Tahoe Sierra Golf Guide 2023

Tahoe | Truckee | Northstar | Olympic Valley | Lost Sierra

TAHOE DONNER GOLF COURSE

A PERENNIAL FAVORITE among Lake Tahoe golfers, Tahoe Donner is one of the premier courses in the Sierra Nevada and offers the most recently renovated course in the area. Located just 30 minutes from Reno and 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe, the course is open to the public and Tahoe Donner members.

Set among towering pines, meandering creeks and stunning granite formations, the narrow, tree-lined fairways and epic elevation changes embody the best

12850 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161

of mountain golf, while the fast and large greens are regarded as some of the finest in the region.

Tee Times and Rates

During the early and late season, enjoy a twilight round for just $100, including a cart, or a prime-time tee time starting at just $135. Discounted member rates are available for Tahoe Donner homeowners. Tahoe Donner also features a driving range, new chipping and putting greens, $30 skills clinics and more.

Golf Pro Shop (530) 587-9443 | Golf@TahoeDonner.com | TahoeDonner.com/Golf Advertisement

TRUCKEE & NORTHSTAR

Coyote Moon Golf Course OPENS JUNE 9

A high-elevation roller coaster ride and true test of one’s skill reading the natural topography of the land, shot placement and ball-flight control.

Located minutes from downtown Truckee, the course is carved into 250 acres of climbs and drops, bends and tunnels, with breathtaking views in a heavily wooded alpine zone, featuring towering pines and eccentric granite outcroppings.

The layout sports countless elevation changes, both vertically and horizontally, with well-guarded greens and strategically placed hazards throughout. | coyotemoongolf.com

Gray’s Crossing Golf Course OPEN

Tucked away in a beautiful mountain meadow in the shadows of Mount Rose, Gray’s Crossing embraces the surrounding landscape. Stroll through this classically designed Peter Jacobsen course and take notice of its natural features. Like the play, they’ll change each season.

Gray’s Crossing opened in 2007 and was once a private golf facility; though now open to the public, it still has a private feel and look to it. Expect lofty ancient pine trees, native landscapes, wide fairways and relatively easy-to-find greens.

The National Audubon Society recognized Gray’s Crossing as an Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary. | tahoemountainclub.com

Northstar Golf Course OPENS JUNE 16

J IN THE CLUB

FLEXIBLE MULTI-PLAY PACK OPTIONS ON SALE NOW!

A tale of two nines. The Northstar Golf Course offers two unique golf experiences. The front nine, weaving its way around Martis Valley, is flat, exposed, traditional and straightforward. The back nine immediately immerses players into mountainous terrain and winds its way through shaded hallways between the tall trees. The course was designed by Robert Muir Graves and is an approachable endeavor for golfers of all ages and skill levels. | northstarcalifornia.com

Old Greenwood Golf Course OPEN

Get lost in 600 acres of towering pines while playing the storied and challenging Old Greenwood. The course is a pure golf haven handcrafted by the legendary Jack Nicklaus in 2004.

The course has been given a Top 10 ranking for Best New Public Access Golf Course by Golf Digest and was ranked the 4th Finest New Upscale Public Course in America by Golf Magazine.

The practice facility here is second to none in the Reno-Tahoe area and offers customized learning opportunities, as well as a fully immersive golf academy

The course is also home to the PGA Tour’s Barracuda Championship returning from July 20 to 23. | tahoemountainclub.com

Ponderosa Golf Course OPEN

Originally brought to fruition by the townspeople and designed by Bob Baldock, Ponderosa Golf Course is Truckee’s oldest golf course, opening for play in 1961. It’s a short nine-hole course and, except for one severely uphill par 3, is quite flat. However, no hole is a streamline conquest; the fairways are tight and, though hitting driver is always tempting, it can easily lead to driving right through the short grass into a monster pine or onto the adjacent fairways. Overall, it’s a great and affordable place to sharpen your game. | ponderosagolfcoursetruckee.com

Schaffer’s Mill Golf & Lake Club OPENING TBA

Set amongst the lush Sierra foothills, Schaffer’s Mill is a semi-private golf facility co-designed by John Harbottle and two-time major winner Johnny Miller

The front nine is sunny and open in an expansive meadow under the peaks of Northstar and is generally flat, while the back nine is of a hillier nature with a healthy dose of ups and downs tee to green. It is a relatively long but manageable course.

The facility offers a limited number of memberships to the public each season. | schaffersmill.com

Tahoe Donner DRIVING RANGE JUNE 9; FRONT NINE JUNE 23

With the incredible winter snowpack that the region experienced in 2023, Tahoe Donner will be among the last courses to fully open this year due to conditions. The driving range opens June 9 with the front nine opening on June 23. The course will open fully on June 30.

The wait is worth it, with more than $2 million in course improvements made in 2020 and 2021, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy enhanced playability, an improved pace of play and one of the region’s best alpine golf experiences. If you haven’t played the course since the improvements, you’ll discover new greens; expanded and redesigned tees, including forward tees; better player shot selection through improved drainage and relocated cart paths; and wider and more playable fairways. | tahoedonner.com

OLD GREENWOOD

TahoeMountainClub.com

Course Details 18

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

Bijou Municipal Golf Course OPENING TBA

The Parks and Recreation team for the City of South Lake Tahoe, which owns and operates the course, is hard at work preparing the Bijou Golf course for the 2023 season, but no opening date has been set as of press time.

Due to the record breaking snowfall and subsequent melt off, the course is currently flooded due to its proximity to a watershed. As soon as the water has receded and the course is safe to access, an opening date will be announced.

Bijou Municipal Golf Course is a nine-hole executive course featuring five par 4s and four par 3s, and is one of the oldest in Tahoe. It opened in 1920 and was designed by Virgil Gilcrease. It is a short, gettable course, with a casual atmosphere, great for working on distance control and dialing in your clubs. There are no water hazards on the course, however, the well-placed bunkers are plenty enough to keep you honest with your shot placement throughout your round. | cityofslt.us

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course OPEN

South Lake Tahoe’s most prominent golf club is none other than Edgewood Tahoe. It is the only course in the Tahoe Basin that shares its fairways with the shores of Lake Tahoe, giving it a one-of-a-kind feel and aesthetic.

Edgewood opened in 1968 and was designed by George Fazio. Golf Digest regularly rates it among the top 100 in the nation.

Edgewood will again host the American Century Championship from July 12 to 16. | edgewoodtahoe.com

Lake Tahoe Golf Course OPEN

Lake Tahoe Golf Course meanders about the floodplains of the Lake Valley State Recreation Area, just a few miles from the lake’s southeastern shore. On-in-one par 4s, sharp doglegs, forced carries or layups, territorial trees and bottomless bunkers make for technical gameplay.

Plans are in the works to reconfigure the course as part of the proposed Upper Truckee River Restoration that would improve the health of the river while retaining the 18-hole course. Project details are available at restoreuppertruckee.net. | laketahoegc.com

Tahoe Paradise Golf Course OPEN

Tahoe Paradise Golf Course is an 18-hole, executive-style, mountain course 4 miles from South Lake Tahoe.

Designed by Fred R. Blanchard, it features a challenging variety of par 3s and 4s ranging from 95 to 372 yards. Family-style vibes, stunning views of Mount Tallac and green fees that won’t break the bank, are all sure to keep you coming back again and again. | tahoeparadisegc.com

MOUNTAIN GOLF AT ITS FINEST, Old Greenwood is where you want to play for a true championship golf experience. Home to the PGA TOUR’s Barracuda Championship and named the #5 course in the nation for 2023 by Golf Pass, this track is not to be missed. Designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, this par 72 is known for being challenging, rewarding, and addicting. Our regulars say the intricacy and downright beauty of the course keeps

them coming back, round after round. Don’t be mistaken, the large greens, numerous bunkers, and unforgiving rough will give you a run for your money. But, it’s those challenging moments that turn a casual player into a life-long golfer. When you’re ready, Old Greenwood is waiting.

In addition to play, brush up on your skills at The Golf Academy or explore four-seasons of fun with a Tahoe Mountain Club Membership.

GRAY’S CROSSING

TahoeMountainClub.com

PRISTINE COURSE CONDITIONS and the firmest greens in the area define this 18-hole Peter Jacobsen/Jim Hardy beauty. Placed in a stunning mountain meadow with Mount Rose as the backdrop, Gray’s Crossing embraces the natural landscape. During your round, you’ll navigate sage patches, meandering creeks, and rock outcroppings.

The play itself is somewhat forgiving and feels reminiscent of a private golf club with approachable greens, fewer bunkers, and

open fairways. Still, this championship course is plenty challenging and develops character as the seasons shift from spring, to summer, to fall.

As your round comes to a close you’ll find yourself at PJ’s Restaurant, Truckee’s most stunning destination for outdoor dining and drinks. Grab a beer, enjoy an appetizer and reflect on a day well spent. Gray’s Crossing Memberships now offered by Tahoe Mountain Club. Enjoy golf, fitness, swim access, & Member events.

Old Greenwood | 12915 Fairway Dr., Truckee, CA 96161

Gray’s Crossing | 11406 Henness Rd., Truckee, CA 96161

For more information and tee times, visit TahoeMountainClub.com/Golf

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course

American Century Championship TICKETS AVAILABLE TO CELEBRITY TOURNEY

The 34th annual American Century Championship, celebrity golf’s most prominent tournament of sports and entertainment superstars, will take to the fairways of Edgewood Tahoe from July 12 to 16. The tournament will also be aired on NBC.

Early player commitments for the popular event include favorites Steph Curry, Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Patrick Mahomes, Miles Teller, Larry the Cable Guy, Ray Romano and Northern California sports stars Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr and Charles Woodson competing for $600,000 and charity fundraising during the 54-hole tournament. | Tickets americancenturychampionship.com

Barracuda Championships GET PGA TOUR GOLF

TICKETS NOW

Tickets for the 2023 Barracuda Championship are now on sale. Experience the excitement of the region’s only PGA Tour event at Tahoe Mountain Club’s Old Greenwood in Truckee from July 20 to 23.

All tickets and parking passes must be bought online. There will be no onsite ticket sales and no will call. There are complimentary tickets for those with military, veterans and first responders IDs, however, the parking pass is not included. Children younger than age 16 accompanied by a ticketed adult may enter free. | barracudachampionship. com

OLYMPIC VALLEY

The Links at Everline Resort OPENS JUNE 21

Surrounded by towering Sierra Nevada peaks, the Links at Everline is situated in an alpine meadow at the base of the Palisades Tahoe ski resort. The first nine of the 6,931-yard, par 71 course climbs along the mountain side through trees and narrow fairways and the back nine weaves through wetlands with tall grass, marshes and wooden cart paths. The course was designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. to preserve the unique beauty, natural wetland and wildlife habitat of the area.

The resort changed its name in early 2023 to Everline Resort & Spa. The name change was a decision made in collaboration with the Washo Tribe out of respect for their history in the region and heritage. | destinationhotels.com

The Links at Everline Resort

WILDCREEK GOLF COURSE | EXECUTIVE COURSE (Yardage & par based on 3 rounds of play) (775) 673-3100 | WildcreekGolf.org

GRIZZLY RANCH GOLF CLUB

GRIZZLY RANCH GOLF CLUB, ranked in the top 100 Nationwide, #9 in California, in the top 10 in the West and Hawaii, and #1 in the Sierra Nevada, Grizzly Ranch opened May 5 and closes mid-October. A 45-minute drive north on SR 89 to Hwy 70, GR’s uncrowded town and tranquil environment welcome golfers to a relaxing experience, yet

challenging Bob Cupp designed championship course with five sets of tees to accommodate every level of player. Natural turf range and practice facility open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lake House offers great food, a full bar, and indoor/outdoor seating. For more information call (530) 832-4200 or visit GrizzlyRanchLiving.com/golf.

To book a tee time or for group play/fees, call the Golf Shop at (530) 832-4200 , or visit GrizzlyRanchLiving.com/golf

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA GOLF COURSE

NorthstarCalifornia.com/golf | Full Driving Range

Course Details 18 holes | par 72 Yardage 6,781 Slope 122 – 140 Ratings 72.4

WITH AN APPROACHABLE FRONT NINE through Martis Valley and a breathtaking but challenging back nine, the Northstar California Golf Course delivers a unique experience with each visit. From scenic vistas and panoramic lookout, this must play course is truly a unique golf experience, also known as the tale of two nines, offering the first nine holes through the

scenic views of Martis Valley with a traditional links style course and then winding through a forested mountain course on the back nine. Designed by world-renowned golf course architect Robert Muir Graves, this par-72 course is set high in the Sierra. The paths of the sportsman and the nature enthusiast converge at Northstar California Golf Course.

COYOTE MOON GOLF COURSE

CoyoteMoonGolf.com

COYOTE MOON GOLF Course

is one of the finest mountain golf experiences in the country. Residing in the beautiful Lake Tahoe area, Coyote Moon sits on 250 acres of secluded, rolling hills amidst towering pines, enormous granite outcroppings, wildflowers and the beautiful Trout Creek. The vistas, plus fresh mountain air, equals near perfection.

10685 Northwoods Blvd. | Truckee, CA 96161

Coyote Moon Golf Course is a challenging, but fair test of Lake Tahoe golf. Most tee shots offer ample landing areas, as there are only a few forced carries. From the landing areas, most holes funnel to medium-sized, undulating greens that are well protected by trees, sand and water. The golf course was designed by Brad Bell, a former PGA Tour player, well known for creating highly praised courses.

For tee times, call (530) 587-0886 or visit CoyoteMoonGolf.com

Incline Village Championship Course OPEN

In the 1960s, Robert Trent Jones and his son of the same name came to the Tahoe region and set out to etch their names into the history books. In 1964, Trent Jones Sr. laid out his grand design for the Incline Village Championship Golf Course, carving into the mountainside a course that would stand the test of time and set it apart in humble fashion among all others in the Tahoe Basin.

TAHOE CITY GOLF COURSE

GolfTahoeCity.com

The historic Tahoe City Golf Course is a family-friendly golf facility located in the heart of Tahoe City and walking distance to Commons Beach and local shops. A fun and challenging 9-hole, par-33 course with one par 5, four par 4s and 4 par 3s that will have players of every ability using every club in their bag as they walk or ride through towering pine trees enjoying views of Lake Tahoe.

251 North Lake Blvd. | Tahoe City, CA 96145

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Located on-site, Café Zenon has a full bar and restaurant.Enjoy a scenic patio, two bocce courts, a netted practice and warmup facility, private lessons, skills clinics for youth and adults, tournaments and more. Tahoe City also features a barbeque area available for private events.

Call and book your tee time at (530) 583-1516 or visit GolfTahoeCity.com

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Nick Holligan has been named Senior Head Golf Professional, with more 20 years of experience in the golf industry, most recently as the Head Golf Professional at The Clubs at Houston Oaks (the #2 rated course in Texas) and The Renaissance Club in Scotland (host of the European & PGA co-sanctioned Genesis Scottish Open).

Ashley Wood returns to her role of Head of Player Development for the 2022 golf season at both the Championship and Mountain courses, leading the Incline Golf Academy, offering private lessons, golf clinics and programming. | inclinegolf.com

Incline Village Mountain Course OPENS JUNE 9

Incline Village Mountain Golf Course is Nevada’s highest elevation course. It was built in 1968, designed by the legendary golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., who has put his stamp on courses such as Chambers Bay in Washington, which hosted the 2015 U.S. Open. It’s an 18-hole executive layout, but despite its moderate yardage and true to the nature of Jones’ golf philosophy, this is not a course that is easily conquered; pars here are won in a chess-like game of risk and reward. | inclinegolf.com

Old Brockway Golf Course OPEN

Old Brockway Golf Course is a nine-hole gem tucked into the forest, just a stone’s throw from Lake Tahoe’s shores in Kings Beach. Designed by John Duncan Dunn in the 1920s, it opened to the public in 1924. It is one of only a few century-old courses still in play in Tahoe.

Old Brockway was home of the 1st Bing Crosby Golf Tournament in 1934-35 and was the first 9-hole golf course in America to become an Audubon cooperative sanctuary.

The course still maintains its old-fashioned feel: narrow fairway corridors, small greens and wild times. Old Brockway is usually one of the first to open and among the last to close each year. | oldbrockway.com

Tahoe City Golf Course OPEN

Well over 100 years old, the Tahoe City Golf Course has never ceased to provide great golf at a reasonable price since opening in 1917. The nine-hole, par-33 course is in downtown Tahoe City. Despite its compact stature, it provides fun and challenging play for both experts and novices.

In the middle of the 20th Century, the course was a popular hangout for Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.

The legendary Tahoe Tavern Hotel commissioned Isabella May “Queenie” Dunn to design the course on what was then a hay meadow. It was expanded to nine holes in 1926, the same year her brother John laid out the Old Brockway Golf Course. The course remains a favorite among locals and visitors and is one of the only courses in the area where dogs play for free. | golftahoecity.com

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

Incline Mountain Course

LOST SIERRA

The Dragon at Nakoma Golf Resort OPEN

Nakoma’s course is outright beautiful and no matter how you might play, you’re sure to leave here satisfied. Play starts and finishes at the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright Lodge, the only clubhouse built by America’s master architect.

The course just an hour from Tahoe was designed by Robin Nelson, famous for his work on The Dunes at Mauna Lani. Golf World once designated this course as one of America’s Top 75. Come out and take on holes such as Dragon Lagoon, Dragon’s Tail and Teeth of the Dragon. | nakomaresort.com

Feather River Park Resort OPEN

Just outside Blairsden and Graeagle, Feather River Park Resort golf course opened in 1985 and was designed by Bert Stamps.

It sits in a prime spot amongst the Mohawk Valley offering stunning views and a nine-hole, par-35 golf experience for golfers of all skill levels. | featherriverparkresort.com

Graeagle Meadows Golf Course OPEN

Opened in 1968, designed by Ellis Van Groder, Graeagle Meadows Golf Course sits among the vast Mohawk Valley. The course digs itself farther and farther away from civilization, as your round goes on and plays host to an abundance of wildlife. The native landscape can be deep and chaotic and missing fairways can result in adventurous outings. Finesse of the short game is of importance here. | playgraeagle.com

Grizzly Ranch Golf Club OPEN

From the moment you step off the first tee, you will notice that this is a long course, playing at more than 7,400 yards from the back tees. It’s mainly flat and open, tempting you to make the big shots, though cautionary play can at many times be beneficial because ideal landing zones are often filled with one hazard or another and generally require some creative thinking.

One of the newer courses in the area, Grizzly Ranch Golf Club was designed by Bob Cupp and opened in 2005.

Grizzly Ranch has been named No. 1 in the Sierra Nevada, No. 9 in California and in the Top 100 Nationwide. | grizzlyranchliving.com

Plumas Pines Golf Course OPEN

The course opened in 1980 and was sculpted by Homer Flint. It follows the Feather River around a sharply groomed, vibrant green oasis. Water can be found at almost every hole and fittingly so. There’s no shortage of forced carries and must-hit fades and draws. It’s a short course, but is filled with tight corners, huge pine trees and quick-putting surfaces. | plumaspinesgolf.com

Whitehawk Ranch Golf Course OPEN

Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club is a championship-caliber course in the serene Mohawk Valley in Clio. Designed by Dick Bailey, the course opened in 1996. It has since racked up several honors and is consistently ranked amongst the Top 10 to 20 courses on many editorials’ Best Public Golf Courses of California lists. With Sierra peaks in nearly every direction and several streams moseying through the playing field and into lush ponds and even waterfalls, there’s not a spot on the course lacking a beautiful view. | golfwhitehawk.com

PONDEROSA GOLF COURSE

PonderosaGolfCourseTruckee.com

PONDEROSA GOLF COURSE offers a family friendly, but surprisingly challenging, 9-hole course, developed by the townspeople of Truckee in 1961. The course, nestled in the heart of Truckee, celebrates the natural Sierra landscape and is characterized by its amalgamation of pine trees.

The course rolls smoothly with straight fairways and a short par 4 until the third hole, a tough uphill par 3 with unexpected gradation changes

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and a sloping green. Still, the 9th hole is considered the most difficult, with trees woven as obstacles along the long fairway.

Purchased for private operation in 1968, the course was made public by purchase from the Truckee-Tahoe Airport District in 2008, and is manicured to ideal conditions by the Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District. Ponderosa also features practice greens, driving nets, a pro shop and snack bar.

Graeagle Meadows Golf Couse