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Truckee Golf Courses Will Provide The Round Of Your Life

Alex Silgalis
July 18, 2023
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There are destinations that provide golf and then there are true golf destinations. Nearly every list ranks Lake Tahoe golf as one of the premiere places to go golfing. Around every dogleg, there are picture postcard scenes. British racing green fairways to aim for. Tall Jeffrey pines to hit through. And the snow-capped Sierra in the background. And when they say “Lake Tahoe Golfing”, the highest concentration of places to tee off are in Truckee. From award-winning to budget friendly classics, here’s the list of Truckee Golf Courses. Just remember, don’t get too distracted or you’ll miss that eight foot putt.

Old Greenwood

Peering between two pines, you may see a Golden Bear… as in a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. After being the winningest golfer in history, he’s set his eyes on designing courses for four plus decades, and one of his best ever public courses is this one. Rated annually in the top 5 by golfers in the US. More than most courses, Old Greenwood is influenced by the land upon which it sits. You’ll have to navigate rolling hills, numerous bunkers, and decipher large greens. Though difficult, everyone will enjoy the beauty of this course.

The Golf Club At Gray’s Crossing

When it opened in 2007, designed by golf’s “Goodwill Ambassador” Peter Jacobsen, it was ranked as the 17th best golf course in the country by Golf Weekly. To this day, Gray’s Crossing still offers a challenge for any golfer that steps up to its boxes. The wide fairways urge you to swing big, but beware errant shots will lead you to sagebrush-laden recovery shots. Winding its way through natural mountain surroundings with the Carson Range and the iconic Mt. Rose as a backdrop, it ensures you leave in awe after your outing.

Coyote Moon G.C.

You’ll howl at the moon at how scenic this Truckee Golf Course is. If you’re looking for a golf course that serves up endless scenery, then Coyote Moon is arguably one of the best in the country. Situated on 250 acres with nary a home or homesite to spoil the view. What you’ll find is a layout that rolls and rocks its way up and down hills featuring towering ponderosa pines. Enormous granite outcroppings. The scent of wildflowers in the air. And the sound of Trout Creek gurgling in the background. Regardless of what the scorecard says at the end, you’ll come home in a zen-like state.

Northstar Golf Course

Two styles of play in one course designed by Robert Muir Graves. Butting up to the slopes of Northstar Mountain resort, the front half plays through scenic rolling topography of the Martis Creek Valley. While the back nine weaves its way through tall pine forests requiring precise shots. Along the way, be sure to take your time to enjoy the wildflowers and avoid the scenic water hazards speckled throughout the course. The design embraces its location, highlighting the natural surroundings and the ruggedness that will appeal to all your senses. 

Tahoe Donner Golf Course

Like a fine wine, Tahoe Donner Golf Course continues to improve with age. Originally designed in 1976 by Joseph B. Williams, it was given a refresh in 2006 by architect Cary Bickler. Then in 2020 and 2021, they spent over two million dollars in improvements. From new greens to improved drainage and relocated cart paths to improve shot selection. What you’ll find is accuracy off the tee is the key to taming the tree-lined fairways of Tahoe Donner. Driving range open daily through mid-October.

The Links At Everline

A big and bold links style course tucked just below the rugged beauty of Palisades Tahoe. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, it’s yet another award-winning course recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the top 10 courses to play. Surrounded by six majestic Sierra peaks, this narrow Lake Tahoe golf course is more about accuracy than distance. The front nine climbs along the mountainside through trees and narrow fairways, requiring players to place the ball precisely. The back nine weaves through the wetlands of Olympic Valley, with tall grass, marshes and wooden cart paths. A pleasant walk improved by a game of golf.

Ponderosa Golf Course

A budget friendly option giving you the iconic Truckee golf experience. Built in 1961, this nine hole course provides an affordable option and yet highlights the scenic views that Truckee golf courses are known for. The layout features well-groomed fairways and greens flanked by Ponderosa pines. And throughout your journey, you’ll find sand traps placed strategically to up the challenge. All this makes for a great round of golf or a new destination for you and family and friends when visiting Truckee.

Old Brockway Golf Course

When golf started here, the preferred material for the golf shaft was hickory and not a golf cart to be found. This is where Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr would hang out after a night of entertaining folks at the casinos. Designed by the same man who created Shinnecock Hills, NY, site of the 1995 US Open. You’ll find a challenging course design that harkens back to an era featuring small, turtle-back greens, minimum green to tee walking distances, and tight-knit fairways. Old Brockway is annually ranked as one of the top 9 hole golf courses in the country, this isn’t just a place to go golfing but a Lake Tahoe Golfing Tradition.

Private Courses

In addition to the wide array of public golf courses to tee off at, there are also many members only courses. The Lahontan Golf Club with its 18-hole course designed by Tom Weiskop, combines great attention to detail and beautiful natural surroundings. Schaffer’s Mill Golf & Lake Club was voted the #1 New Private Club in California and among the Top 10 New Clubs in the Country by Golfweek magazine. Then there is the legendary Martis Camp course laid out by Tom Fazio. It weaves its way between forests, sun-drenched meadows, and the clear alpine Martis Creek.

Alex Silgalis

Born and raised as a flat lander in Chicagoland, Alex spent his summers working to save up for a season pass to the local hill along with any trips out West or beyond he could squeeze in. It was during his travels, both as a kid & an adult, Alex discovered his inspiration for Local Freshies® . His idea was to create the No. 1 Web site providing the local scoop on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer alongside the love of his life and business partner, Jaime Pirozzi.


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