Best Places to Golf in Lake Tahoe
Top Golf Courses In Lake Tahoe
While Lake Tahoe might be primarily known as a winter destination due to its abundance of ski areas and snow activities, there’s one thing that locals and travelers alike enjoy once the snow has melted and the greenery has sprung up: golfing. And with an abundance of golf courses dotted in various places around the lake (there’s more than 10 in the area), there’s plenty of options to choose from that will please even the most discerning of golfers.
From huge and luxurious 18-hole courses with incredible lake views to 9-hole family-run establishments that recall the bygone days of golfing history, you can’t go wrong with any of Lake Tahoe’s golfing facilities. Today, we’ll dive into some of the best places to golf while you’re spending time in Lake Tahoe.
Old Brockway Golf Course - Tahoe Vista
For golfers who are looking for a small-yet challenging course that’s chock full of history and unbelievable views, head on over to the Old Brockway Golf Course, located just outside of Kings Beach in beautiful Tahoe Vista. This family-run establishment has been a staple of the Lake Tahoe golf community since its inception way back in 1924, when it was shaped using only the labor of horses and human hands. The course also welcomed many celebrities in its heyday, with visits from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin as well as a tournament hosted by Bing Crosby from 1934-1935.
Entering this course is like stepping back into a bygone era, where golf carts were a nonexistent dream and hickory-shafted clubs were the equipment of the day. Filled with tight fairways and minimal distances between holes, Old Brockway is perfect for golfers who want a laid-back game for a great value while visiting the North Lake Tahoe area.
Tahoe City Golf Course - Tahoe City
One of the longest-running golf courses in the Lake Tahoe area, the Tahoe City Golf Course was first established way back in 1918, when it was designed by May “Queenie” Dunn Hupfel, who also served as a golf pro and manager of the course. In 1928, the 6-hole sandy course was upgraded to 9 holes and over 2700 yards of green to play on, and it has stayed that way ever since.
This family-friendly course, like Old Brockway, also hosted many celebrities back in its heyday, with the likes of Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Sammy Davis Jr. trying their luck out on the green. Today, the Tahoe City Golf Course is known as one of the best public golf courses in the area, with constant improvements and upgrades happening every year. For those who want to get some time in on the links during a Lake Tahoe vacation, you can’t go wrong with this fantastic and affordable golf course.
Incline Village Championship Golf Course and Mountain Golf Course - Incline Village
Looking for an 18-hole course to cut your teeth on while you’re staying in Lake Tahoe? Check out the Incline Village Championship Golf Course or the Mountain Golf Course, both of which boast 18 holes of high-elevation golfing that’ll both challenge and inspire your game.
The Championship course is perhaps the most well-known–it was awarded the honor of being the #3 golf course in all of Nevada, according to the 2022 GolfPass Golfer’s Choice list. But don’t sleep on the Mountain course, either. Its alpine scenery and copious elevation changes make it a great course to try out your game on, especially since it is the highest-elevation course in Nevada.
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course - Stateline
Anyone who is craving a bit of luxury and scenery in their golf game should check out the 18-hole Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, located in Stateline, just down the road from both Zephyr Cove and South Lake Tahoe. Voted by Golf Digest as one of the nation’s top public golf courses, Edgewood certainly does have an edge over the competition with its scenic holes (holes 9, 17, and 18 offer incredible shoreline views of the lake), its challenging layout, and its high-altitude location at 6,200 feet above sea level.
You might also know Edgewater as the home of the American Century Championship, which has hosted the top celebrities in sports and entertainment for a charity golf tournament for over 30 years. The course has also been graced by a number of well-known golfers, such as Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, and John Daly, over the years. For those looking for a luxurious golfing experience in gorgeous Lake Tahoe, Edgewater can’t be beat.
Tahoe Paradise Golf Course - South Lake Tahoe
Nestled in the forest of South Lake Tahoe lies one of the area’s biggest hidden gems: the Tahoe Paradise Golf Course. This 18-hole course, which features over 4,000 yards of green, is perhaps the most affordable in the area, and it’s a great value despite its small size. In fact, with its copious elevation changes and narrow fairways, this tree-lined course makes for a challenging time for even the most confident of golfers, but it’s also a great course for beginners and junior players as well. If you’re on the hunt for the best value in golfing in the South Lake Tahoe area, you can’t miss out on Tahoe Paradise Golf Course.
More Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
Golf is one of the greatest American pastimes and there’s very few mountain courses in the country that can stand up to the variety of courses spread out around the Lake Tahoe area. With courses that bring to mind golf history and those that place us firmly in the present of the golf world, there’s something for every type of golfer available in Lake Tahoe.
Looking for more fun and interesting things to do while you’re golfing in Tahoe? Check out our ideas for a solo Lake Tahoe trip or take a look at some of the best unique activities in North Lake Tahoe.