Tahoe Sierra Golf Guide 2024

Hole 10, The Dragon at Nakoma Golf Resort, Photo by Vance Fox

Tahoe-Sierra Golf Guide

14th Annual Tahoe Sierra Golf Guide

Welcome to Tahoe Guide’s 14th annual Tahoe Golf Guide for golf enthusiasts seeking to experience the pristine beauty and challenging courses of the Tahoe Sierra. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the sport, you’ll find something challenging and breathtaking at each of the 22 courses that surround Lake Tahoe. Our guide features all the courses open for public play in Tahoe, Truckee, Northstar, Olympic Valley and the Lost Sierra.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

Bijou Municipal Golf Course OPENS MAY 22

Discover the charm of Bijou Golf Course, a hidden gem in South Lake Tahoe. As one of the oldest courses in the area (opened 1920), Bijou boasts a rich history and offers a unique and inviting golfing experience for players of all skill levels.

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of South Lake Tahoe, Bijou Golf Course features a 9-hole executive layout, making it perfect for a quick round or for honing your short game skills. The course provides lush fairways and manicured greens against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. | cityofslt.us

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course OPEN

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

Since its creation by George Fazio in 1968, and its later renovation by his nephew, world-renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, Edgewood has captured the imaginations and tested the mettle of golfers of all skill levels from around the globe.

Edgewood will host the American Century Championship from July 10 to 14; tickets are on sale. | edgewoodtahoe.com

Lake Tahoe Golf Course OPEN

Lake Tahoe Golf Course’s par 71, 6,741-yard championship golf course was designed by William Bell to blend harmoniously with its surroundings in the Sierra Nevada. Abundant waterfowl and mountain wildlife roam the edges of the manicured fairways and each tee box offers breathtaking views of Mount Tallac, Twin Peaks and the top of Heavenly.

The Upper Truckee River winds throughout the course and comes into play on seven holes, with lakes and streams in play on six others. An enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities, Lake Tahoe Golf Course has maintained its reputation for outstanding course conditions, responsible environmental practices, and best-inclass services. | laketahoegc.com

Tahoe Paradise Golf Course OPEN

Experience Lake Tahoe’s breathtaking landscape while enjoying a round of golf. Nestled amidst the grandeur of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just a short distance from South Lake Tahoe, lies this inviting course enveloped by majestic pines. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you traverse the meticulously designed 18 holes, offering both beauty and challenge to golfers of all levels.

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

Lake Tahoe Golf Course

Hole 10, The Dragon at Nakoma Golf Resort. | Vance Fox

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

Incline Village Championship Course OPEN

In 1964, Robert Trent Jones and his son 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. This year, enjoy new hitting surfaces at the driving range and look for new and upgraded hitting mats in late June.

Timothy Sands, PGA, was recently hired as the general manager of golf operations for the Incline Village General Improvement District, which owns the Championship and Mountain courses.. Sands has spent his career in the golf industry working with both nonprofit and for-profit golf operations. As well, Robert Bruce, PGA, has been promoted to the role of senior head golf professional this season. Ashley Wood, PGA, returns for another season as the head of player development for the Incline Village Golf Academy. | inclinegolf.com

Incline Village Mountain Course OPENS MAY 24

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. Donny Ohu returns for a second season as the assistant golf professional at the Mountain course. Donny has more than 10 years of experience in the golf industry and will continue to oversee innovative programs and clinics at the course. | 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 (read the feature on Old Brockway’s 100th year in this edition).

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. | tcpud.org/golf

WhitehawkRanch.com

itself is meticulously designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer grazing near the edges of the fairways and birds of prey soaring overhead. From the deep greens of summer to the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn, this everchanging landscape is unforgettable. Ranked the #21 public course in the state by Golfweek. Play Whitehawk Ranch and Graeagle Meadows for $215. Conquer the Hawk and Soar the Eagle! WHITEHAWK RANCH

CARVED FROM THE NATURAL TERRAIN of the Mohawk Valley, Whitehawk Ranch boasts immaculate fairways framed with native grasses, California poppies and blue lupine. Seven streams-meandering through tall pines, and quaking aspens-create ponds that contribute to the challenge and beauty of the Dick-Bailey-designed course. This par 71 course plays 6,983 yards, and with four sets of tees for each hole, golfers of all levels can expect an exhilarating round of golf. The course

768 Whitehawk Dr. | Clio, CA 96106 For tee times, call (530) 836-0394 or visit WhitehawkRanch.com Advertisement

GRAEAGLE MEADOWS GOLF COURSE

Graeagle Meadows championship golf course in Plumas County is one hour from Reno & Tahoe, in Graeagle, CA. With spectacular mountain views and 6,725 yards of “extreme golf”, it has lofty pines, lots of water and elevated tees that offer the ultimate golf experience. Five mountain peaks surround the Golf Course, and the Feather River winds through its heart, creating astonishing views at every turn! Tree tops instead of roof tops are the backdrop of this mountain golf getaway. This spectacular

6934 CA-89 |

golf course is the first to open and last to close; catering to all skill levels and is the most walkable, family friendly course in the area. “Golf Digest” includes Graeagle on its list of “Best Places to Play.” The par 72 course is represented by onsite PGA head professional, Tad McCormick. Play Graeagle Meadows and Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club For $215. Conquer the Hawk and Soar the Eagle! Graeagle, California is your premier golf destination getaway.

Incline Village Championship Course

Old Brockway celebrates 100 Years

BY KAYLA ANDERSON

Onan early May spring morning, the greens are vibrant and glistening on Old Brockway. The Kings Beach golf course is always the first to open and the last to close, something that owner Lane Lewis prides himself on.

“April 18th was our opening day, and everything came out absolutely gorgeous,” Lewis says with a smile.

“When you have 100-year-old roots, the recovery period of the course is much better. Everyone drives by this and can’t believe how green this is.”

Lewis shows off the beautiful, rock pedestrian bridge on the ninth hole that mimics the Swilcan Bridge at Old Course Golf Resort in St. Andrews, Scotland; it pays homage to Old Brockway’s 100th year. Considering Old Brockway was designed by renowned Scottish architect John Duncan Dunn back in 1924, it’s a nice addition to its original layout.

Since 1924, this golf course has been in two families. Lewis’s dad Morgan bought it in 1978 when it was just remnants of the original Harry Comstock estate. Old Brockway was added as an amenity to the emerging development, but back then it was just a patch of land that they nicknamed “Rockway.”

In 1978, the Lewis family bought Old Brockway and it has remained in their hands ever since. Lane Lewis started managing the course when he was 24 years old and Old Brockway holds the record for being the longest continu-

ously owned business in North Lake Tahoe, as well as one of the oldest family-owned golf courses in the region. Two of his four sons are primed to take over management of it when he retires; currently his son Colin is the head golf professional and Kyle will be the operations manager. Golf course superintendent Dave Laurie has also been a mainstay at Old Brockway for the last 33 years.

Bing Crosby and Bob Hope played at Old Brockway in 1934 and 1935 and it became the home of the original Crosby Golf Tournament.

“He refers to his job as taking care of the old lady,” Lewis says.

Old Brockway has certainly had its ups and downs throughout the years but has held a solid reputation. Bing Crosby and Bob Hope played at Old Brockway in 1934 and 1935 and it became the home of the original Crosby Golf Tournament. Over the next several decades, golf professionals such as Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam and Patty Sheehan would also play the course.

The popular Spindleshanks restaurant moved to Old Brockway in 2014 and

Lane says it’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to the course.

“Millennials are coming into their prime earning years and they want quick and quality experiences,” Lewis says. “And Old Brockway combines a great dining experience with great golf.”

Old Brockway incorporated a new pro shop in 2016; ironically, the Covid pandemic in 2020 was a boon to the golf industry — and the course.

“We were the only course open for a couple of weeks west of Salt Lake City. We couldn’t handle what we had coming in and had to space everything out (due to social distancing protocols). We used to have 8-to 9-minute start times but now we have 12-minute start times. It’s less tee times but it creates a better golf experience,” Lewis says.

When playing Old Brockway, it’s also nice to see the flora and fauna that thrive there, thanks to it being an Audubon sanctuary

“We were the first nine-hole course in the region to obtain that designation; we’re proud of that. We’re managing this ecosystem the best way we can. We clean the water runoff and do restoration. All our fertilizers are organic and we let the non-mow zone grow up. Coyotes, bears and red-tailed hawks are always hanging out here.

“We’ve been introducing new wildflower areas and in the late 90s we built seven acres of artificial wetlands to help with the drainage and uptake of nitrogen

TAHOE’S HISTORIC COURSES

Bijou | Opened 1920

Glenbrook | Opened 1927

Old Brockway | Opened 1924

Tahoe City | Opened 1917

going into the lake. We treat the Highway 267 and Safeway runoffs in our ponds,” Lewis says. “People don’t think of a golf course being a natural filtration area, but we have to protect that lake. That’s our number one priority. Everyone tells us what a beautiful feeling it is to be on the back nine.”

The seventh and fourth holes are the two par 5s that could be considered its signature holes, but according to Lewis, every hole is unique

Looking toward the future of Old Brockway, Lewis says: “I was blessed that I was able to raise our four sons here with my wife, Helen. I totally enjoy what I do. It’s like they say, ‘Like what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ I see the golf course evolving every day and the little details that make this place special. I’ve been here for 44 years and to watch this course evolve over the years and make it a Top 10 nine-hole course — only one of two in the nation west of the Mississippi — I’m proud of that.” | oldbrockway.com n

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Old Brockway Golf Course. | Katherine E. Hill. Bob Hope, left, and Bing Crosby play at Old Brockway. Frank Sinatra, left, with Dean Martin at Old Brockway| Old Brockway Golf Course

Tahoe’s historic golf courses

Famed as a haven for golf enthusiasts, the Tahoe Sierra boasts more than 20 courses featuring breathtaking panoramas and demanding fairways. Many of these courses have been crafted by renowned professional players or esteemed course architects, offering a blend of modern design and natural beauty.

Amidst these contemporary layouts, four courses nestled around Lake Tahoe hold the deepest connections to the region’s historic roots including Old Brockway Golf Course in Kings Beach, which open in 1924 and celebrates its 100th anniversary this season (read the feature in this edition).

Bijou Golf Course

This friendly nine-hole course on the South Shore opened in 1920. Bijou was first owned by Virgil Gilcrease and then changed hands once or twice before being sold to the City of South Lake Tahoe in 1983 with the condition that it remains available as a golf course. Almost a century after it opened, the course maintains its original configuration and is open to everyone at a great price.

Tahoe City Golf Course

Tahoe City Golf Course is the oldest at Lake Tahoe. It has been a locals’ favorite since 1917 when the legendary Tahoe Tavern Hotel commissioned Isabella May “Queenie” Dunn to design it. Born in England in 1880, Queenie

May “Queenie” Dunn-Webb. | Courtesy TCPUD

learned to play golf on a course laid out by her father, Tom Dunn, a famous club and course designer. Considered one of England’s best woman golfers and instructors, Mrs. Dunn Webb was among Great Britain’s first female professionals. In 1917, Queenie arrived in Tahoe City at the request of the Tahoe Tavern and designed a 6-hole course in the hay meadows near the mouth of the Truckee River. It was expanded to nine holes in 1926. Her brother John designed Old Brockway Golf Course.

Glenbrook Golf Course

The 9-hole Glenbrook Golf Course is a private venue on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe in charming Glenbrook, Nev. Originally the site of industrial-scale lumber milling operations in the 19th Century run by timber baron Duane L. Bliss, the land was later developed into a gated community. Construction of the golf course began in 1925, centered on meadowlands that sloped gently toward Lake Tahoe. It opened for business in 1927. Due to its status as a private club and community, Glenbrook didn’t get the same exposure to the celebrity traffic of Tahoe City and Old Brockway.

Note: Historical details were provided by Mark McLaughlin in a previous article published in Tahoe Guide. Read the full article at YourTahoeGuide.com/golf.

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

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

PRISTINE COURSE CONDITIONS

and the finest 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.

Tickets available to golf events

The 35th annual American Century Championship, celebrity golf’s most prominent tournament of sports and entertainment superstars, will take to the fairways of Edgewood Tahoe Resort from July 10 to 14. The tournament will also be aired on NBC, Peacock and The Golf Channel. | Tickets americancenturychampionship.com

The 2024 Barracuda Championship, the region’s only PGA Tour event while be held at Tahoe Mountain Club’s Old Greenwood in Truckee from July 18 to 21. All tickets and parking passes must be bought online. There will be no onsite ticket sales and no will call. The event will be televised on The Golf Channel. | Tickets barracudachampionship.com

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.

as

or

through

pine trees enjoying views of Lake Tahoe.

American Century Championship | Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Authority

OLYMPIC VALLEY

The Links at Everline Resort OPENS MAY 31

Designed by the esteemed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Links at Everline stands as a testament to 10 years of meticulous planning and environmental stewardship and is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf, a beacon of sustainable design and conservation.

Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Olympic Valley, the course seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, preserving the beauty of Lake Tahoe’s mountainous terrain and wildlife habitat. Enjoy course enhancements underway this spring while playing this season. | destinationhotels.com

TRUCKEE

Coyote Moon Golf Course OPENS MAY 24

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 in Tahoe Donner, 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 shadow 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

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

10040 Reynold Way, Truckee, CA 96161

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.

For tee times, call (530) 587-3501 or visit PonderosaGolfCourseTruckee.com. Advertisement

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

The Links at Everline Resort

Ponderosa Golf Course, TDRPD

TAHOE DONNER GOLF COURSE

TahoeDonner.com/Golf

Course Details

NESTLED AMIDST

THE SIERRA NEVADA

MOUNTAINS Tahoe Donner Golf Course is a premier golf destination with breathtaking views and a meticulously designed layout. Boasting an unparalleled alpine setting, its fairways offer an unforgettable golfing experience where players of all levels can tee off against the backdrop of towering pine trees, meandering creeks and stunning mountain views. Celebrated locally, regionally, and nationally, Tahoe Donner Golf Course was recently voted one of the Top 50 U.S. Golf Courses – and #4 in California – by NBC Golfer’s Choice Awards.

A favorite in the North Lake Tahoe community, it has been voted the “Best Golf Course in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee” consecutively since 2021 in the Best of North Lake Tahoe & Truckee Awards.

featuring cozy fireplace tables, large umbrellas and a full-service bar and dining menu. All summer long, the Pavilion guests can sit back and relax to live music every Friday night while soaking in the evening alpenglow.

Tahoe Donner Golf Course invites you to experience the best of High Sierra golf this season. Tahoe Donner is an outdoor-oriented community in Truckee set amidst one of Tahoe’s largest trail systems, offering mountain biking, a campground, an equestrian center, a tennis center and more.

TAHOE DONNER GOLF COURSE FEATURES

• Driving Range

While challenging even for the most experienced golfer, the course provides a welcoming, inclusive environment for players of all skill levels and all ages. Tahoe Donner Golf Course offers a variety of summer programs for both children and adults, including youth golf camps, Junior PGA League teams, $30 skills clinics, private lessons and more, led by PGAcertified instructors.

After your round, all paths lead to the newly renovated Pavilion,

• PGA-Certified Golf Lessons & Clinics

• Full-Service Pro Shop

• On-Course Beverage Cart Service

• Junior PGA League + Youth Camps and Clinics

• Wednesday Night Spark Golf League

• The Lodge Restaurant & Pub

• Special Events & Wedding Space

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

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 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 18 to 21. Spectator tickets are on sale now. | 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 OPEN

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 outward or Meadow nine ambles through firs, spruce and Ponderosas at the base of a ridge, while the inward Mountain nine showcases elevation changes of up to 400 feet, with magnificent 360° views of the Martis Valley and Lookout Mountain. The par 71 course plays to more than 7,000 yards. The facility offers a limited number of memberships to the public each season. | schaffersmill.com

Tahoe Donner DRIVING RANGE OPENS MAY 23; COURSE OPENS JUNE

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Tahoe Donner Golf Course was recently voted one of the Top 50 U.S. Golf Courses and No. 4 in California by NBC Golfer’s Choice awards.

Tahoe Donner invested $2 million in course improvements in 2020 and 2021, and 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

NORTHSTAR

Northstar Golf Course OPENS MAY 24

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

Northstar Golf Course

LOST SIERRA

The Dragon at Nakoma Golf Resort OPEN

Nakoma offers an exceptional golf experience far from the crowded courses and wait times. With picture-postcard views from every tee, Nakoma’s 18-hole championship course, the Dragon, never disappoints. Designed by Robin Nelson, creator of the famous Dunes at Mauna Lani, the Dragon debuted as one of America’s Top 75, according to Golf World.

Play starts and finishes at the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright Lodge. 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

This stunningly beautiful course is nestled between the high desert and the million-acre Plumas National Forest. Designed by renowned architect Bob Cupp, Grizzly Ranch is the No. 1 ranked public accessible course in the Sierra Nevada and No. 9 of all California public access courses (Golf Digest).

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. | 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

tame, it is now more friendly. To make the par-72 course more enjoyable for a broader range of players, select trees and bunkers have been removed, greens softened and irrigation improved to keep The Dragon supple through the season.

The Dragon is recognized as a playerfriendly, yet challenging, course because

NAKOMA OFFERS an exceptional public golf experience 60 minutes north of Truckee in the Lost Sierra, away from the crowded courses and wait times now the norm in Truckee-Tahoe.

With picture-postcard views from every tee, Nakoma’s 18-hole championship course, The Dragon, never disappoints. Designed by Robin Nelson, creator of the famous Dunes at Mauna Lani, The

Dragon debuted as one of America’s Top 75 courses, according to Golf World.

Along with the stunning mountain course, the resort offers another singular surprise: The Lodge at Nakoma, the only building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright specifically as a golf clubhouse. THE FRIENDLIER DRAGON! While The Dragon is still difficult to

it encourages golfers to play every club in their bag. Plus it’s designed to be female-friendly, playing less than 6,000 yards from three of its five sets of tees. WRIGHT THEN. WRIGHT NOW. Opened in 2001, the 27,000-square-foot Frank Lloyd Wright Lodge fits perfectly with its Lost Sierra surroundings. Golfers and the public alike are invited to experience the Mountain + Modern menu in the Lodge’s FIFTY44 Restaurant & Bar, enjoy vast vistas and

an adult beverage from the expansive Sky Deck, or indulge in a massage in the Spa at Nakoma.

Additionally, the Lodge features a Pro Shop featuring an array of premier golf equipment, clubs and apparel. The friendly and professional staff can help with any golf-related needs.

YEAR OF THE DRAGON! Round pricing is $85 in spring and fall to $140 per round in summer. Tournament and group play featuring lodging and dining packages also are available.

Enjoy a special golf rate when booking a tee time online using promo code YEAROFTHEDRAGON at nakomaresort.com/golf

Whitehawk Ranch Golf Course