Lake Tahoe Golf Course
Lake Tahoe Golf Course provides an approachable 18-hole layout blending mountain and parkland features amid the striking Sierra Nevada landscape. Its seasonal operation and accessible design make it a favored public choice for golfers seeking scenic play near South Lake Tahoe.
Course Overview
Set against the striking backdrop of South Lake Tahoe’s towering pines and the shimmering waters of nearby Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe Golf Course offers an engaging 18-hole experience that balances natural beauty with accessible play. This public course commands attention not through grand architectural pedigree but through its commanding presence in the Sierra Nevada foothills, where mountain air mingles with the scent of pine and the occasional whisper of a mountain breeze gently Influences your stroke.
The layout combines elements of mountain and parkland styles, with fairways that wind through mature trees and open up to sweeping vistas revealing the expanse of Lake Tahoe’s iconic blue surface. Elevation changes create subtle challenges, requiring careful club selection and thoughtful course management rather than raw power. The greens are generally firm and receptive, presenting contours that reward precise approach shots while allowing mid- and high-handicap players room to find their rhythm.
Playability is a key asset here. The course’s length and layout suit a broad range of golfers, from weekend enthusiasts to those seeking a scenic round to refine their game. While some holes flirt with difficulty through elevation shifts and well-placed bunkers guarding the putting surfaces, the course remains inviting rather than intimidating. Strategic tee placements offer options that help tailor the challenge according to skill level.
Amenities include a friendly clubhouse that serves as a social hub where players can share stories and enjoy refreshments after a round. The course’s location adjacent to key mountain lodging and recreational opportunities also allows for an easy blend of golf with broader Tahoe experiences.
Despite operating only part of the year due to winter conditions, Lake Tahoe Golf Course delivers a seasonal golfing option enriched by its natural setting. Visitors are advised to come prepared for variable mountain weather and to carry insect repellent in warmer months. Expect to meet fellow golfers who appreciate the course’s easy pace and the chance to play in a setting where the landscape quietly holds center stage, each hole inviting players to engage thoughtfully with the terrain and views.
Whether carving out a quick round after a day at the lake or spending a leisurely afternoon immersed in mountain scenery, the course offers a refreshing and reliable destination for those seeking golf in the heart of California’s alpine region.
Course Highlights
This course is defined by its striking Sierra Nevada setting, offering panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and surrounding forest. The layout uses natural elevation changes and mature pines to add strategic depth, while bunkers and well-shaped greens test precision. Its public access and approachable design appeal to all skill levels, accented by the atmosphere of a mountain golf experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Daniel Quintero
Had an excellent time at Lake Tahoe Golf Course on July 3rd. Wasn't going to play, but decided last minute after the day at the beach. It was $59 for 5:50PM Twilight with cart. Staff was nice, drinks were strong, and the pace of play on a packed course was pretty incredible. For it being closed due to snow and snowmobiling half the year, I was absolutely impressed that it looked better than most municipal courses in my area, although the only complaint is that people don't know how to repair their divots there. Gorgeous scenery. Only made it through 14 holes before tapping out. Once I saw the coyotes roaming freely and sun setting, I said Byeeeeee! Actually, my phone died, and my wife came to pick us up.. Oh, and bring your bug spray!
richard doud
like to start off by saying i am not asking for a refund or gratuity . on 5-31-2025 our party of 6 , we had the worst experience with the representative that Lake Tahoe hired to showcase their multimillion dollar course and our first impression of the facility . they have a long hair smart mouth , nasty horrible attitude man . he made our visit very irreparable . Who ever hired that human is most likely the problem . if that person doesn't know when someone is a kind and warming and that is public orientated . Now add this up on how much money we spent : for 6 golfers , rented 4 sets of clubs & most purchased hats and shirts and golf balls . this doesn't account for the money in drinks we spent with the cart girl . and driving range and also visiting with other golfers on the range that over heard our conversation and had the exact experience with him . Sincerely : DISGRUNTLED GOLFERS PS The course was fun and enjoyable
Andie Forest
We held our wedding reception at the Lake Tahoe Golf Course and worked with Dave and Courtney throughout the process. From start to finish, they were a pleasure to work with and everything went smoothly. We used their catering service, and our guests had nothing but great things to say. The food was delicious. The reception space was absolutely beautiful on its own, so we barely had to add any decorations. And with the added bonus of stunning mountain views, it made for an unforgettable setting. I would highly recommend the Lake Tahoe Golf Course as a wedding venue. The team there is fantastic, and they helped make our wedding day truly special. Thank you, Dave and Courtney, for everything.
Steve Highfield
Was given this recommendation from our fishing guide. Great rates (compared to Tahoe Courses)! Superb service, nice greens and beautiful course. Not a bad view on any hole.
Andy Proctor
We played on a Saturday morning at 6:00. Super important to get the day started off fast right? To set the pace for the whole weekend pace of play? Yeah well, that’s when the course decided to have all their maintenance guys out working on the course. We sat on two separate par 3 tees for 5 minutes waiting for maintenance workers to clear the green. And then it’s like they were following us, because they were literally mowing and rolling greens THAT WE WERE PLAYING ON for 2-3 more holes. It’s like the maintenance guys were the uninvited 4th to our two threesomes. I left a wedge on 9 and circled back to get it. There was another group on the green and their carts were on the cart path, so I just swung a tight U turn a couple feet onto the green side rough. The long haired pro shop employee (who I’ve seen mentioned negatively on multiple reviews btw) came out and told me pretty rudely to keep my cart off the greens. When I asked him if a wedge had been turned in he wasn’t very helpful. And that’s just the front 9. They were running sprinklers on the course while we were playing, including on #10 in the middle of the fairway WHILE WE WERE ON THE FAIRWAY. When we called the pro shop to tell them to turn them off, they told us to “just go around it, and skip the hole.” Are you serious dude? We just paid $120 for this crap. Multiple tee boxes were in horrible shape and 4 or 5 tee boxes and greens had dead patchy grass and dirt/mud. Fun course overall, very beautiful surroundings. But whoever the course designer is needs to look at 9 and 18. Worst two par 5 designs I’ve ever seen. DEFINITELY not worth the $120 they charge in the a.m. And a $90 twilight rate is still highway robbery for this place. If it weren’t for the horrible experience the staff provided, I’d *think* about coming back here. Classic poorly run government facility. Note: Drew in the cart barn was super nice and cool. He was the only positive employee interaction we had all day.
Ayesha Khayam
It was an amazing place
Andie Forest
We held our wedding reception at the Lake Tahoe Golf Course and worked with Dave and Courtney throughout the process. From start to finish, they were a pleasure to work with and everything went smoothly. We used their catering service, and our guests had nothing but great things to say. The food was delicious. The reception space was absolutely beautiful on its own, so we barely had to add any decorations. And with the added bonus of stunning mountain views, it made for an unforgettable setting. I would highly recommend the Lake Tahoe Golf Course as a wedding venue. The team there is fantastic, and they helped make our wedding day truly special. Thank you, Dave and Courtney, for everything.
Steve Highfield
Was given this recommendation from our fishing guide. Great rates (compared to Tahoe Courses)! Superb service, nice greens and beautiful course. Not a bad view on any hole.
Andy Le
Our group booked tee times on June 7 several weeks in advance. When we arrived at the course, we were told there would be temporary greens on multiple holes. There was no notice of this in advance, even though there were emails sent to remind about the bookings. When asked about this, the course did not provide any partial refund on the booking to account for this. The course itself was in horrible condition as well. There were many unrepaired divots throughout all of the fairways. The greens that were in play were still bumpy and uneven throughout. There was also a wedding happening, which is of course fine. However, we were also not notified of this and found out on our own after we had already played 9 holes. By that point, the restaurant and club house were already closed, and there were no options for us to get food. Again, a by product of poor communication from the course.
Charlie Knott
The course is currently in my opinion bad shape. Lots of bare spots on the greens, the fairways are mediocre at best and the tee boxes were not well maintained
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Course Details
Access & Location
2500 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
Lake Tahoe Golf Course Clubhouse
Walking is welcome, with some moderate elevation changes; wear supportive golf shoes suited for mountain terrain
Open to all golfers; tee time reservations recommended during peak season
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