater and concert park. Also on the Barn’s main floor is an

indoor basketball gymnasium, with a hardwood floor and glass backboards. Meanwhile, down on the lower level of the Family Barn is a two-lane bowl- ing alley that is generally in continuous use on weekends and in the summer. Upstairs is an intimate movie theater that screens current release feature films, as well as a spacious art loft that’s fully equipped with oils, water colors, crayons and the tools and media for any project imaginable. The loft is also home base for the Martis Camp Folk School. Foundations for creating memorable family traditions are the essence of Martis Camp. By design it is a rare and exclusive community, with one of the top new golf courses in the country. However, with its emphasis on mak- ing the most of quality time remain- ing, the ideal of Martis Camp is one that transfers well to any situation and circumstance, and is universally instruc- tive to all.

Jay Stuller is a California-based author, journalist and communications consultant. His work has appeared in Smithsonian, Playboy, Outside, Travel & Leisure and, among other publications,

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