August is National Golf Month in the U.S. when golfers are encouraged to share their experiences and bring new golfers to the greens. In that spirit, we’ve put together an overview of the many quality golf options in Truckee and North Lake Tahoe. And though we’re in the heart of summer, don’t forget that many courses remain open until mid-October.
For those short on time or looking for the best value, there are three great nine-hole courses in the area. In Truckee, Ponderosa Golf Course is managed by the Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District, so it’s always in great condition. In King’s Beach, Old Brockway Golf Course gives players mountain and lake views. Tahoe City Golf Course, established in 1917, is the oldest golf course in the Tahoe basin and offers players views of Lake Tahoe on every hole.
In Truckee, gain a bit of elevation to enjoy the sweeping views from Tahoe Donner Golf Course and Coyote Moon. Coyote Moon also does not have a single house on the course. For a bit more upscale golf experience with amenities rivaling many private clubs, consider the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Old Greenwood or check out Gray’s Crossing, designed by Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy.
The Martis Valley holds three of the area’s most exclusive golf communities. Schaffer’s Mill was designed by Johnny Miller and John Harbottle. Adjacent is Martis Camp, designed by Tom Fazio, and Lahontan, designed by Tom Weiskopf. All three are fully private clubs. If you ever get an invite to play any of these layouts, drop whatever you’re doing!
The Northstar California Golf Course’s 18-hole layout offers two very distinct nines, the open, front Meadow Nine with expansive views of Martis Valley, and the back Mountain Nine, with tree-lined fairways and small greens.
The Links at Squaw Creek, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is surrounded by six mountain peaks and carefully winds through the natural wetlands in Olympic Valley.
Options in Incline Village include the par-58, executive-length Mountain Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and the Championship Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Both courses provide stunning Lake Tahoe views.
There are also several highly regarded golf courses within an hour north of Truckee and in South Lake Tahoe.
