The 5 Best Golf Courses Around Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Region

According to the National Golf Foundation, more than 25 million Americans played at least one round last year — and when it comes to mountain golf, the greens of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee offer something extra: altitude. Golf balls fly farther in the high Sierra air, which means players of all levels can watch their drives soar a little longer and straighter than they might at sea level. The Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee tees up the local golf courses that combine stunning scenery with strong course design and memorable experiences on and off the fairway.

Iron & Wood Golf

Iron & Wood Golf isn’t your standard driving range — and it doesn’t try to be. This modern facility in Incline Village brings a golf simulator experience to the forefront, offering players the chance to tee off at Pebble Beach, St. Andrews and dozens of other iconic courses from the comfort of a high-tech lounge. But it’s not just about technology. Iron & Wood pairs its immersive golf sims with a curated menu of cocktails and small bites, creating a social atmosphere where golfers and non-golfers alike can relax.

Tahoe City Golf Course

With roots dating back to 1917, the Tahoe City Golf Course is the rare kind of place where you can walk in the footsteps of history while lining up a birdie putt. Originally designed by May “Queenie” Dunn Hupfel — a pioneering female golf pro — this nine-hole layout remains a community cornerstone. Don’t be fooled by its shorter length. With tight fairways and a few tricky doglegs, the course demands accuracy and rewards smart play. Its downtown Tahoe City location makes it an easy choice for a quick round, and the surrounding views of Lake Tahoe remind players why mountain golf has such an enduring draw.

Tahoe Donner Golf Course

Tahoe Donner Golf Course brings big-course ambition to Truckee’s high country. Designed by Roy Williams and Billy Bell Jr., this 18-hole championship course showcases panoramic views, challenging elevation changes and pine-lined fairways that test even seasoned golfers. It’s known for demanding tee shots and strategic second shots, but also for its natural beauty — this is Sierra golf in its purest form. The course is part of the larger Tahoe Donner association, meaning guests have access to a full slate of amenities including a driving range, putting green and lessons from PGA professionals.

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