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Which Lake Tahoe golf courses are open for play?

J.P. Kelsey
jpkelsey@tahoedailytribune.com
Edgewood Tahoe golf course in Stateline is opening Monday for the 2020 season.
Provided / Boyd Dangtongdee |

It’s that time of year for all of the warm-weather activities around Lake Tahoe to slowly start emerging from winter hibernation. May has seen several local golf courses getting back into the swing of things, with some operating at full capacity and some still closed.

Tahoe Paradise Golf Course opened its front nine holes May 13 and have been steadily increasing business. “We still have a little snow and runoff on our back nine that has some north facing areas,” said Paradise club manager Michael Caldwell. “We’re shooting for Memorial Day weekend to have everything open. We have to watch the weather, but usually by then everything is good to open.”

Caldwell said the snow impact didn’t delay opening too much this year, having opened the first week of May last season. “We’re a little behind, but the snow melted quickly,” he said. “We actually opened before expected with the way the winter and the moisture went this year.”



According to Caldwell, the wet winter helped with keeping the course lush and green so he’s expecting the summer to add to the playability. “Everyone that’s gotten out there so far has really been liking it,” he said. “It’s setting up to be a really good summer for the course itself.”

A walking pass to play nine holes is $30 and $32 for when the full 18 holes open. A discount card can be purchased that allows for a $20 walking pass. There are additional charges for memberships and carts. Visit tahoeparadisegc.com for more information.



Lake Tahoe Golf Course was able to open course play as well, having the first rounds played on nine holes May 8 and all 18 holes on May 10. LTGC general manager Kevin Sommerfeld said that the past couple winters have been drier and allowed for openings as early as March and April, but opening in May is more typical.

“There are still a few spots of water around the course,” said Sommerfeld. “It’s mostly clear, but we have to wait for those to evaporate. The greens came out incredibly well after the winter and are in great shape.” Sommerfeld said that the Upper Truckee Rive runs near the course and has flooded a couple spots, but he is expecting that to clear in about a month and for players to increase. “We’ve had 50 to 75 people a day,” he said. “People don’t want to drive up the hill to play golf anymore.”

LTGC offers a few different packages for play. One of the more popular programs for locals is the “player’s club,” which is $39 per month and includes course access, range balls and clinics. Playing all 18 holes for non-members will range from $59 to $89, depending on day and time. Visit laketahoegc.com for a full list of prices and course details.

For players closer to Stateline, a trip to Edgewood Tahoe may be in order. The course officially opened for play on all holes, Friday, May 12. “We’re at about where we expected for this time of year,” said Bryan Davis, director of marketing specialist for Edgewood.

“The weather’s been a little rough so far, but we’ve had some sunny skies and a busier golf course. It can be really weather-dependent in the month of May.” Although memberships aren’t available at Edgewood currently, tee times may still be available. Greens fees range anywhere from $160 to $250. Visit edgewoodtahoe.com for more information.

Bijou Municipal Golf Course is a little further behind schedule than normal. They have been impacted by weather also and will likely be closed until Memorial Day weekend or later. “Although we generally are open by Memorial Day weekend, the current condition of the golf course combined with the current weather forecast will most likely push us beyond Memorial Day weekend and possibly into early June,” said Lauren Thomaselli, South Lake Tahoe recreation superintendent. “The course is flooded in some areas and the greens are saturated from continued precipitation and snow melt runoff.” Thomaselli said they might offer some limited access golfing sooner if conditions are favorable. For information on visit cityofslt.us


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