Lake Tahoe Golf Course
Lake Tahoe Golf Course presents a compelling 18-hole public layout that combines mountain terrain with lakeside scenery. Offering a balanced test of golf with fairways framed by alpine trees and panoramic views, it caters well to players looking for an engaging round near the South Lake Tahoe area.
Course Overview
Located at 2500 Emerald Bay Road in South Lake Tahoe, California, Lake Tahoe Golf Course offers an 18-hole public layout that skillfully blends mountain charm with coastal influences. This course, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains and near the shimmering waters of Lake Tahoe, invites golfers to experience a variety of challenges amid striking natural elements. Its terrain offers gentle elevation changes and tree-lined fairways that occasionally open to reveal sweeping lake and mountain views, making each hole an interaction with the environment.
The course plays to a par of 71 over approximately 6,900 yards, presenting a fair test for players of varying abilities. While the routing is approachable, it does demand thoughtful shot placement, especially on holes where elevation and prevailing winds come into play. The greens are moderately undulating, protected by well-positioned bunkers that stand watch like patient guardians, encouraging accuracy on approach shots. The layout’s thoughtful design emphasizes strategic play more than sheer distance, making it inviting for intermediate golfers while still offering subtle complexities to challenge lower handicaps.
Lake Tahoe Golf Course operates as a public facility, providing access to a wide range of visitors looking to combine recreation with the scenic appeal of the Tahoe region. Seasonal conditions can affect play, especially during winter months when snow limits availability, so planning a visit in late spring through early fall is advisable for the best experience.
Amenities include a well-appointed pro shop, rental clubs, and a golf cart fleet for those preferring to ride. Players will find the pace of play consistent, with staff focused on customer service, though occasional reports note variable course conditioning and event scheduling which guests are encouraged to confirm ahead of arrival.
This course is particularly appealing to those who appreciate the fusion of mountain air and lakeside landscapes. Its location just outside South Lake Tahoe makes it an accessible golf destination for visitors and locals alike seeking a round that balances challenge with stunning vistas. Comfortable walking is possible, though the elevation changes suggest sturdy footwear for those who choose to traverse the course on foot.
Playing Lake Tahoe Golf Course offers a chance to test your game while soaking in crisp alpine air and views that shift with the course’s changing light. It is a place where the environment plays as much of a role in each shot as do the player’s skills, inviting both contemplation and spirited competition.
Course Highlights
Set at the edge of Lake Tahoe, the course showcases panoramic mountain views and lakeside glimpses across rolling fairways. Its bunkers and greens demand strategic play, while the varied terrain highlights the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada region. The layout offers a blend of challenge and accessibility, making it a favored spot for travelers wanting mountain golf with scenic rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Main clubhouse featuring a pro shop, rental services, and dining options
Walking allowed and encouraged; course includes elevation changes so use supportive footwear
Open to the public with advance tee-time reservations recommended during peak season
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