Best Golf Courses in Lake Tahoe

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

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.

Experience the captivating blend of alpine and links-style golf at the Toiyabe Golf Club, set in the quaint Toiyabe National Forest at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This championship course, designed by Robert Muir Graves, seamlessly integrates with the natural terrain, offering a unique and challenging round of golf for players of all skill levels.

The course’s design takes full advantage of the stunning surroundings, providing an immersive experience that’s as visually stunning as it’s enjoyable to play.

The Toiyabe Golf Club is renowned for its ability to test even the most skilled players, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts seeking a challenge. The course’s layout incorporates the mountain meadow setting, presenting a varied and compelling game that will keep you engaged from the first tee to the final putt.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting, the Toiyabe Golf Club promises an unforgettable golfing experience that showcases the beauty of the Toiyabe National Forest and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

 

Nestled in the Carson Valley, Sunridge Golf Club offers golfers a challenging and enjoyable course with stunning natural surroundings and a variety of outdoor activities for all to enjoy.

The golf course is known for its elevation changes and demanding holes that meander through sage-dotted hills, providing a test for seasoned players and an enjoyable experience for all skill levels.

In addition to championship golf, the club provides a range of activities including running trails and archery, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The stunning natural scenery seamlessly blends with the course, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and creating a memorable experience for visitors.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a challenging round or simply seeking a picturesque setting to enjoy the game, Sunridge Golf Club has something to offer for everyone.

 

 

Located alongside the Carson River and spanning over 250 acres, Empire Ranch Golf Course offers magnificent views of the surrounding valley and the Eastern Sierras. This Lake Tahoe Golf Course features target golf with natural wetlands, providing a playable experience for everyone with five sets of tees. Known for its beautiful setting and challenging play, Empire Ranch Golf Course is a must-visit for golfers seeking a unique and memorable round. The course seamlessly blends with the inspirational landscape, providing an exceptional golfing experience for players of all levels.

When you’re in the Lake Tahoe area, Empire Ranch Golf Course should be on your list, especially if you’ve already visited Genoa Lakes Golf, Edgewood, or Resort at Squaw Creek. Located near South Lake Tahoe, Empire Ranch is a Championship Course that offers not only a challenging round of golf but also stunning panoramic views that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, the course’s natural beauty and well-maintained fairways make it a delightful place to play.

 

   

The West Course at Eagle Valley invites golfers to experience a classic desert links layout designed by Arthur Jack Snyder, offering a challenging and enjoyable round for players of all levels. Here’s why golfers love it:

1. Ample Room Off the Tee: The course provides generous landing areas off the tee, but the consistent wind and strategically placed hazards require solid contact and strategic play.
2. Challenging Holes: With a variety of challenging holes, the West Course at Eagle Valley is known for providing a good test for better players, while still being enjoyable for those new to the game.
3. Seamless Blend with Landscape: The layout seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape, offering a mix of links and alpine golf experiences, providing a unique and picturesque setting for your game.
4. Natural and Challenging Design: For golfers seeking a course that offers a natural and challenging design, the West Course at Eagle Valley is a great choice, providing an authentic golfing experience in the beautiful Lake Tahoe Valley.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, the West Course at Eagle Valley promises a memorable round amidst the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable and accessible golfing experience in Lake Tahoe, the East Course at Eagle Valley is the perfect destination for golfers of all skill levels.

Located in the inspiring Carson Valley, this public course, designed by John Harbottle, offers a user-friendly layout that’s ideal for both seasoned players and beginners.

The wide-open design makes it easy to walk and navigate, adding to the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

The course’s mix of long and short holes provides a varied and engaging golfing experience, ensuring that every round is both challenging and fun.

It’s no wonder that the East Course at Eagle Valley has earned a reputation as a locals’ favorite.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely day on the course or seeking to improve your game, this course offers the perfect setting.

Curious about a golf course that offers a mix of challenging terrain and stunning views in Lake Tahoe? Look no further than The Lakes Course at Genoa Lakes Golf Club.

This course, ranked as one of the best by Golf Digest, boasts varied terrain including wetlands, hills, and over 100 bunkers. It provides a challenging and fun golfing experience, with rates ranging from $60 to $110 depending on the season. Equipped with golf carts featuring GPS, the course ensures added convenience during play.

Golfers can enjoy the mix of links and alpine golf, making it a great test for better players. The Lakes Course at Genoa Lakes Golf Club seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape, offering a serene backdrop for a round of golf.

Tucked in the heart of the Carson Valley, this course has also been a host for the Celebrity Golf Tournament, making it a must-visit for those seeking the best of California golf.

With its combination of challenging play and breathtaking scenery, this course is sure to provide an unforgettable golfing experience.

 

Seeking another top-notch golfing experience in Lake Tahoe? Wolf Run Golf Club is a must-visit for its challenging terrain and stunning views, offering a unique and memorable golfing experience.

Designed by John Fleming, the course features a mix of links and alpine golf, providing a test of skill and strategy for golfers. The club is known for its exceptional layout that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable golfing experience in Lake Tahoe.

Wolf Run Golf Club stands out among America’s top golf courses in Lake Tahoe, offering a vivid setting that showcases breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The course’s challenging terrain adds an extra layer of excitement for golfers, making it a favorite among those seeking a memorable and rewarding golfing adventure.

With its unique design and stunning vistas, Wolf Run Golf Club is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts looking to experience the best of what Lake Tahoe has to offer.

Situated near South Lake Tahoe, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course offers a premier and stimulating golfing experience for enthusiasts seeking breathtaking views and a test of skill. Here’s what makes Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course a must-visit destination:

1. Championship Pedigree: As the annual host of the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament, Edgewood Tahoe is steeped in championship-level prestige, attracting top players and celebrities alike.
2. Scenic Beauty: The course is nestled alongside the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe, providing golfers with stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape, making it a feast for the eyes as well as a challenging play.
3. Challenging Terrain: Ranked as one of America’s Top Golf Courses by Golf Digest, Edgewood Tahoe offers various sand traps, ponds, and undulating terrain, ensuring a test of skill for golfers of all levels.
4. Unmatched Amenities: The waterfront clubhouse at Edgewood Golf Course not only offers panoramic views but also a relaxing deck for lunch and drinks, providing a perfect setting to unwind after a rewarding day on the course.

With its championship pedigree, breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and unmatched amenities, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course stands as a premier option for golfers seeking an exceptional experience in South Lake Tahoe.

Nestled in the stunning Lake Tahoe landscape, Washoe County Golf Course offers a challenging and exciting golfing experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels. This course seamlessly blends links and alpine golf, providing a unique and beautiful backdrop for your game.

Known for being a good test for better players, it offers a variety of challenging holes while also providing a user-friendly design that makes it perfect for everyone. It’s no wonder that Washoe County Golf Course is a locals’ favorite and a must-visit for visitors to the area.

Playable for all skill levels, it features a mix of long and short holes, ensuring a fun round for all. With its proximity to Squaw Valley and the beautiful Lake Tahoe, it’s easy to see why this course is considered one of the best new public-access courses in the country.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Washoe County Golf Course promises an unforgettable golfing experience in the heart of Lake Tahoe.

 

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.