Best Golf Courses in Lake Tahoe

When you think of Lake Tahoe, skiing and snowboarding are probably the first things that come to mind.  And with good reason.  The Sierra Nevada Mountains get a ton of snow and the facilities are some of the best in the West.

What a lot of folks don’t realize though, is that the area is a great place for summertime recreation as well.  In addition to water sports, there’s plenty of great golf to be played.

I’ve played some golf in Tahoe and the surrounding areas, but our readers are much more versed in the topic than I am.  With their help, we’ve compiled a list of the best public tracks anyone can play.

Set in the Toiyabe National Forest at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Toiyabe Golf Club offers an unparalleled golf experience. 

Designed by Robert Muir Graves, this course blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.  The layout is a mix of links and alpine golf. 

Known as a good test for better players, the features are large and undulating.  While there’s plenty of room off the tee, expansive bunkers and penal hazards can lead to big numbers if you hit shots offline. 

Truly a unique experience, you can’t go wrong with a round at Toiyabe Golf Club.

 

Just a short drive down into the Carson Valley leads you to Sunridge Golf Club. 

The course meanders through sage-dotted hills and has plenty of elevation change.  This can make club selection tricky, especially when the wind picks up in the afternoon.

Sunridge also has a wide variety of holes that are both challenging and offer plenty of chances for risk and reward. 

In addition to golf, you can take part in manicured running trails, archery, and exquisite food and drink. 

 

 

Another one of Carson City’s finest is Empire Ranch. 

Set alongside the Carson River, this course occupies more than 250 acres that offer magnificent views of the surrounding valley and the Eastern Sierras. 

Target golf is the name of the game out here.  Holes wander through natural wetlands that swallow up errant shots. 

The good news is there are five sets of tees to choose from so the course is playable for everyone, including beginners and high handicappers. 

After you’re done with your round, stop by Mallards Restaurant for a beer and bite while you recount the day.

 

   

Arthur Jack Snyder designed the West Course at Eagle Valley. 

This track opened in 1987 and is a classic desert links layout.  There’s ample room off the tee and you can run the ball into the greens. 

With that said, there’s still plenty of trouble to be found.  The wind blows consistently and you have to make solid contact to keep the ball in play.

A fun, yet challenging round, I’m a big fan of the West Course at Eagle Valley.

The second course at Eagle Valley is the East Course. 

This course is perfect for everyone.  Its user-friendly design is easy to walk and wide open.  The perfect spot for a casual round with friends, family, or beginners.

The East Course also has plenty of character and variety.  A mix of long and short holes allow you to hit every club in your bag.

It’s little wonder this track is a local’s favorite.

The Lakes Course was designed by John Harbottle and Peter Jacobsen. 

This higher end public facility affords breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is always in pristine condition. 

Native wetlands and the Carson River come into play on some 14 holes.  Best hit it straight or bring an extra sleeve of balls. 

The modern design is a big golf course too.  It measures more than 7,300 yards from the tips.  The features are pronounced as well.  Large greens are undulating, and expansive bunkers can be found throughout.

For an upscale experience you won’t soon forget, Genoa Lakes is the place to be.

 

The Biggest Little City in the World is only a short drive from Lake Tahoe.  We’re talking about Reno, Nevada.

Here you’ll find Wolf Run Golf Club, home to the men’s and women’s golf teams of the University of Nevada at Reno.

This high desert layout is considered one of the city’s best and most challenging. 

Elevation changes can be found throughout.  You’d best hit it straight as well.  Missing fairways means searching for your ball in creek bottoms, sage brush, and ample hazards.

Always in good shape and treat to play, don’t even think about skipping Wolf Run.

Maybe the best public property in Tahoe proper is Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. 

Located right on the shores of the famous lake, Edgewood Tahoe is a classic alpine design that dates back to 1968. 

The tree lined fairways ask you to keep the ball in play while challenging greens run fast and true. 

Even though the playing season is short at 6,200 feet, this course is always in perfect condition.

A round you won’t forget any time soon.

Every decent golf story includes a good muni.  Washoe County Golf Course fits the bill. 

It’s all about golf at this track.  The course is a good test, but everyone is welcome.  No need to iron Sunday’s slacks or even shave for that matter.  Come as you are and enjoy yourself.

I make it a point to play here every time I’m in town. 

You never know who you’ll get paired with, but chances are, it will be a fun cast of characters.

When I’m done, I religiously order a large plate of fries and a pitcher of ice-cold domestic beer.  It hits the spot every time.

 

This semiprivate facility sits right in the heart of Reno, only a short drive from Tahoe. 

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this course affords splendid views of the city skyline and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

The design features a wide variety of holes that are fun and challenging at the same time.

The greens are said to be some of the best in the area too.

Consistently voted the “Best in Reno,” you need to come check out Lakeridge for yourself. 

 

Conclusion

Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas are any outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.  Regardless of the time of year you visit, you won’t be bored outside.

For me, that means the spring, summer, and fall when the areas golf courses are open and calling my name.  As long as I don’t spend too much time in the casino, I’m guaranteed to have a great time.  I get excited about this place just writing about it.

As always, thanks to all our readers for their efforts in making this course guide possible.  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.