Lake Tahoe offers a wide range of golf options, from affordable public courses to private, ownership-based clubs tied directly to luxury communities. Where you buy impacts your access to golf, your lifestyle, and your long-term property value.
- Public courses offer flexibility, with rounds ranging from about $30 to $240+ with multiple options in different areas
- Private courses like Lahontan and Martis Camp require ownership or a private membership which drives higher home values for that community
- Most courses operate May through October, making seasonality an important factor
- Courses vary from quick 9-hole layouts to full championship experiences, depending on your time and skill level
- Golf access can directly influence your daily lifestyle and resale value when choosing where to buy around Lake Tahoe
This guide covers the key golf courses around Lake Tahoe, with a focus on pricing, typical opening windows, and the features that set each course apart. You will get a clear view of how each option fits into the broader Tahoe golf landscape, from quick public rounds to private club access. This list is organized to help you evaluate not just the golf course itself, but also it’s terrain, pricing options, and overall difficulty.
Public Golf Courses in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is home to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the country. These public golf courses are open to both residents and visitors making them more accessible while still offering high-level design, scenic views, and strong playing conditions. For many buyers, having well-maintained public golf courses nearby enhances their day-to-day living making them a key part of the overall Lake Tahoe lifestyle.
Incline Village Championship Golf Course
Location: Incline Village, NV
Opening: May 8th 2026
Affordability: $$$ | $70 - $179
Walkability: 4/10
Difficulty: 8/10
Website: https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/golf/championship-course/
The Incline Village Championship Golf Course is widely regarded as the top public golf experience on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this par-72 layout stretches over 7,100 yards and blends elevation changes, dense pine forests, and filtered lake views into a true mountain golf setting. Incline Village Championship Golf Course demands precision more than power, with tight, tree-lined fairways, fast greens, and bunkers and water hazards that come into play on most holes. The front nine is known for its narrower corridors, while the back nine opens up slightly, giving players a mix of shot-making challenges. A full driving range, short game areas, and the Grille at The Chateau elevate the overall experience, making it a strong fit for serious golfers and buyers who want a high-end public course with consistent rankings and strong course conditions.
Incline Village Mountain Golf Course
Location: Incline Village, NV
Opening: May 15th 2026
Affordability: $$ | $45 - $75
Walkability: 6/10
Difficulty: 5/10
Website: https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/golf/mountain-course/
The Incline Village Mountain Golf Course is a par-58 executive layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. that offers one of the most enjoyable and accessible rounds in Lake Tahoe. This 18-hole course stretches just over 3,500 yards and winds through dense pine forest at nearly 6,800 feet in elevation, making it one of the highest courses in the region. The design focuses on precision and short game, with a mix of par-3s and shorter par-4s, undulating greens, and elevation changes that keep each hole engaging. While it is approachable for beginners, it still challenges experienced players with narrow fairways, bunkered greens, and natural terrain that demands accuracy over distance. Its quick pace of play, relaxed atmosphere, and scenic mountain setting make it one of the most playable and versatile courses in Tahoe for families, second-home owners, and anyone looking to fit in a high-quality round without committing a full day.
Old Brockway Golf Course
Location: Kings Beach, CA
Opening: Currently Open
Affordability: $$ | $60 - $120
Walkability: 8/10
Difficulty: 6/10
Website: https://www.oldbrockway.com/
Old Brockway Golf Course is one of the most historic and unique courses in the Lake Tahoe region, dating back to 1924 and designed by renowned architect John Duncan Dunn. This classic 9-hole, par-36 layout stretches just over 3,400 yards and winds through towering Jeffrey pines with select lake and mountain views, giving it a timeless, old-Tahoe feel. The course is known for its tight fairways and small, “postage stamp” greens that reward accuracy and shot placement over power, making it both approachable and quietly challenging. It also carries strong local and national history, having hosted the original Bing Crosby Golf Tournament in the 1930s and welcomed names like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope over the years. Today, it remains a family-owned course with a relaxed, walkable layout that appeals to both casual players and those looking to experience a true piece of Lake Tahoe golf history.
Tahoe City Golf Course
Location: Tahoe City, CA
Opening: Currently Open
Affordability: $$ | $50 - $100
Walkability: 9/10
Difficulty: 4/10
Website: https://www.tcpud.org/golf
The Tahoe City Golf Course is a classic 9-hole layout located right in the heart of downtown Tahoe City, just steps from Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River. Originally established in 1917, this par-33 course spans about 2,700 yards and offers a mix of one par-5, four par-4s, and four par-3s, making it approachable for all skill levels while still providing a solid test of accuracy. Its walkable design, flat terrain, and central location make it one of the most convenient courses in the Tahoe Basin, with easy access to nearby beaches, restaurants, and shops. The course has a relaxed, community-driven feel, supported by practice facilities, a full-service restaurant, and a long local history that includes hosting well-known players over the years. For second-home owners or anyone looking for a quick, enjoyable round without leaving town, Tahoe City Golf Course offers one of the most accessible and easy-to-play golf experiences in Lake Tahoe.
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course
Location: Stateline, NV
Opening: Currently Open
Affordability: $$$$ | $130 - $240+
Walkability: 5/10
Difficulty: 7/10
Website: https://edgewoodtahoe.com/golf/
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is the most iconic golf experience in Lake Tahoe, set directly along the south shore with multiple holes playing right against the lake. Designed by George Fazio and opened in 1968, this par-72 championship course stretches over 7,300 yards and sits at more than 6,200 feet in elevation, where the ball travels farther and conditions stay firm and fast. The layout blends wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and several risk-reward holes, especially on the closing stretch where holes 16 through 18 run along the water and create some of the most photographed shots in golf. Edgewood is also the long-time host of the American Century Championship, held here every summer since 1990, which draws athletes and celebrities and adds to its national reputation. With premium pricing, pristine conditions, and unmatched lakefront views, it stands out as a key lifestyle feature for luxury buyers looking in the South Shore market.
Bijou Golf Course
Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Opening: Mid-May 2026
Affordability: $ | $30 - $60
Walkability: 9/10
Difficulty: 3/10
Website: https://www.cityofslt.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Bijou-Golf-Course-16
Bijou Golf Course is a straightforward 9-hole municipal course located in the center of South Lake Tahoe, offering one of the most affordable and accessible golf options in the Tahoe Basin. This par-32 layout stretches just over 2,500 yards and features a mix of short par-4s and par-3s that make it approachable for beginners while still giving more experienced players a chance to work on accuracy and short game. The course sits on relatively flat terrain compared to many mountain courses, which makes it easy to walk and ideal for quick rounds. Bijou has a relaxed, local feel with minimal crowds, making it a go-to spot for residents, families, and anyone looking to play without the time commitment or cost of a full championship course.
Northstar Golf Course
Location: Truckee, CA
Opening: May 22nd 2026
Affordability: $$$ | $65 - $139
Walkability: 5/10
Difficulty: 7/10
Website: https://www.northstarcalifornia.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/golf.aspx
Northstar Golf Course is a scenic 18-hole, par-72 layout set within the Northstar California Resort, offering a classic mountain golf experience with strong lifestyle appeal. Designed by Robert Muir Graves, the course stretches over 6,800 yards and plays through tall pine forests, with a front nine that features tighter, tree-lined fairways and a back nine that opens up with wider landing areas and more forgiving sightlines. The elevation, just above 6,300 feet, adds distance to tee shots while still requiring precision into greens that are well-guarded by bunkers and natural terrain. Practice facilities, a clubhouse, and close proximity to the village, dining, and year-round resort amenities make this course especially attractive for second-home owners and buyers looking for a golf-centered lifestyle within a full resort setting.
Private Golf Courses in Lake Tahoe
These courses are directly tied to real estate ownership and private membership, which makes them a major factor in how luxury communities are built and valued around Lake Tahoe. In many cases, access to the course is limited to homeowners or approved members, so buying property is often the only way to secure long-term access. This exclusivity creates strong demand, supports higher home prices, and helps maintain a consistent level of privacy and service. Buyers in these communities are not just purchasing a home, they are buying into a full lifestyle that includes golf, amenities, and a curated environment that is difficult to replicate with public access alone.
Glenbrook Club Golf Course
Location: Glenbrook, NV
Access: Private Only
Affordability: $$$$ | Membership Required
Walkability: 8/10
Difficulty: 4/10
Website: https://www.glenbrooknv.org/
The Glenbrook Club Golf Course is one of the most exclusive and historic golf experiences in Lake Tahoe, located within the private lakeside community of Glenbrook on the East Shore. Originally established in the late 1920s, this 9-hole course offers a quiet, understated setting with mature trees, filtered lake views, and a classic layout that reflects old Tahoe character. Access is strictly limited to Glenbrook residents and their guests, which makes it one of the most private golf environments in the region. The course is less about length or difficulty and more about privacy, tradition, and lifestyle. For buyers, ownership in Glenbrook means direct access to both a private golf course and one of the most tightly held lakefront communities in Tahoe, which adds a strong layer of prestige and long-term value.
Lahontan Golf Club
Location: Truckee, CA
Access: Private Only
Affordability: $$$$ | Membership Required
Walkability: 6/10
Difficulty: 7/10
Website: https://www.lahontangc.com/
The Lahontan Golf Club is a private 18-hole championship course located in Truckee, set within one of the most established luxury gated communities in the Tahoe region. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, the course stretches over 7,200 yards and features a links-style layout with wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and open sightlines that contrast with the dense pine forests found on many Tahoe courses. The design emphasizes playability while still challenging low-handicap players, with large greens and natural terrain shaping each hole. Elevated views of Martis Valley and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains create a strong visual experience throughout the round. Access is limited to members and homeowners, which adds to its appeal for high-end buyers seeking privacy, consistent course conditions, and a full-service club environment with dining, fitness, and year-round amenities.
Martis Camp Golf Course
Location: Martis Camp, CA
Access: Private Only
Affordability: $$$$ | Membership Required
Walkability: 4/10
Difficulty: 8/10
Website: https://www.martiscamp.com/
The Martis Camp Golf Course is one of the most exclusive private golf experiences in Lake Tahoe, located within the gated community of Martis Camp. Designed by Tom Fazio, this 18-hole championship course stretches over 7,700 yards and is consistently ranked among the top residential courses in the country. The layout blends wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and carefully positioned bunkers with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada, creating a course that is both visually striking and highly playable. Access is limited to homeowners and members, which reinforces its exclusivity and ties directly into the ultra-luxury real estate market within Martis Camp, where homes often exceed $10 million. Beyond golf, the community offers a full suite of high-end amenities, making it a strong choice for buyers seeking privacy, lifestyle, and long-term value in one of Tahoe’s most sought-after enclaves.
Schaffer's Mill Golf Club
Location: Truckee, CA
Access: Private & Semi-Private Options
Affordability: $$$ | Membership or Limited Public Access
Walkability: 6/10
Difficulty: 6/10
Website: https://www.schaffersmill.com/
Schaffer’s Mill Golf Club is a private 18-hole course located in Truckee, designed by Johnny Miller in collaboration with John Harbottle III. The course stretches just over 7,000 yards and blends meadowland, pine forest, and mountain terrain into a layout that offers both playability and variety. Fairways are more forgiving than many Tahoe courses, but well-placed bunkers, water features, and multi-tiered greens still demand smart shot selection. One of the key differentiators is its flexible access model. It offers private membership while also allowing limited public play at select times, which is rare for a course of this quality in Tahoe. This balance makes it a strong fit for buyers who want a high-end golf experience without the full commitment or cost structure of fully private clubs like Martis Camp or Lahontan, while still enjoying a full-service clubhouse, dining, and year-round community amenities.
What This Means for Buyers in Lake Tahoe
Golf access plays a major role in real estate value across the Tahoe Basin. Public courses give you flexibility, allowing you to live in a wide range of areas while still playing regularly. Private courses are tied directly to ownership, with communities like Lahontan and Martis Camp commanding premium pricing due to exclusivity and high-end amenities. Seasonality also impacts use, as most courses operate from May through October. Pricing varies widely, with entry-level rounds starting around $30 to $60, while top-tier experiences like Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course can exceed $200 per round. Knowing this information now will help you make more informed decisions in the future.
Final Takeaway
Lake Tahoe offers a wide range of golf options, from quick 9-hole rounds to full private club experiences, each tied to a different lifestyle and price point. Where you buy and the level of golf access you have can directly influence both your day-to-day experience and long-term property value. If you want to narrow down which communities best fit with your needs, Hunter Platte can help you evaluate the right options based on your budget and preferences. Let’s connect to get started on your search today!
