10 great Lake Tahoe golf course
By Marnie McArthur, tahoe.com
Lake Tahoe has many spectacular golf courses known for their beauty and challenge. With input from avid local golfers, we’ve selected a variety of 10 must-play courses that offer golfing challenge and pleasure for all levels of ability. We can’t guarantee that your ball will fly farther in the thin mountain air, but if you believe (as we do) that Lake Tahoe is a paradise, then golf in this kingdom is surely heaven on earth.
Edgewood Tahoe
Set along the south shore of Lake Tahoe – the last three holes border the lake – Edgewood is one of the most scenic golf courses in the world and a challenging but fair test of golfers of all ability levels. Rated by Golf Digest as one of "America's Top Golf Courses,” Edgewood’s rich past and present includes hosting the U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Public Links Championship, and the annual Celebrity Golf Championship, featuring some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. The19th hole, otherwise known as Brooks Golf Bar & Deck, has been named by Golf Digest as one of the 50 best 19th holes in America.
• Course Designer: George Fazio
• Details: 18 holes; 72 par; multiple tees; yardage, 5567 to 7445; slope, 136 to 144; ratings, 71.3 to 75.5.
• Rates: Weekday (Mon – Fri) $140 - $220; Weekend (Fri – Sun) $160 - $235; Twilight Weekday, $100 - $160; Twilight weekend, $120- $180. (Check website for specific dates where rates apply.)
• Amenities: rentals, restaurant/bar/practice facilities
• Location: Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV (775) 588-3566
Resort at Squaw Creek Championship Course
Surrounded by six majestic Sierra peaks at the base of Squaw Valley USA, this links-style course offers a challenging field of play along mountain and meadow terrain. Designed with careful handling of the environment, the course preserves the unique beauty, natural wetlands, and wildlife habitat of Squaw Valley. Audubon International has recognized the course as a Certified Cooperative Sanctuary year after year. Hit the ball straight here so as not to endanger the wildlife!
• Course Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
• Details: 18 holes; 71 par; three tees; yardage 5097 to 6931; slope, 132 to 143; ratings, 69.0 to 72.9.
• Rates: Sun – Thurs, $90 - $100; Fri & Sat, $100 - $115; Twilight, $60
• Amenities: Rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar
• Location: 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley, CA (800) 403-4434
Genoa Lakes Course
Luxury and performance are the name of the game on the Lakes Course, a links-style course where rolling fairways meet head-on with the eastern slopes of the dramatic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Lush wetlands and the winding Carson River bring water into 14 holes of play, making long, straight drives the order of the day. The course is open year round and is just a 20-minute drive over Kingsbury Grade (Hwy 207), making it a must-play for anyone at South Lake Tahoe.
• Course Designers: Peter Jacobsen and John Harbottle III
• Details: 18 holes; 72 par; multiple tees; yardage, 5078 to 7359; slope, 119 to 133; ratings, 67.0 to 74.6.
• Rates: Weekday range (Mon – Thurs) $55 - $100; Weekend range (Fri – Sun) $65 - $120; Twilight Weekday, $70; Twilight Weekend, $85. See the website for rates by months.
• Amenities: driving range, rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar, practice facilities.
• Location: 1 Genoa Lakes Dr, Genoa, NV (775) 782-4653
Championship Course
Following a $13-million renovation in 2003/2004, the Championship Course was named one of the top ten best courses in the state of Nevada by Golf Digest Magazine. It offers tightly cut fairways bordered by towering pines, demanding accuracy as well as distance. Golfers face bunkered greens and lateral water hazards on almost every hole of this challenging course.
• Course Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
• Details: 18 holes; 72 par; multiple tees; yardage, 5218 to 7106; slope, 129 to 144; ratings, 69.7 to 74.1..
• Rates: Weekdays & Weekends, $164 - $174; Twilight, $99.
• Note: Residents of Incline Village and their guests receive special rates.
• Special offer: Play both Incline Village courses for $199.
• Amenities: driving range, rentals, restaurant/bar, bar carts, practice facilities, golf shop
• Location: 955 Fairway Blvd., Incline Village, NV (866) 925-4653
Mountain Course
The best kept secret of Lake Tahoe golf, this mountainous executive course demands more accuracy than distance. Shot-making skills are necessary to navigate the terrain that includes sloping landing areas among pines and babbling brooks. Every hole has its own creativity and character and many have incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. It is one of three Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary courses in Nevada by Audubon International.
• Course Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
• Details: 18 holes; 58 par; two tees; yardage, 3303 to 3513; slope, 85 to 105; ratings, 57.0 to 58.0.
• Rates: Weekdays (M-Thu) $52-$64; Weekends (Fri – Sun) $64 -$67; Twilight, $41 - $44
• Note: Residents of Incline Village and their guests receive special rates.
• Special offer: Play both Incline Village courses for $199.
• Amenities: lessons, restaurant/bar
• Location: 690 Wilson Way, Incline Village, NV (866) 925-4653
Lake Tahoe Golf Course
Just minutes from the South Shore Casinos, Lake Tahoe Golf Course is Lake Tahoe's best championship golf value. Located in a mountain meadow surrounded by the High Sierras, this spectacular 18-hole course will challenge golfers of all levels. There are different rates for walking or cart riding and you can walk the back 9 for just $25. Those looking to fine-tune their game, can also take advantage of the practice facilities and driving range.
• Course Designer: Larry Mancour
• Details: 18 holes; 71 par; multiple tees; yardage, 6160 to 6741; slope, 116 to 126; ratings, 68.8 to 70.8
• Rates: Regular riding $80, walking, $55; Twilight riding, $60, walking, $45.
• Amenities: driving range, rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar, practice facilities.
• Location: 2500 Emerald Bay Rd., South Lake Tahoe, CA (530) 577-0788
Old Brockway
Old Brockway Golf Course is a Lake Tahoe golf tradition, the site of the 1st Bing Crosby Golf Tournament 1934 - 1935. It was built by Harry Comstock and Scottish architect John Duncan Dunn, one of the premiere golf course architects of his era. The course has more than 3,400 yards of quality golfing, including two par 5 holes. The tight fairways and the postage stamp greens are reminiscent of golf in an era gone by. The business is family owned and proudly applies organic management practices. It was the 1st 9-hole golf course in country to become an Audubon cooperative sanctuary.
• Course Designer: John Duncan Dunn
• Details: 9 holes; 72 par; yardage, 349 to 414; slope, 113 to 125; ratings, 66.9 to 69.8.
• Rates: 9 holes, $40; 18 holes, $68. Twilight, $30. Cart rental is additional. 9 holes, $17; 18 holes, $26.
• Amenities: driving range, restaurant/bar.
• Location: 7900 N. Lake Blvd., King's Beach, CA (530) 546-9909
Old Greenwood
This challenging and scenic course is 18 holes of perfection, nestled among 600 acres of towering pines and surrounded by beautiful mountain vistas. Old Greenwood was rated No. 4 among America's finest new "Upscale Public Courses" by Golf Digest in 2005. Golf Magazine rated it one of the 10 Best New Public-Access Courses in the Country in February 2005.
• Course Designer: Jack Nicklaus Signature Course
• Details: 18 holes; 72 par; multiple tees; yardage, 5419 to 7518; slope, 129 to 149; ratings, 70.8 to 75.8.
• Rates: Weekday & Weekend, $185; Twilight, $100.
• Amenities: driving range, rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar, practice facilities
• Location: 12915 Fairway Drive, Truckee, CA to 530-550-7010.
Plumas Pines
The name says it all, towering pines and spectacular scenery in the beautiful Feather River Canyon just an hour’s drive from Truckee along Hwy 70. Plumas Pines has many great golf holes, including No. 13, the signature hole where surrounding mountains are reflected in the lake. Longboards restaurant is a destination for great food and relaxing after a round. Several golf courses nearby (Graeagle Meadows, Grizzly Ranch, Nakoma Golf Resort, and Whitehawk Ranch) plus cabins, condos, and motel rooms, make this area an attractive golf get-away for the whole family.
• Course Designer: Homer Flint
• Statistics: 18 hole; 72 par; three tees; yardage, 5246 to 6421; slope, 125 to 132; ratings, 70.5 to 71.3.
• Rates: Weekday (Mon -Fri) $80; Weekend (Sat-Sun) $95; Twilght Weekday, $45; Twilght Weekend, $55; 9 holes: Weekdays, $45; Weekend, $55.
• Amenities: driving range, rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar, practice facilities
• Location: 402 Popular Valley Rd., Graeagle, CA (530) 836-1420
Coyote Moon hole No. 12
In a magnificent setting of towering pines, granite outcroppings, and beautiful Trout Creek, Coyote Moon Golf Course feels worlds away from civilization and each hole seems a world unto itself. The course is a challenging yet extremely fair test of golf skill. Greens are not bunkered and rolling grass mounds provide the challenge to get up and down. Every type of shot will be necessary for a golfer to successfully navigate this course.
• Course Designer: Brad Bell
• Details: 18 holes; 72 par; two tees; yardage, 6211 to 6704; slope 130 to 134; ratings 69.1 to 71.1.
• Rates: Weekday & Weekend, $160, Twilight, $100
• Amenities: rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar, practice facilities
• Location: 10685 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA (530) 587-0886
Edgewood Tahoe
Set along the south shore of Lake Tahoe – the last three holes border the lake – Edgewood is one of the most scenic golf courses in the world and a challenging but fair test of golfers of all ability levels. Rated by Golf Digest as one of "America's Top Golf Courses,” Edgewood’s rich past and present includes hosting the U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Public Links Championship, and the annual Celebrity Golf Championship, featuring some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. The19th hole, otherwise known as Brooks Golf Bar & Deck, has been named by Golf Digest as one of the 50 best 19th holes in America.
• Course Designer: George Fazio
• Details: 18 holes; 72 par; multiple tees; yardage, 5567 to 7445; slope, 136 to 144; ratings, 71.3 to 75.5.
• Rates: Weekday (Mon – Fri) $140 - $220; Weekend (Fri – Sun) $160 - $235; Twilight Weekday, $100 - $160; Twilight weekend, $120- $180. (Check website for specific dates where rates apply.)
• Amenities: rentals, restaurant/bar/practice facilities
• Location: Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV (775) 588-3566
Resort at Squaw Creek Championship Course
Surrounded by six majestic Sierra peaks at the base of Squaw Valley USA, this links-style course offers a challenging field of play along mountain and meadow terrain. Designed with careful handling of the environment, the course preserves the unique beauty, natural wetlands, and wildlife habitat of Squaw Valley. Audubon International has recognized the course as a Certified Cooperative Sanctuary year after year. Hit the ball straight here so as not to endanger the wildlife!
• Course Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
• Details: 18 holes; 71 par; three tees; yardage 5097 to 6931; slope, 132 to 143; ratings, 69.0 to 72.9.
• Rates: Sun – Thurs, $90 - $100; Fri & Sat, $100 - $115; Twilight, $60
• Amenities: Rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar
• Location: 400 Squaw Creek Road, Olympic Valley, CA (800) 403-4434
Genoa Lakes Course
Luxury and performance are the name of the game on the Lakes Course, a links-style course where rolling fairways meet head-on with the eastern slopes of the dramatic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Lush wetlands and the winding Carson River bring water into 14 holes of play, making long, straight drives the order of the day. The course is open year round and is just a 20-minute drive over Kingsbury Grade (Hwy 207), making it a must-play for anyone at South Lake Tahoe.
• Course Designers: Peter Jacobsen and John Harbottle III
• Details: 18 holes; 72 par; multiple tees; yardage, 5078 to 7359; slope, 119 to 133; ratings, 67.0 to 74.6.
• Rates: Weekday range (Mon – Thurs) $55 - $100; Weekend range (Fri – Sun) $65 - $120; Twilight Weekday, $70; Twilight Weekend, $85. See the website for rates by months.
• Amenities: driving range, rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar, practice facilities.
• Location: 1 Genoa Lakes Dr, Genoa, NV (775) 782-4653
Championship Course
Following a $13-million renovation in 2003/2004, the Championship Course was named one of the top ten best courses in the state of Nevada by Golf Digest Magazine. It offers tightly cut fairways bordered by towering pines, demanding accuracy as well as distance. Golfers face bunkered greens and lateral water hazards on almost every hole of this challenging course.
• Course Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
• Details: 18 holes; 72 par; multiple tees; yardage, 5218 to 7106; slope, 129 to 144; ratings, 69.7 to 74.1..
• Rates: Weekdays & Weekends, $164 - $174; Twilight, $99.
• Note: Residents of Incline Village and their guests receive special rates.
• Special offer: Play both Incline Village courses for $199.
• Amenities: driving range, rentals, restaurant/bar, bar carts, practice facilities, golf shop
• Location: 955 Fairway Blvd., Incline Village, NV (866) 925-4653
Mountain Course
The best kept secret of Lake Tahoe golf, this mountainous executive course demands more accuracy than distance. Shot-making skills are necessary to navigate the terrain that includes sloping landing areas among pines and babbling brooks. Every hole has its own creativity and character and many have incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. It is one of three Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary courses in Nevada by Audubon International.
• Course Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
• Details: 18 holes; 58 par; two tees; yardage, 3303 to 3513; slope, 85 to 105; ratings, 57.0 to 58.0.
• Rates: Weekdays (M-Thu) $52-$64; Weekends (Fri – Sun) $64 -$67; Twilight, $41 - $44
• Note: Residents of Incline Village and their guests receive special rates.
• Special offer: Play both Incline Village courses for $199.
• Amenities: lessons, restaurant/bar
• Location: 690 Wilson Way, Incline Village, NV (866) 925-4653
Lake Tahoe Golf Course
Just minutes from the South Shore Casinos, Lake Tahoe Golf Course is Lake Tahoe's best championship golf value. Located in a mountain meadow surrounded by the High Sierras, this spectacular 18-hole course will challenge golfers of all levels. There are different rates for walking or cart riding and you can walk the back 9 for just $25. Those looking to fine-tune their game, can also take advantage of the practice facilities and driving range.
• Course Designer: Larry Mancour
• Details: 18 holes; 71 par; multiple tees; yardage, 6160 to 6741; slope, 116 to 126; ratings, 68.8 to 70.8
• Rates: Regular riding $80, walking, $55; Twilight riding, $60, walking, $45.
• Amenities: driving range, rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar, practice facilities.
• Location: 2500 Emerald Bay Rd., South Lake Tahoe, CA (530) 577-0788
Old Brockway
Old Brockway Golf Course is a Lake Tahoe golf tradition, the site of the 1st Bing Crosby Golf Tournament 1934 - 1935. It was built by Harry Comstock and Scottish architect John Duncan Dunn, one of the premiere golf course architects of his era. The course has more than 3,400 yards of quality golfing, including two par 5 holes. The tight fairways and the postage stamp greens are reminiscent of golf in an era gone by. The business is family owned and proudly applies organic management practices. It was the 1st 9-hole golf course in country to become an Audubon cooperative sanctuary.
• Course Designer: John Duncan Dunn
• Details: 9 holes; 72 par; yardage, 349 to 414; slope, 113 to 125; ratings, 66.9 to 69.8.
• Rates: 9 holes, $40; 18 holes, $68. Twilight, $30. Cart rental is additional. 9 holes, $17; 18 holes, $26.
• Amenities: driving range, restaurant/bar.
• Location: 7900 N. Lake Blvd., King's Beach, CA (530) 546-9909
Old Greenwood
This challenging and scenic course is 18 holes of perfection, nestled among 600 acres of towering pines and surrounded by beautiful mountain vistas. Old Greenwood was rated No. 4 among America's finest new "Upscale Public Courses" by Golf Digest in 2005. Golf Magazine rated it one of the 10 Best New Public-Access Courses in the Country in February 2005.
• Course Designer: Jack Nicklaus Signature Course
• Details: 18 holes; 72 par; multiple tees; yardage, 5419 to 7518; slope, 129 to 149; ratings, 70.8 to 75.8.
• Rates: Weekday & Weekend, $185; Twilight, $100.
• Amenities: driving range, rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar, practice facilities
• Location: 12915 Fairway Drive, Truckee, CA to 530-550-7010.
Plumas Pines
The name says it all, towering pines and spectacular scenery in the beautiful Feather River Canyon just an hour’s drive from Truckee along Hwy 70. Plumas Pines has many great golf holes, including No. 13, the signature hole where surrounding mountains are reflected in the lake. Longboards restaurant is a destination for great food and relaxing after a round. Several golf courses nearby (Graeagle Meadows, Grizzly Ranch, Nakoma Golf Resort, and Whitehawk Ranch) plus cabins, condos, and motel rooms, make this area an attractive golf get-away for the whole family.
• Course Designer: Homer Flint
• Statistics: 18 hole; 72 par; three tees; yardage, 5246 to 6421; slope, 125 to 132; ratings, 70.5 to 71.3.
• Rates: Weekday (Mon -Fri) $80; Weekend (Sat-Sun) $95; Twilght Weekday, $45; Twilght Weekend, $55; 9 holes: Weekdays, $45; Weekend, $55.
• Amenities: driving range, rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar, practice facilities
• Location: 402 Popular Valley Rd., Graeagle, CA (530) 836-1420
Coyote Moon hole No. 12
In a magnificent setting of towering pines, granite outcroppings, and beautiful Trout Creek, Coyote Moon Golf Course feels worlds away from civilization and each hole seems a world unto itself. The course is a challenging yet extremely fair test of golf skill. Greens are not bunkered and rolling grass mounds provide the challenge to get up and down. Every type of shot will be necessary for a golfer to successfully navigate this course.
• Course Designer: Brad Bell
• Details: 18 holes; 72 par; two tees; yardage, 6211 to 6704; slope 130 to 134; ratings 69.1 to 71.1.
• Rates: Weekday & Weekend, $160, Twilight, $100
• Amenities: rentals, lessons, restaurant/bar, practice facilities
• Location: 10685 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA (530) 587-0886
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