Tahoe Paradise Golf Course
Tahoe Paradise Golf Course in South Lake Tahoe is a compact 18-hole public course known for its narrow, tree-lined fairways and striking mountain views. An executive-style layout paired with approachable yardage creates a welcoming challenge for players seeking accuracy and rhythm amid a scenic forest setting.
Course Overview
Tahoe Paradise Golf Course offers an approachable and compact golfing experience situated just off US-50 in South Lake Tahoe, California. This 18-hole public course stretches to a modest 4,028 yards with a par of 66, making it an appealing destination for players who appreciate a brisk round paired with stunning mountain views. The layout weaves through a forest of tall pines and firs, with narrow, tree-lined fairways demanding accuracy over power. This modest yardage and thoughtful routing make the course accessible to golfers of all skill levels, from beginners seeking confidence-building shots to mid-handicappers eager for a test of precision.
The course leans toward an executive style, with several par-3s and shorter par-4s allowing for quicker play but still presenting enough subtle challenges. Bunkers are strategically placed to protect the greens, requiring careful approach shots while the undulating putting surfaces keep putters alert. Playability is enhanced by a typically moderate pace, although busy periods with larger groups can affect tempo.
Scenery plays a starring role here. The views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks provide a tranquil backdrop that shifts with the daylight, offering moments of solitude amid the forest. Occasional wildlife sightings add to the feeling of being part of the natural landscape, though the compact site means some holes run close to one another. Golfers should especially note the tight quarters around holes 3, 13, 16, and 17, where layouts converge and shot awareness becomes critical.
While Tahoe Paradise lacks a full driving range, it offers a putting green, chipping area, and practice nets to warm up. Amenities are basic but welcoming, and staff reception often draws praise for friendly and attentive service. Golfers should prepare for walking conditions with even terrain but may find course congestion a challenge during peak times.
This course suits those seeking a scenic, efficient round without the length or intricacies of a championship layout. Its intimate scale and natural charm invite players to focus on shotmaking and rhythm while embracing the unique spirit of Lake Tahoe’s mountain environment.
Course Highlights
This compact executive-style layout features tight, tree-lined fairways that demand accurate tee shots. Players will find several holes with greens protected by bunkers, while the natural Sierra Nevada forest provides dynamic backdrops and occasional wildlife sightings. The course's proximity to Lake Tahoe offers cooler temperatures and mountain vistas uncommon in many California courses. Though it lacks a full driving range, practice facilities include a putting green, chipping area, and hitting nets. Some holes, particularly 3, 13, 16, and 17, are positioned closely, requiring careful awareness during play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Sawyer Baumeister
We played this course last July and it was in good shape and a fun course. This time the greens were in the worst shape I’ve ever seen and the fairways not kept up on at all. The worst part of the course was holes 5 and 9 where the greens were temporarily unavailable and there was a temporary green which they had took part of the fairway and spray painted a circle around it and put an oversized hole to putt into 😂. Definitely not coming back!
Mastacletes
This course is absolutely stunning, we loved the views and the customer service on the course was above and beyond! Gavin is the friendliest course manager we've ever met. The holes were challenging and the fairways were narrow but I like that in a course. So I give three stars because many of the holes are too close to each other. In fact on Hole 16, you will be driving across the 17th green, this hole should just be skipped. Also holes 3 and 13 are just crammed into tiny outlying patches of land and don't even seem to belong here, just added just so there could be 18 holes. More portable restrooms on the course would be appreciated as well.
Matt Domerofski
Cameron Fernandez
Terrible tee boxes and greens and way overpriced
J G
This popular course is busy, and on a Friday afternoon it’s full of large groups of beer guzzling guys out to have a good time. By large groups, I mean 5-7 guys playing together in one “foursome”. Translation: crazy slow pace of play. The 7 guys in front of us took 25 minutes to tee off of the first hole, and not one of them found the fairway. 🤣 The office told us that the ranger would manage play, but the ranger had little influence. As you can imagine play was at a snail’s pace. The 66 par course at 4,028 yards has tree-lined, narrow fairways in good shape and pretty views of the surrounding mountains. Divots aren’t repaired by golfers, so the greens can be a bit bumpy. You’ll be able to warm-up your putts on a putting and chipping green. Several hitting nets were available to warm-up with your drivers and irons. No cart service is available once you start your round, but water & other beverages may be purchased at the turn. While we enjoyed playing our round, the course amenities and overall experience weren’t sufficient to bring us back.
Tobey Morris
We drove from Carson Valley to beat the heat and had a BLAST ! Gavin is absolutely lovely - made our experience even better ! AND we saw two juvenile bears cross the course 😳😳 It was a great day ! Tobey & Ron
Mark Copeland
Is a great little executive course with some up and down fairways. Greens were soft even in August. No driving range except a net, and a decent putting green. Be ready to go. Staff was very friendly and accommodating.
Sawyer Baumeister
We played this course last July and it was in good shape and a fun course. This time the greens were in the worst shape I’ve ever seen and the fairways not kept up on at all. The worst part of the course was holes 5 and 9 where the greens were temporarily unavailable and there was a temporary green which they had took part of the fairway and spray painted a circle around it and put an oversized hole to putt into 😂. Definitely not coming back!
Derek Moos
$100 that I wish I could get back. While there aren’t a ton of golf options on the Tahoe side during this busy weekend, our group decided to give this a try. We had two threesomes and the pace of play could’ve put us to sleep. Our groups asked if we could join after the first couple holes because of the slow pace and the Ranger (who was extremely rude and ornery) said no. However, there were multiple groups of five and six playing at the same time which we called out later on and he said because we had 4 carts that isn’t allowed. This place is a liability so wear a helmet. Greens are close to tee boxes, carts don’t have windshields, and there are plenty of blind tee shots. Finally, the greens were worse than putting on a shag rug. Burnt out, crab grass, and poorly cut cups. Had we had known the conditions prior to booking we would’ve changed our minds or at least asked if there’s a discounted rate. A course we had played earlier in the week called to tell us they were aerating the greens which is common courtesy so maybe take notes! The one bright spot is that the gentleman who checked us in at the clubhouse was extremely friendly. Take your $100 elsewhere.
Joseph Gonzalez
Book Your Round
Experience one of golf's most legendary courses
Direct booking • No commissions
Course Details
Access & Location
3021 US-50, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
Main clubhouse with pro shop and basic amenities
Walking is encouraged; terrain is generally flat with forest paths; comfortable shoes advised.
Reservations recommended during peak periods; walk-ins accepted subject to availability.
Nearby Courses
