Lake Tahoe ranks among the largest, deepest and clearest freshwater lakes in the United States. Its striking cobalt-blue water, mirrored by the snow-capped High Sierra Mountains, creates an unforgettable scene the moment you arrive. On clear days the water’s clarity can reach roughly 70 feet, a dizzying sight that contrasts nicely with the challenge of finding a ball sliced off the 17th tee at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.
Edgewood Tahoe is the only golf course located directly on the lake and it partners with the elegant 154-room Edgewood Tahoe Resort to offer golf, lodging and dining with spectacular lake and mountain views.
Originally designed by George Fazio in 1968 and later refined by his nephew Tom Fazio, the course hosts the American Century Celebrity Classic each July. From the championship tees the course stretches to 7,529 yards, with alternative tee options at 6,904; 6,580; 6,339; and 5,343 yards. At 6,224 feet above sea level the thinner air can add a bit of carry to your shots, but tall pines that sometimes block fairways, challenging greenside bunkering, and water hazards on 14 holes quickly even the playing field.
The Edgewood Tahoe Resort provides a refined place to relax after a round, with three distinguished restaurants and luxurious guestrooms overlooking the lake and mountains. Brooks’ Bar & Deck sits above the 18th hole with sweeping lake views and an extensive menu that goes well beyond typical pub fare. Bistro Edgewood and Edgewood Restaurant also feature locally sourced dishes such as lamb, quail, elk, rabbit, beef and trout, alongside more adventurous offerings like poached octopus and lobster.
HOLE 3
599 yards, par 5
After two opening par 4s that rank 11th and 15th in difficulty, the third hole emerges as the most demanding on the course. A sharp dogleg to the right is guarded by bunkers in the landing area and a pond beyond them. Players who try too aggressively to set up a clear second shot risk finding water while those who play conservatively may end up punching through trees or over sand to reach the elevated green. The green is protected by a frontal bunker and tucked behind a cluster of tall pines, making club selection and placement critical.
Edgewood Tahoe is dotted with memorable holes like the third, but the final three holes produce a particularly dramatic finish.
HOLE 16
564 yards, par 5
The tee shot on 16 is thrilling because the lake is visible beyond the green, yet the view is tempered by a tall pine standing in the middle of the fairway and extensive bunkering that begins about 75 yards from the green. The green is the deepest on the course and is well protected by sand both in front and on the sides. Deciding whether to go for the green or lay up in front of the bunkers often hinges on your drive and the position of that central tree.
HOLE 17
207 yards, par 3
Seventeen is a stout par 3 with a shallow putting surface guarded by a large bunker across its front. Balls that run off the back face a tricky sand recovery, and a pair of bunkers waits behind the green. The beachfront runs along the right side of the hole, and on calm days boaters anchor offshore to watch play. Crosswinds are common, however, and can easily carry errant shots into the lake.
PHOTO:
© DONNELLE OXLEY
HOLE 18
572 yards, par 5
The 18th is a scenic finishing hole and a fair birdie opportunity if you stay focused. Tall pines frame views of the lake and distant mountains behind and to the right of the green. The fairway features bunkers along the left side and a pond that intrudes from that same side, sometimes forcing a water carry on the approach. Three large bunkers sit behind the green to catch overly ambitious shots, but the putting surface itself is generous in size. A run-up area to the green lies on the right between the pond and the lake, offering an alternative approach for players who avoid the water. From the forward tees the hole plays to 437 yards and ranks 14th in difficulty for men and 10th for women.