South Lake Tahoe Golf Guide 2025

Discover South Lake Tahoe Golf & the Celebrity Golf Tournament Tahoe

Plan your next golf escape in South Lake Tahoe, where fairways hug the shores of America’s most majestic alpine lake and the Tahoe Celebrity Golf Tournament 2025 (July 9-13) brings star-studded excitement.

From championship courses to the vibrant Tahoe Celebrity Golf Tournament, held annually in July, South Lake Tahoe delivers unforgettable rounds and views marked by Sierra peaks and turquoise waters. Whether you’re chasing par or cheering celebs at Edgewood Tahoe, this is South Lake Tahoe golf at its finest.

Stay at The Jeffrey Hotel, a modern boutique hotel just a 15-minute walk from Edgewood, perfect for golfers and tournament fans. Book direct for the best rates, and don’t wait…summertime rooms go fast!

So, here’s your guide to the best South Lake Tahoe golf course options, all near The Jeffrey, to make your 2025 golf getaway epic.

>>For North Lake Tahoe courses, check out the post “Tee Off in Tahoe: Best Lake Tahoe Golf Courses (North Shore) to Play in 2025” by our sister property, Firelite Lodge.

Top South Lake Tahoe Golf Courses

1. Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course

• Website: edgewoodtahoe.com/golf
• Why Visit: Edgewood Tahoe, a Golf Digest top public course designed by George and Tom Fazio, is the crown jewel of South Lake Tahoe golf. This 7,529-yard, par-72 layout, set at 6,200 ft. above sea level, hosts the famous Tahoe celebrity golf tournament, the American Century Championship (more info at the bottom of this post!). Its lakefront holes and Sierra vistas make every swing iconic. It comes with a hefty price tag, but the views and on-course experience are worth it.
• Course Highlights: Navigate pristine fairways framed by towering pines, with Lake Tahoe’s waters edging multiple holes for dramatic challenges. Fast, undulating greens test your putting, while the scenic beauty—especially at sunset—elevates the experience. Post-round, enjoy upscale dining at Brooks’ Bar & Deck.
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced Golfers. A slope of 145 from back tees demands precision with water hazards and tight fairways. Mid-to-low handicappers can score here, while high handicappers will enjoy the 10% added distance of high elevation.
• Details: 180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV. Rates: $275-$425. Book tee times up to 60 days in advance. Parking by valet only (complimentary).

2. Lake Tahoe Golf Course

• Website: laketahoegc.com
• Why Visit: Designed by William Bell, this 6,680-yard, par-71 South Lake Tahoe golf course winds through scenic mountain meadows. Affordable and relaxed, it’s a 20-minute drive from The Jeffrey Hotel, ideal for a laid-back round in a gorgeous natural setting.
• Course Highlights: Fairways weave past the Truckee River, with open layouts forgiving errant shots, and stunning Sierra backdrops inspiring every hole. Natural water hazards and tree-lined fairways make for a scenic delight for any golfer. Plus, we love that this golf course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, meaning they’re committed not just to great golf but also to taking care of the natural habitat around them.
• Difficulty: All Skill Levels, Best for Beginners and Intermediates. A slope of 129 from the back tees and shorter yardage suit high handicappers and novices. Mid-handicappers find strategic challenges; pros may seek more difficulty.
• Details: 2500 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Rates: $79–$137. Winter simulators available; book online.

3. Tahoe Paradise Golf Course

• Website: https://www.tahoeparadisegc.com/
• Why Visit: This 18-hole, par-66 South Lake Tahoe golf gem is affordable and welcoming. A locals’ favorite, it’s a great choice for golfers craving a challenging yet budget-friendly round. Just a 20-minute drive from The Jeffrey, it’s an easy escape and a wonderful way to spend a Tahoe day.
• Course Highlights: Tight fairways carve through towering pines, requiring sharp club choices, while fast, compact greens demand finesse. The vibrant alpine backdrop, paired with serene water features, creates an unforgettable setting. Post-round, enjoy a hot dog or deli sandwich at the snack bar.
• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Golfers. A slope of 111 and yardage of 4,043 from back tees offer a fun challenge for intermediate golfers, while beginners can enjoy forward tees with room to grow.
• Details: 3021 US Hwy 50, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Rates: $40–$95. Senior discounts and season passes available; book online.

4. Bijou Municipal Golf Course

• Website: https://cityofslt.us/267/Golf-Course
• Why Visit: This golf course makes the list largely for being South Lake Tahoe’s oldest course (1920s). Its 9-hole, par-32 layout offers up a quick round for visitors who don’t want to venture outside of town or spend a whole day golfing. Just a 10-minute drive from The Jeffrey Hotel, it’s a casual South Lake Tahoe golf spot for beginners and families, not championship seekers.
• Course Highlights: Flat, walkable fairways meander through meadows, with wildflowers and open greens creating a welcoming vibe. At just 9 holes, it’s a quaint local course to practice your short game or have some fun with novice golfers.
• Difficulty: Beginners and Casual Players. This short, ~2,000 yards course suits novices and high handicappers. Mid-handicappers practice irons; serious golfers find it basic.
• Details: 3464 Fairway Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Rates: $18 (9 holes), $5 pull cart, $17 club rentals. Reservations and walk-ons available.

American Century Celebrity Golf Championship

The American Century Championship, commonly referred to as the Tahoe Celebrity Golf Tournament (July 9–13, 2025), is South Lake Tahoe’s summer highlight. It draws 7,500+ fans daily to Edgewood Tahoe to watch 80+ stars in a 54-hole Modified Stableford format (10 points for double eagle, 8 for hole-in-one, $750,000 purse).

Since 1990, it’s raised over $7 million for charities, blending celebrity golf Tahoe excitement with Lake Tahoe’s stunning backdrop, just a 15-minute walk from The Jeffrey Hotel.

• Past Attendees: Features NFL icons Jerry Rice, Aaron Rodgers, and Travis Kelce; NBA stars like 2023 winner Stephen Curry; MLB legends Alex Rodriguez; NHL’s Joe Pavelski; and entertainers Justin Timberlake, Charles Barkley (known for comedic swings), and Colin Jost. Former pro tennis player Mardy Fish defends his 2024 title in 2025.
• Charities Supported: Benefits the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, and local Tahoe charities, with 100% of net proceeds donated, including initiatives like MasterCraft’s Surf to Save Lives.
• Why Attend: The celebrity golf tournament Tahoe pulses with South Shore energy, from Barkley’s banter to Romo’s birdies. The popular 17th “Party Hole” along the beach buzzes with music, boats, and fan antics, offering unique celebrity access. Enjoy live music, food trucks, kid zones, and Stateline’s nightlife, with NBC/Golf Channel coverage (July 11–13).

What You Should Know Before Attending the Celebrity Golf Tournament :

• Tickets ($50–$150 Grounds Pass) are sold only via Eventbrite, starting April 1, 2025; no gate sales. One child (10 and under) enters free per paid adult.

• Military get free tickets (one for self + one for guest) for Wednesday and Thursday rounds, July 9–10 (limited, available online).

• No purses, bags, or backpacks; clear bag policy applies.

• Paid parking available at nearby casinos: Harrah’s, Harveys, Bally’s, and Golden Nugget; Free bike parking generously provided by Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition.
• Download the ACC Tahoe Golf app for scores and maps.

Tee off at a premier South Lake Tahoe golf course or cheer on stars at the highly anticipated Celebrity golf Tahoe event.

Book your stay at The Jeffrey Hotel for a comfortable home base with easy access to courses, and don’t forget to check out this round-up of Top North Shore Golf Courses for your next adventure too!

Book Your Golf Getaway

Please Note: We’ve made every effort to fact-check and ensure the accuracy of all information, including rates and course details, as of the time of publishing (June 2025). However, some details may change, and we cannot guarantee complete accuracy. Please check the respective golf course websites for the most current information and to confirm specific details before planning your visit.